Mk III prototype from RBF even better!
On Monday we contacted RBF Industries with a view to making some improvements to their Mk II prototype. I have to say I was very surprised to receive the result delivered to me less than 2 days later. Ok, part of this is that with each prototype builds on previous success, so the "tweaks" are simpler each time. But 2 days !
Taking components out has improved the component in a number of ways.
Manufacturing in the UK is more expensive than China - that's a function of labour rates. So we have to keep an even closer eye on the cost of components and find smart ways to reduce the number of processes and raw materials needed. Processes take time, and as per the old cliche, "Time is Money".
Having this mind set also means that if we can make a product with less components, then we save on raw materials, so this should reduce the impact of our business on the environment. Next, less components, means less weight. So, shipping costs come down. And if you're a backpacker, then you carry less weight when you take the SleepBreeze personal cooler on your next expedition. Likewise with the packed-up volume of the product.
We've also found that the MkIII prototype has better performance. Switching it on this morning I was pleasantly surprised that, as we get close to the final design for our first production run, the product has really come on leaps and bounds in recent weeks.
I think that it's fair to say that the only thing left to decide about this component is "What colour?"