Manufacturing Update: August 9th, 2021

I'm a mechanical engineer. I'm also a bit OCD maybe because I'm an engineer or maybe it's in my gene's. I've put my heart and soul into this product over the last 10 years. I've been perfecting the design based on testing, experience, and feedback from others and I'm convinced I have an MVP design. I want to ship a killer product that works great and lasts for years  I thought I had the right manufacturing process for prototypes and early manufacturing using additive manufacturing (aka 3D printing). Recent testing has proved otherwise at least with my current provider. The parts look great as shipped to me but when you leave them in a hot car they deform with the heat. Show stopper!! Back to the drawing board? Not really. Just a set back as I now search for a new company to manufacture the parts. I need a partner with more advanced experience in materials and more materials options. I've found another company and early conversations have been promising in terms of materials choices they offer based on an application that includes usage in cold, snow, hot, rain, ocean water, muddy slot canyons etc. 

Ultimately this will be an injection molded product and that will give the most durable product at the lowest cost so I can keep the finished cost down to customers. Additive manufacturing should be able to produce a product that gives good performance and allow me a bridge to injection molding. I'm optimistic that my new provider will be able to provide that for me so I can start to ship these to those of you that want them. Thanks for your patience and understanding that I need to get this right so you are happy with the product and get the value you should expect.

Matt