Fabrication Optimization

Open Source Tractor Prototype III

Sparks are flying in the workshop, and the Torch Table is ready for computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). Will is producing CAD and CAM files for the Tractor, from across the ocean, so we can cut tractor parts automatically:

Going Digital: CAM Files for the Open Source Tractor

Last year, we didn’t use any automation in our fabrication procedures. For example, check out the LifeTrac II build. We’re moving to digital fabrication this year. Our work this year will be a test case for optimizing production – to...

Apr 22Marcin Digital Fabrication , Fabrication Optimization , Flexible Fabrication , LifeTrac III , Personal Fabrication 18 Comments

Open Source 150 Ton Hole Puncher

Our infrastructure for flexible fabrication along the lines of the Open Source Fab Lab, RepLab, is evolving nicely. We reported recently on Prototype I the heavy duty, open source, drill press, and here we are reporting on Prototype I deployment of our...

Jul 23Marcin Accomplishments , Community Supported Manufacturing , Fabrication Optimization , Flexible Fabrication , Ironworker Machine , Metal Hole Puncher , Permafacture , Personal Fabrication , RepLab 12 Comments

Fabrication Ergonomics

We’re now in production of the open source, Compressed Earth Block (CEB) press. Here we document the fabrication ergonomics for the first steps in the build. This is for those of you considering replication. It took 11.5 hours to cut the steel for...

Feb 10Marcin Compressed Earth Block Press , Documentation , Fabrication Optimization , Flexible Fabrication , Industrial Swadeshi , Torch Table 8 Comments