Hello All,
Summary
Good news! We found solutions for all three remaining issues we mentioned in the previous update. Bad news is that these solutions required new/modified parts and while we’ve received and verified some, the rest are en route / in production, which we need to finish assembly. Once we receive the remaining parts (eta 2 weeks), we can finish assembly on the units we’ve already started (50+) and start shipping. Please keep reading for the full details.
Resolutions
As a reminder these were three issues we had run into and that are now resolved.
Heating element seal
Fill tube alignment
CE / EMI compliance
1. Heating Element Seal
The heating element seal was resolved with new teflon gaskets. We have 30 in hand and a full production batch just completed and shipped out today. This allows us to use our existing heating elements until we receive our modified heating elements (smaller coil) that will make installation easier and quicker. Just to be clear, functionally these heating elements are the same, the change will just improve assembly. We’ll start using the new heating elements immediately once they arrive.
2. Fill Tube Alignment
The manufacturer had some trouble bending the tubes tight enough to fit the jig design that we sent. The resolution was annealing the metal, which is a process of heating and cooling to make the material easier to work with. They are annealing all of the tubes now and will complete bending by the end of the week and ship these out immediately after.
3. EMC/EMI Filter
We finalized the position of the power outlet to accommodate the additional EMI filter which resulted in us needing new back panels cut. We received quotes from 3 out of the 5 local shops that we reached out to regarding laser cutting to open up the existing cutouts in the back panels that we have. Modifying the existing panels locally would require a 4 week lead time, but our original manufacturer can create new panels in 15 days so we decided to go that route. The first 60 back panels are estimated to ship before next weekend which will allow us to get machines shipped to customers asap with the remaining panels arriving two weeks later. The filters are expected to ship today.
Assembly Process
For context, the assembly process can be divided into 6 steps.
Boiler assembly
Top plate mounted to boiler with steam manifold
PCB mounted and wired
Fill tube installed with grouphead
Bottom plate mounted
Back cover installed
We have 50+ units waiting at step 4 for the new fill tubes to arrive. Not all of our heating elements had issues sealing which is why we were still able to pre build to step 4. We were able to inspect and cherry pick some fill tubes to build the units we brought to the expo, but the poor alignment risks damaging parts which is not something we’re comfortable with on customer units. The back plate only positions the power switch and plug. This is why we’re confident that we can finish assembly once the new filters and back plates arrive.
General Updates
Phase 2 of the Safety Certification is still under way. They sent us changes for the User Manual which have been included and we’ll have more information on the remaining scope sent to us this afternoon.
Packaging is finalized. The new molded pulp packaging inserts are completed and our freight coordinator is sorting out logistics now. We have sent over finalized packaging graphics which will be printed on the outer shipper and should be ready by next week.
William and I had a great time showing off machines at the SCA Expo in Portland at the end of April. Several customers with pre-orders were able to make it to the event and see the Argos in action! We pulled shots on both an 8 bar spring as well as a direct configuration with the transducer and gauge hooked up. We wish we had some more time with the grinder and beans beforehand to dial in, but we still had a great time connecting with the community!
Thanks everyone for your continued support and patience!
Printed jig for Fill Tube
Broken tube sample from tight bends
Annealed tube with correct bends
Boilers receiving the new heating element gaskets.
Sincerely,
Ross & William