In the home stretch...
Hello All!
We wanted to send through an update on our latest Touch Pen development schedule.
Our last round of prototypes were delivered to the studio this past week. They look and feel great and, most importantly, write amazingly on both paper and pixels! We are really proud of the hundreds of hours of obsessive work that have gone into the design, production, and refinement of these products.
As you know, we are committed to designing the highest quality products and using the most premium materials available. To that point, we have decided to make one more change to the Touch Pen's conductive rubber tip/grip.
The original tip design had a knurled pattern in the grip area that we felt added a nice technical look to the pen. What we could not have foreseen until we received parts back, however, was that the knurl pattern would create other cosmetic issues. These included smaller issues like pocket lint getting stuck into the knurl recesses and bigger issues related to the molding complexity of the part. These flaws were simply unacceptable and did not meet our quality standards and despite countless revisions, we just couldn’t live with them.
Some development information on the conductive tip that you might not know:
The tip is made via compression molding (not injection molding) due to the silicone requiring impregnation with a conductive material. Compression molding is, as it sounds, material that is first heated and placed into molds where it is compressed into the desired form, in our case the tip of the pen.
Adding the knurl pattern created three part lines in the tip: One around the base of the tip cone and two running up the sides of the grip area, where the molds are compressed together to make the part.
As the mold for the tip is not a sealed cavity, excess material may leak through the small separation space between molds. This excess material is referred to as flash. We were expecting marginal parting lines, but controlling the flash and accurately trimming it away became a bigger issue. Not only does it add more labor and require additional processing to cut the flash down, but yield also goes down, meaning more tips get thrown out...thus adding more cost.
We finally concluded that accurately achieving the “tech” look of the knurl from our original design was just not feasible for mass production. We decided it was best to build a completely new tool that removes the knurl, leaving a smooth surface. By doing this, we eliminated the extra three parting lines and the result is a much cleaner design. These tools are expensive, but we felt this is the best direction for the Touch Pen…especially when it has LunaTik’s name on it.
new smooth rubber tip design
UPDATED SHIPPING TIMELINE:
It is always difficult to delay shipping. Still, our standard for delivering premium products of the highest quality outweighs meeting our original target date. We are very excited to get these out the door and I am personally heading to China next week with our team to sign off on the new tool and kick off final production.
So, based of the final change to the smooth rubber tip, here is our adjusted shipping timeline:
· 4/16 Tooling for the new tip kicks off (takes 20 days).
· 5/8 First parts off tool are scheduled. Parts to be reviewed/revised and approved by 5/10.
· 5/11 Pilot production kicks off on first 250 pens.
· 5/14 Kick-off approval for full production ramps up.
· 5/18 Finished goods start moving to fulfillment house.
· 5/21 Fulfillment house starts pack out.
· 5/25 (Week of) target date to start shipping to Kickstarter backers
LunaTik is a brand uncompromising in design detail and quality. While we understand that delays are frustrating, it is always in the best interest of our backers. Without you guys, this couldn’t happen and we thank you for your understanding.
PS. We also got the final anodized color samples for the Alloy Touch Pens and they look amazing. On the Polymer Touch Pens, we made some final changes to the pigment so that that the polymer is more opaque, making the colors more vivid and rich. These too have passed our quality test and we can’t wait to post more detailed photos soon.
More updates from China in the coming days!
Best,
Scott Wilson and the MNML Team
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Funding period
Dec 12, 2011 -
Feb 10, 2012
(60 days)
- 3 created · 41 backed
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- Website: LunaTik.com
Pledge $1 or more
70 backers
Many Kickstarter backers say the Journey is more important than the Destination. Be part of the process and see behind the scenes. Receive Backer Only updates that document the project and development process.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2012Pledge $30 or more
529 backers
Dark Side Collection. A 2-pack of LunaTik Plastic Touch Pens. One in Arctic White and one in Pitch Black. It is your destiny. US shipping included. Add $20 for international shipping.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2012Pledge $30 or more
1446 backers
1 LunaTik Alloy Touch Pen with silver anodized aluminum body and graphite metal clip. US shipping included. Add $20 for international shipping.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2012Pledge $50 or more
1075 backers
The MNML Collection. 1 LunaTik Alloy Touch Pen with silver anodized aluminum body and graphite metal clip. 1 LunaTik Plastic Touch Pen Arctic White and 1 LunaTik Plastic Touch Pen Pitch Black. US shipping included. Add $20 for international shipping.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2012Pledge $75 or more
61 backers
CMYK Collection. 5 LunaTik Plastic Touch Pens in Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black and a bonus Arctic White Touch Pen. Inks are black. US shipping included. Add $20 for international shipping.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2012Pledge $100 or more
472 backers
The Designer Collection. 3 LunaTik Alloy Touch Pens. 1 Silver anodized with graphite metal clip, 1 Red anodized with black metal clip and a Black anodized with silver metal clip. Includes a pack of refills with various tip sizes. US shipping included. Add $20 for international shipping.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2012Pledge $200 or more
487 backers
KICKSTARTER Anniversary Collection. We wanted to do something special that will never be available at retail commemorating the 1-year anniversary of TikTok+LunaTik: An exclusive green anodized Lunatik Alloy Touch Pen and a LunaTik LYNK Watch Kit in black anodized aluminum with green silicone accents. Plus our new AnTik analog watch module that is interchangeable with your nano. Both will have matching laser-etched serialization and designer signature. Exclusive to Kickstarter. US shipping included. Add $30 for international shipping.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2012Pledge $500 or more
42 backers
You are All In. You get everything you see above to share with your friends, family and co-workers. The Limited Edition LunaTik Kickstarter Anniversary Collection above with Antik Watch Module. 2 Designer Collections. 10 Plastic Touch Pens (two of each color). US shipping included. Add $50 for international shipping.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2012
Comments
Creator William Yeagley on May 24, 2012
Tomorrow is the 25th. Will the rewards be shipped?? It has been 1 month + 1 day since the last update. I hope to have the Anniversary Collection reward before my wedding anniversary.
