FLOCK LIGHT PRODUCT UPDATE #17 - 6th March 2024

PRODUCT UPDATE (TL;DR)

1. EIGHT WEEKS TO GO UNTIL DISPATCH! - We’ve started production, and assembly is set to start mid-April.
2. ELECTRONIC PRODUCTION IS ABOUT TO BEGIN - We’re putting together the jigs that Entech will use to start the final assembly of our electronic parts.
3. MOUNTING ACCESSORIES ARE COMING - samples have been made, and they will be available to purchase soon!
4. BACKER FULFILMENT - This will happen over the next few weeks.
5. A CASE STUDY FOR HYBRID MANUFACTURING - Formero and Project Flock teamed up to put together this case study - check it out.
6. HEAR FROM OUR LATEST BETA TESTERS

 

 

Hey Flockers!

Well, we can’t believe there’s just a couple of months left until we start fulfilling orders! It’s going to be a whirlwind of a few weeks - let’s get into it.

1. EIGHT WEEKS TO GO UNTIL DISPATCH!

The next couple of months will be where the rubber hits the road folks; production has started, and assembly is set to start mid April. To take you behind the scenes a little, the process will be a staggered one …

a) Silicone Parts (i.e. buttons, gaskets & USB-C plugs): Production on these are currently underway. Check out some process shots below.

b) Clear body parts: tool is being finalised and just a few cosmetic tweaks before production starts later this week.

c) 3D printed body & clip: similarly, final adjustments are being made to the 3D printed component to improve waterproofing. Since this is the component to which all other components fix, it’s really important we get this right. Luckily, because of the 3D printing process, once the changes are made, no mould updates required… we can get straight into production!

d) Accessories: we are also busy sourcing the additional accessories we’ll be including with your Flock Light. We know a few of our Beta testers had issues with the sample straps breaking or being too stretchy (thank you to those who gave us that feedback). So now we’re busy hunting down some sturdier straps for the final product!

2. ELECTRONIC PRODUCTION IS ABOUT TO BEGIN

Our friends at Entech will be starting final assembly of our Electronic parts very soon! Below, you can see Tim trialing the test jig which we will be sending to China for the Entech crew. The final jig will consist of a series of pins which align perfectly with the PCBA test points. A lever presses the board down onto these pins and performs a simple functional test to make sure the board is functioning correctly before it get’s shipped over to us here in Australia.

Why do we need a test jig? Why not just test the function of the PCBA in the final product? The testing of the PCBA’s before final assembly is an important step in our QA process - this will help us identify any defects from the electronic assembly process and rectify them before they get sent to us here in Australia for final assembly.

3. MOUNTING ACCESSORIES ARE COMING

In our last update, we mentioned that we were developing and prototyping a series of mounts that would allow you to mount your Flock Light to your bike in a way that best suits your riding style. The great news is that these will soon be available. We'll be using the same MJF 3D printing process used on the Flock Light itself. Just a reminder to fill out the Mounting Accessories Survey if you haven’t already. This will give us an idea of which mounts you are most interested in and therefore how many we should produce.

4. KICKSTARTER BACKER FULFILLMENT

For all our Kickstarter Backers out there, we are currently prepping the process for backer fulfilment, and this will be happening over the next few weeks. Thanks for your patience! This will be your opportunity to confirm shipping details & costs and any upgrades you might want to make to your order. Make sure you keep an eye out for your Project Flock emails and future Blog Updates.

5. A CASE STUDY FOR HYBRID MANUFACTURING

Recently, Project Flock teamed up with our friends at Formero to create this case study highlighting the benefits of hybrid manufacturing. We’ve shared with you all some of the challenges of manufacturing a product from scratch, and for us this has been the key to helping us get the first Flock Lights off the ground. It’s well worth a read if you’r interested in bringing to life a product of your own, or if you just like geeking out on manufacturing like we do!

6. HEAR FROM OUR LATEST BETA TESTERS

 

That’s it for now Flockers. With things really kicking off, you should be hearing from us a little more regularly over the coming weeks.

Until next time, stay human.

Tim & Marie