Hey All,
Well we expected something to go wrong with this first batch. Creating a whole new product line rarely goes perfectly at ramp up. Please be patient with us, there could be more. We will work to fix them as quickly as possible.
This is the first main issue we are getting feedback on (Thank you so much for that). In this post we will explain what we think is causing it and our solution at the moment.
The Problem: Vacuum Bags Punctured
There have been several reports of the Vacuum sealed packaging being flacid on arrival. The cause has not always been clear but a few of you have sent us photos of the bags being torn. (Again thank you so much for sending this it really helps)
What is the Cause
There are 3 spools sent in a box. All three spools are sealed in a plastic vacuum form bag. Those three spools are than put in a 9x9x9 box. That box is then shipped via UPS.
The issue is likely the box.
The spools are able to shift inside the box. Do during rough handling they rub against each other and appear to be wearing through each other.
The Solution
Get a box that fits. 3 spools stacked have a bounding box of 8x8x9 inches. They were shipped in a 9x9x9 box. Hence the side shift.
Why did we ship in the 9 inch cube. It is cheaper. And we really did not think that shifting would be an issue. It honestly did not cross our mind.
In our factory a 9x9x9 box is a standard format that you can put anything in and have a set shipping cost. Larger and shipping is more. Smaller and you are wasting shipping opportunity. (That is why we used this format to ship spools rather than single spools)
Now going to an 8x8x9 box is not the end of the world and we will likely do this. Because you guys certainly do not need or want filament in bad bags. And the extra cost of the box is a couple of dimes.
But in order to get to $10 we have to chase those dimes. The devil is in the details.
On future batches with 1KG spools we will be moving to the 8x8x9 inch box. But long term will be pursing other options. So that standard and more affordable solutions can be used. So that we can continue to drive the cost down.
We want to be affordable. We do not want to be cheap. If we can't deliver a good quality product to you there is no point in doing this and we will shut it down or find another way.
Please keep sending us the feedback on other issues you run into. We need that. Transitioning our filament production into a consumer product we knew was going to cause some teething pain. We hope that you can be patient with use and we get this scaled up and refined.
Now onward and downward toward $10.
All three of my rolls had small pinholes in the bags where they rubbed together near the edges of the spools. Not the end of the world with pla and the filament prints perfectly. Definitely was a great idea to start with pla.
Easier to place two slip-sheets between the spools than redesign/rebuy boxes. If movement is major concern, get die cut cardboard to use as a triangular insert to hold spools to one corner of box. Insert folded and it will unfold into a rigid triangle that fills the hole.
I am having great luck with the Black.
I noticed that no label was on the spools. I suggest a small label with PLA and a date code and maby the name of your Co.
1 of my 3 bags was worn through. Some interstitial packing between the spools would probably solve that?
Hi Gabe,
I received both boxes of filament and all six bags have holes in them. No worries. I think the goal of $10/roll is fantastic and I realize this was a first attempt at achieving that goal so I was expecting an issue or two. I'm glad I get the opportunity to help you achieve that goal.
After taking a closer look at the spools, it appears the ribs around the core are the main problem. I did see a few holes rubbed through the bags by the ribs on the surface of the spool walls. Don't feel bad. I've occasionally experienced the same issue with other filament vendors that use plastic spools. It happens less often with t…