SPU Development Update: Where We Are Today 🎯

Since the beginning of the development of the Strad Preheating Unit (SPU), we know many of you have been eagerly waiting for updates. We are also fully aware that this project has experienced periods of delay due to different circumstances, including the setup of our new workshop in Barcelona and the continuous small improvements we have been incorporating into the Strad manual lever machine itself.

However, throughout all this time, we have never lost sight of the importance of creating this preheating unit, especially considering the number of requests we have received from many of you.

With this article, we wanted to take a moment to evaluate the entire process and share where we currently stand.

From the very beginning, the biggest challenge in developing the SPU was creating a product that would remain fully retrocompatible with our only Strad model. Under no circumstances did we want to create two separate versions of the machine — an electric Strad and a non-electric one. We have always believed that the SPU should be an optional accessory that any existing Strad owner could install.

Although this approach felt like the right one to us, it was certainly not the easiest path.

Eventually, we found a solution: manufacturing a semi-circular aluminum heating element that could be installed around the “waist” of the Strad group, transferring heat directly into the group itself.

After building the first prototype and confirming that the concept worked correctly, another major challenge appeared: legal compliance. Since the original prototype connected directly to mains power (220V or 110V), it would have required passing strict, expensive, and complex certification processes.

Because of this, we decided to move in a different direction. The SPU would instead operate at 24V using an already certified external power supply with all the necessary approvals. This made the process significantly simpler. But the question remained: would it still work effectively?

Our first calculations and tests showed promising results. Now, after redesigning the component at least three times, we are finally ready for what we expect to be the final prototype, which is currently in production.

These latest prototypes have focused on refining the design and optimizing efficiency as much as possible. At the same time, we have carefully considered the machining process to ensure manufacturing remains economically viable.

If everything continues according to plan, we expect the SPU to enter pre-order approximately two months after the publication of this article, possibly coinciding with the production of our 8th batch of Strad machines🤞.

We sincerely appreciate your patience and continued support throughout this development journey. More updates will follow soon.