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Verk QC

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Bill Mills edited this page Aug 19, 2020 · 2 revisions

In this doc, you'll learn: some examples of VERK frames that didn't pass QC.

Defining QC Standards

Quality Control is crucial for delivering a product that satisfies customers at scale. Before distribution begins, think about what your standards for product quality should be. NYC Makes PPE followed the following rough guidelines:

  • Comfort: frames should be smooth, with no spines, edges, or other poky bits. Medical professionals may have to wear these for extremely long shifts in challenging conditions, we don't want to distract them with jagged headbands.
  • Functionality: frames need to be flat (not all twisty), not brittle, and standard visors must fit easily on them.
  • Standardization: it's impossible for a small org to distribute a large amount of shields if each one has to be treated differently. We demanded frames be strictly standardized so as not to slow down the packing and distribution process.

Examples of Rejected VERKs

Much gratitude to all our contributors for every single frame donated - but here are some examples of frames that were not able to be distributed through the regular distribution channels at scale:

  • Non-standard frame: we standardized on the American 6-hole format. 3-hole format frames couldn't be included in the same packs with 6-hole visors.

  • Hairy Prints: printer hair leads to jagged edges and brittle frames. Better to send a lower volume of better frames for medical use; we tried to distribute these for shorter-term, non-emergency personnel, but again had to be diverted from the mainstream distribution pipeline.

  • Low Resolution Prints: if print fidelity was too low, the knobs for attaching the visors wouldn't fit; unfortunately, these couldn't be distributed due to this defect.

  • Stabby Verks: if the printing procedure left serious jagged edges facing the forehead, we chose not to distribute due to severe discomfort (yes, these can be sanded off - but that adds a production step that would seriously reduce the amount of shields we could get in the field. Makers, if your frames look like this, please help salvage them by doing the sanding-down before donating if at all possible).

  • No-loop Verks: a common print error on verks is for the back loops to completely fill in, making it impossible to affix a band to improve fit.

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