Kelvin Home Coffee Roaster

Production Update
about 4 years ago – Sun, Aug 16, 2020 at 01:33:16 PM

Greetings Backers,

In this update, we’ll be sharing an in-depth look at QC findings from some of our final production inspections and the next steps moving forward. Let’s dive in…

PRODUCTION UPDATE

As we mentioned in our last update, we are close to shipping Kelvin. During the final stages of quality control inspections, we discovered a cosmetic issue in a small percentage of roasters, and our team decided that the best course of action is (as always) to ensure a high-quality finished product and resolve the issue immediately before continuing production.

TIMELINE IMPACT

Because we temporarily paused production to address this issue, we will not begin shipping this month as previously expected. The good news is that we have quickly identified the root cause of the issue and have started testing two promising solutions (shown in the next section.)

This minor setback is a disappointment for all of us; however, we are continuing to take every necessary step to provide you with the best possible Kelvin experience. Our team understands you're excited to begin roasting with Kelvin, and we are eager to start shipping, so we are working diligently to get Kelvin in your kitchens as soon as possible.

ISSUE OVERVIEW + PROMISING SOLUTIONS

Cosmetic Issue Identified

When roasting at the highest heat settings combined with the maximum batch size, our manufacturing team noticed airflow, in a few of the roasters, leaking out of the latch opening rather than evacuating straight through the top of the machine as intended. When hot air exits in this manner, certain parts may overheat, causing cosmetic blemishes. (See image below)

Solution 1: Additional Hardware Piece

The first solution we are testing is adding a small silicone ring inside the top handle of the roaster, to prevent heat from escaping the roast chamber through the side latches.

If we move forward with this option, the next steps include: tooling and producing the new piece, adding the part to the assembled roasters, and adding this step in the production of the remaining roasters. Initial testing of this solution is promising, and we’re waiting for additional test data to ensure there are no unforeseen issues before making a final decision.

Additional silicone piece being added to the top of the roast chamber.

Solution 2: Software Change

In parallel to the hardware change described above, our team is also investigating a software update to lower the maximum heat level of the roaster. If this proves to be the more desirable solution, the next steps will include: disassembling roasters that are already completed, adjusting the PCBA circuit boards, and reassembling them.

NEXT STEPS

We will update backers with a new timeline as soon as we complete our internal tests, so you know when to expect to receive your Kelvin roaster. After we make the necessary changes, we will pick up where we left off and get Kelvin packaged to be shipped via ocean freight.

Again, we appreciate your patience as we work to finish production, and know that our high-quality end product will be well worth the wait. If you have any questions, please reach out to us via email at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.

Best,

Team Kelvin

Quick Progress Update
about 4 years ago – Tue, Jul 14, 2020 at 10:28:22 PM

Greetings Backers,

Today we’ll be sharing a quick progress update with an inside look from the production floor, as well as findings from production and next steps moving forward. It has been an extremely busy month since our last update, and we want to thank you for your patience as we approach the finish line. Before we dive in, check out some of the photos and video from the final assembly the past few weeks!

More specifics from the video above...

Aesthetic Testing - making sure there are no scuffs, scratches or other aesthetic blemishes so that your roaster can take pride of place on your countertop.

Functional Testing - roasters are tested on the production line using real coffee beans to ensure they are roasting the way they should.

Assembly Line - the final pieces of the roasters are brought together and cleaned before final testing and packaging.

Box Assembly - putting together the shiny new box that you’ll be unwrapping soon!

PRODUCTION FINDINGS

During some of the QC testing in the final assembly process, we discovered that tight tolerances between the knobs and circuit boards were preventing some knobs from rotating smoothly. Our team identified a solution and made the decision to rework the boards to ensure that our machines are durable and remain the high quality product our backers deserve. Luckily our manufacturing team identified the issue early before assembling every roaster, and immediately began resolving the issue.

This caused a halt in production for a few days, and we are waiting to see what kind of impact, if at all, this will have on our high-level activities timeline. As of now we are still targeting August for when we will begin shipping.

NEXT STEPS

After finishing production, the next step is to get Kelvin on the water for ocean freight ASAP. This milestone will be a gigantic accomplishment for our team, and we will update backers as soon as Kelvin leaves the manufacturing warehouse.

