Design Stories: Exploring Everyday Things

Materiality and Structural Analysis of the Torcan 886P

Once fan cages were introduced, they were often constructed with brass until the 1910s, when the use of steel in spot-welded safety cages spread. Prior to the world wars, steel could already be mass produced at a low cost. Following World War II, scrap resources—raw material that could be used in steel production instead of iron ore—were abundant. Steel was no longer needed for military efforts and could instead be directed into home appliances and personal vehicles. Steel was used in constructing the Torcan 886P, likely within the safety cage and perhaps within the blades as well. 

One can speculate that the structure of the Torcan 886P contributes to how loud and harsh it is when in use. A Torcan 836SD desk fan, similar in appearance to the 886P, is also reported to be from the 1950s. This fan has an AC motor, which, in comparison to a DC motor, is louder, less energy efficient, and delivers air more harshly. It is possible that the Torcan 886P has an AC motor as well. The Torcan 886P also possesses only four blades, while having more blades creates softer, quieter wind. In terms of style, the appearance of the Torcan 886P reflects the shift to mid-century modern aesthetics with its use of simple forms and lack of ornamentation. 

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