The latest batch of our Black Silicone Bellows for the Niche Zero/Duo have arrived! Previously called Batch 3, I've decided to redo the naming convention to make it easier to understand.
Our Bellows for the Niche Zero/Duo have evolved many times over the past few years, from 3D printing to factory-manufactured. For each type of production method, there were many design versions and sometimes several batches for the same version.
For the 3D Printed TPU version, which was sold between March 2022-Feb 2023, there was no batch number, but internally I had made 20 different versions throughout its time.
For the silicone version, which was sold from February 2023 to present day, I had made 5 revisions before settling on the one design to be made. This version has had 3 different batches of production over the months up to the time of posting, which I had previously named "Batch 1,2,3." Each batch has had some tweaks and improvements. Here's a table of the old names and new names for the batches to help you identify which one you have, if you've previously purchased one. Note that this is for the Silicone version only:
| Old Name | New Name |
| Batch 1 | V1.0 |
| Batch 1 - Subpar | V1.0 - Subpar |
| Batch 2 | V1.1 |
| Batch 2 - Limited Matte | V1.1 - Limited Matte |
| Batch 2 - Subpar | V1.1 - Subpar |
| Batch 3 | V1.1 |
V1.0 - (Batch 1)
This was the very first generation of silicone bellows I had made. It was made with compression molding. The material chosen by the factory at the time had a smoother and glossier feel compared to most silicone products that we were used to. While it was very soft and very smooth, the white in this first generation batch was more of an off-white, and may yellowed over time. Quality control was a challenge and many of them had deformations, uneven wall thicknesses, colour inconsistencies, and surface blemishes. I prefer not to waste, and for bellows that were still functional but below the standard of what I was looking for, I sold them as "subpar" versions at a discounted price.
V1.1 - (Batch 2 & Batch 3)
Moving onto Batch 2, I had found a new manufacturer who had much better quality materials and quality control. The results were simply amazing. They had more of matte surface that we are accustomed to, and had a much more accurate build with even wall thicknesses and flexibility. The white bellows were much more white and have a much higher resistance to discolouration over time. Before the final production, I had a batch made that did not yet have a final post-processing step applied (UV surface treatment), and those were sold as "Limited Matte." These pieces had a very soft touch surface but were more prone to dust catching onto it, otherwise performance and functionality were exactly the same.
Batch 2 and Batch 3 share the exact same design and manufacturer, and therefore naming both of them V1.1 would be easier to understand that they are the same. Batch 3 is made with liquid silicone injection rather than compression molding of Batch 2, so the surface and details may have a slightly improved clarity.