While our manufacturing team works to wrap up production, we will be prepping for fulfillment by locking orders on BackerKit in the coming week. This means that you will no longer be able to update your address directly through your backer survey. If you need to update your shipping information at any point moving forward, please send us an email at [email protected] and we’ll update your information for you. Also, if you purchased an add-on for your order you will receive an email notification this week for when to expect to be charged for your purchase.

Again, we want to thank you for your patience during this time, and hope you are just as excited as we are to begin roasting with Kelvin soon! If you have any questions please email us at [email protected], or send us a Kickstarter direct message and we’ll be happy to help.

Best,

Team Kelvin

Full Scale Production Update
over 4 years ago – Fri, Jun 05, 2020 at 09:50:35 PM

Greetings Backers,

Today we’re taking a look at a timeline update, production progress the past few weeks, and the next steps towards shipping Kelvin to our warehouse. Let’s dive in…

TIMELINE

As we conducted tests of our pilot run, we noticed one final UI adjustment that needed to be made to ensure a perfect user experience. Our manufacturing team is already working on the solution, which means that it will only add 1-2 weeks to our timeline. The good news is that the roast testing from pilot production went extremely well, and met all of our requirements as far as roasting functionality.

As of now, here’s how our high-level activities timeline looks moving forward.

March - April: QA & Pilot Production

April - June: Full Production, Final QC (we are here)

June - July: Ocean Freight

July - August: Customs, Receive/Inspect at Warehouse, Fulfillment

PRODUCTION

Now that most parts are made for mass production, the team will begin assembling roasters and loading onto pallets to be shipped in the coming weeks. While our team was testing roasters from pilot production, our manufacturing team was preparing the Kelvin packaging. Check out some of the images below of our final packaging, and roasters from pilot production.

NEXT STEPS 

After making the UI adjustment, our manufacturing team will begin the final assembly process. While that is happening, there will be important quality checks leading up to the final quality inspection before the product is shipped. So far all QC checks on individual parts have met our standards, and we look to continue this trend into final product assembly.

We’re thrilled to be this close to finishing our first production run, and are eager to begin shipping orders this summer! We’ve come a long way since the start of our campaign, and cannot wait to have our Backers start roasting with Kelvin! Stay tuned for our next update as we get closer to finishing production.

As always, let us know if you have any questions about the update or your specific order by emailing us at [email protected], or by sending us a direct Kickstarter message.

Best,

Team Kelvin

Production Update
over 4 years ago – Wed, May 06, 2020 at 10:49:33 PM

Greetings Backers, 

We have completed pilot production, and are currently in the process of evaluating the pilot production units as we prepare to head  into mass production.

In the coming week, we will be receiving several pilot production roasters to test in person what will be some of the first final Kelvin products.

Timeline Update

We are currently on track to meet our high-level activity timeline shared in Update #24. We are monitoring the COVID-19 global pandemic and will update you all if our current timeline changes.

March - April: QA & Pilot Production

April - May: Full Production (we are here)

May: Final QC

June: Ocean Freight

July: Customs, Receive/Inspect at Warehouse, Fulfillment

NEXT STEPS

While we’re testing roasters from pilot production, our manufacturers will begin producing some of the parts for mass production. After we test the roasters and confirm the performance of the pilot run, we will give the green light to begin mass production of  the remaining critical components.

Check out some of the final aspects from pilot production below!

Footage of die cast parts being removed from the mold.

Since we’re one step closer to shipping, we want to emphasize the importance of making sure the shipping information for your order is up to date. If you have any questions on how to make sure your information is up to date, please send us an email at [email protected] and we will  be happy to help.

Best,

Team Kelvin

Pilot Production Progress
over 4 years ago – Fri, Apr 03, 2020 at 02:43:25 AM

Greetings Backers,

The initial steps of production are underway. This past week, pilot production has focused on receiving materials and starting to manufacture parts. Here are some images our manufacturer shared with us of the process:

  Footage of parts being removed from an injection molding machine.

After the parts are received and created, the next step will be to assemble 200-300 roasters. Pilot production is a crucial step, allowing the team to work out any kinks in the process to ensure mass production goes smoothly and that we meet our projected July ship date.

Our team is thrilled to be able to share images of Kelvin coming to life, and will continue to keep you all informed as we achieve milestones during the production process.

If you have any questions, or need to update your order information, send us a direct Kickstarter message or email us at [email protected] and we would be happy to help. Stay tuned for more updates coming soon!

Best,

Team Kelvin