Creator Scott Wilson + MINIMAL on May 21, 2012
@John- we agree! We are working on a new update. Thanks! -Jillian
Creator David Ho on May 19, 2012
May 25th can't come soon enough looking forward to the pens coming!!
Creator Tommy Spero on May 17, 2012
I wish I had these now! Doing a tradeshow next week and I need 3 Stylii for input. I might have 3 others lying around but we would be way cooler with the Lunatik!
Creator John Seitz on May 17, 2012
How is the timeline looking? Is the project still tracking towards 5/30/2012 shipping of the pens to backers? A weekly 3 sentence updates keeps a good communication channel with your backers. I think its like when kids start to count down to their birthday. Weekly updates sets up excite, and lowers disappointment.
Thanks for your ears!
Creator Jon Moss on May 14, 2012
With the launch of Paper on iPad, I'm so looking forward to getting mine :)
Creator Eric Calistro on May 10, 2012
what about the backers of the KICKSTARTER Anniversary Collection. will we be last because of the watches?
Creator swes87 on May 4, 2012
Do u guys have any updates on the pricing and availability of the refills? Also what would be the best way to pay for extra refills and have them added to my rewards before you ship them?
Creator Mike van Hoenselaar on April 30, 2012
Can't wait :-). Great work you guys.
Creator Scott Wilson + MINIMAL on April 24, 2012
Thanks for all of your understanding! We can't wait to get the pens to you, but want them to be just right. If anyone needs to pay for shipping, change their shipping address, or anything else, just email me at jillian@lunatik.com. Thanks! -Jillian
Creator marc buccheri on April 24, 2012
MNML, I like that your team was able to enrich the plastic pen body with the formulation of pigment. Impressive..! Because of standard plastic pens I shied away from this product line opting for the metal body. I'll rethink...
Creator Luis Ayuso on April 24, 2012
looks great! oh, but don't forget to update the photos on the lunatik site! they still show the old grip!
Creator Luis Ayuso on April 24, 2012
at the time I could only get the $30, is there any way to upgrade it?
Creator Amos on April 23, 2012
really liking the look at the smooth rubber tip!
Creator Michael Ng on April 23, 2012
Although we have to wait another grueling month, I think it's for a better product.
Creator Jenny Hsu on April 23, 2012
Thanks for made a good change, updating the timeline.
Creator Richard Bondi on April 23, 2012
I love updates like this too. All sounds good to me.
Creator Dan Sanderson on April 23, 2012
I love updates like this! Hearing and seeing the rationale for corrections lets me enjoy the process as much as the product. You'd rather add delay to get a better mass-produced product, and so would I. Knowing what product designers have to deal with makes me appreciate all products more.
Keep up the good work!
Creator Don McDonald on April 23, 2012
Good things come to those who wait (or something to that effect). Thanks for the update.
Creator Jonathan Eilenberg on April 23, 2012
One pen to rule them all
Creator Will Pembridge (Acid) on April 23, 2012
I dont mind the wait your team seems really focused on this project and this I can't wait for my quality Lunatik pen :)
Great update !
Creator Scott Wilson + MINIMAL on April 23, 2012
If anyone has any questions or needs to change shipping, just email me at jillian@lunatik.com and I can help you out. Thanks! -Jillian
Creator Scott Wilson + MINIMAL on April 23, 2012
Thanks for your support everyone! We want this to be right, but we are anxious to get them out to you. - Jillian
Creator Damien on April 23, 2012
Great update, thank you very much. Its exciting to watch and be part of the process from idea to product.
Creator Joséantonio W. Danner on April 23, 2012
Thanks for being upfront and informative. Other KS projects could learn a thing or two from you about creating great updates.
Creator patience ellis on April 23, 2012
I too love the play by play - no-one minds waiting for VALUE and quality control - good for you to keep us in the loop
Creator Jonathan Linton on April 23, 2012
I love the play by play updates. Well done. Keep up the good work!
Creator Steven on April 23, 2012
What if we need to change our shipping address due to the new time frame? How can we do that?
Creator Juan Mitchell on April 23, 2012
Cool beans! My birthday is May 21 so it will be like getting a present if all goes as planned. I will miss the knurl look but you guys know best. Looking forward to rocking these items! That green looks nice!! "The Joker" style!
Creator Brian Brown on April 23, 2012
You gotta do what you gotta do, but I have to say I am NOT a big fan of the smooth tips. I get the issues with the knurling, but would have preferred some kind of texture to hold on to.
Creator Ryan Doherty on April 23, 2012
I'm glad that you guys are willing to make tough decisions like changing a feature/design this late in the process. Best of luck getting all these shipped!
Creator BarryG on April 23, 2012
Great update Scott and team MNML!! Very much appreciate the attention to detail and unsurpassed quality control. Can't wait to get mine, but also am happy to wait to get them right! Keep up the great work, and let us know the next great products you are going to give us the opportunity to purchase!!
All the best,
Barry
Creator Jonathan goldthorpe on April 23, 2012
Thanks for the update. I understand. How about a little something extra for the wait? Eg like those cloths you use for cleaning ipad screens which I think I saw in one of your videos? Jonathan
Creator Walter Ikehara on April 23, 2012
Changing the tip was a good decision. Sometimes, simpler is just better.
Looking forward to receiving the Touch Pen.
Thanks!
Walter