If you’re a Digital Tech, you don’t buy accessories because you want to accumulate more gear. You are selective with your tools and acquire them because they solve real problems, make your life easier and don’t compromise your existing workflow.
That’s exactly how Faini Made started.
“Faini Made came out of necessity. Years spent working on set highlighted a need for tools that didn’t exist; things that would streamline my process and simplify my work.”
Brian Faini (everyone calls him Faini) wasn’t trying to start a brand. He was trying to solve problems on his own cart and his own workflow. As soon as other techs saw his solutions — they started asking him for them.
Over the years, Faini Made has built a great reputation in the community for innovative quality solutions that solve real-world problems.
Why the AeroTrac Needed a Shade Solution
When Faini got his hands on the AeroTrac Workstation System, he immediately saw its potential and benefits over existing solutions.
One of the first things that jumped out to Faini was the AeroTrac will be used outdoors frequently and location work means one thing: glare.
“When I saw the AeroTrac I knew it would often be used outside on location — and when you do this you want to have a sunshade to make it easier to see the screen.”
Like most Digital Techs, Faini understands good gear is an investment and he wants to utilize as much of his existing gear when possible. He already owns and enjoys the Mule Hood Sunshade which integrated with his existing laptop plate.
The challenge? How to make the Mule shade work seamlessly with AeroTrac — without permanently altering either piece of equipment and not sacrificing the AeroTrac’s foldability.
How the AeroTrac Shade Mount Was Engineered
Faini has always had a passion for solving problems and product design, he approached this challenge similar to how he has tackled the numerous other products he has invented:
“I took some measurements, jumped into CAD and made something that would easily slide on and off and attach with just a thumb screw.”
Faini’s requirement for the new mounts were:
- Slide directly and securely into AeroTrac’s channels
- Easily add and remove, by hand, without the need for a tool
- Utilize the existing keyhole locking system on the sunshade
- Preserve AeroTrac’s ability to fold flat
After several iterations in CAD and prototypes, Faini moved to MJF printed PA12 nylon — a material chosen for durability and longevity.
“Since it’s a solid piece of nylon, it’s lightweight and tough. Perfect for this application — much better than any FDM print would offer.”
To prevent wear over time, he added brass threaded inserts paired with stainless thumbscrews.
“I used brass threaded inserts to ensure a long lifespan of screwing and unscrewing the thumbscrews.”
The Faini Made Shade Mounts for AeroTrac, when installed on the workstation, maintains the same footprint as Faini’s prior plate, meaning existing Mule Hood users can migrate seamlessly to the AeroTrac which is lighter than other plate options and folds compactly in half when not in use for storage and transport.
No new shade.
No workflow reset.
Just integration.
AeroTrac is a platform to build on — Not just a workstation
Faini sees more opportunity ahead.
“I think there’s room for more development of accessories for the AeroTrac.”
Many of his current accessories already integrate using accessory threads and nylon spacers — and more AeroTrac-specific solutions are in development.
AeroTrac isn’t a fixed system, it’s a modular foundation. And through makers like Faini Made, and Tether Tools 3D Print Labs, accessories can be created which are tailored to your exact workflow requirements. Your workstation shouldn’t force adaptation. It should adapt to you.
Check out all of Faini Made products here.
Are you a DigiTech? Check out our DigiTech Toolbox – a program just for you.
