Noah Berryman and Tyler Nolan

Element F
January 25th, 2019
How it is made

Step 1: The first step in our track-spike creating process includes us acquiring the alloy,
aluminum, to be able to create the spikes. They are made out of aluminum because it is a
lightweight metal that is strong. Currently all of the spike manufacturers make their spikes out
of aluminum. We can also acquire aluminum from recycled spikes.

Step 2: Once we have acquired the aluminum to create the spikes, we then have to melt down
the aluminum to cast it into a spike mold. This process will be done by a machine that
specializes in casting small metal objects. Since the scale we are working with is smaller than a
quarter of an inch, it is best that we would let a machine cast the small mold.
 Step 3: The third step is going to be the packaging phase. We will be packing our spikes in
plastic bags with a machine that specializes in packaging. We will be using a machine for this
because the process of packaging is quicker. We will then have them be put into boxes for
shipping around the country/globe. The female piece and the male piece of the snap-fastening
design will be bagged separately. This is done because people will be replacing the male piece
of the spike more frequently than the female piece. Forcing them to buy both at the same time
would be redundant and cost us extra.

Step 4: The fourth step is the shipping of our spikes to running specialty stores. We are sending
them to running specialty stores only because our target audience shops are stores like that.
Most of the runners that we are targeting do not shop at places like dicks, or other big name
sporting goods stores.
 Step 5: The fifth step of the life cycle of our spikes is the purchasing of the spikes. People are
going to purchase out product from a running specialty store and install them into the shoes
that they run with.

Step 6: The sixth step of this process is going to be people using the spikes that we have created. This is
when all of the hardwork and design of the spikes are shown. People will be able to run with spikes that
are strip-free and can be replaced and changed with ease.
Step 7: The seventh and final step in this life cycle is recycling. Since our spikes are made out of
aluminum, we can have them be re-melted down to be reused. We would have a place at
running specialty stores where people would drop off spikes that have been worn down and
cannot be used anymore. Then we can have a supply coming in from spikes being recycled.