Open Source Ecology - User contributions [en]

Talk:Farm Yields Per Acre

2026-04-20T08:18:41Z

Alexa: Add warning about using ChatGPT as cited source

ChatGPT is not a reputable source to cite. Anything it claims is true should be backed up by a link to actual research or expert testimony.

--[[User:Alexa|Alexa]] ([[User talk:Alexa|talk]]) 08:18, 20 April 2026 (UTC)

Talk:Faculty House Development

2026-04-16T04:54:58Z

Alexa: Created page with "The new photo album link requires permissions to view - should likely be set to public. --~~~~"

The new photo album link requires permissions to view - should likely be set to public.

--[[User:Alexa|Alexa]] ([[User talk:Alexa|talk]]) 04:54, 16 April 2026 (UTC)

User talk:DarrylAlexander

2026-04-11T04:48:56Z

Alexa:

Hello!

I saw your edits on the [[Universal CNC Axis]] page and wanted to point you to more recent work - [[D3D Pro v23.12]] [https://github.com/AlexandriaLittle/d3d-pro Github] [https://alexandrialittle.github.io/d3d-pro/ Build Documentation].

The universal axis section should have what you need. Feel free to write on my talk page or otherwise reach out if you have any questions!

--[[User:Alexa|Alexa]] ([[User talk:Alexa|talk]]) 04:48, 11 April 2026 (UTC)
==================================

'''Welcome to ''Open Source Ecology''!'''

Thank you for registering on the Open Source Ecology wiki. Please see my '''[[Global Village Construction Set TED Talk]]''' for a 4 minute introduction to the project.

'''Please see all the ways for getting involved at the [[Getting Involved]] wiki page.'''

Do you see any other ways that you would like to get involved? You can email me at marcin at opensourceecology dot org.

Thanks,

Marcin Jakubowski

OSE Founder [[User:Marcin|Marcin]] ([[User talk:Marcin|talk]]) 01:36, 31 March 2026 (UTC)

Humanoid Robot

2026-04-04T05:02:00Z

Alexa: Correct typo

https://youtu.be/j31dmodZ-5c?si=RPOzeA3hwtfy7Kza

Getting close. Simple tasks possible, can be taught by remote control.

User:Alexa

2026-04-03T09:24:46Z

Alexa: /* Critical Path 2026 */

Hi! My name is Alexandria Little, but I go by Alexa. I'm passionate about open source everything and I'm very interested in replicating machines designed by OSE. One project I have been attempting is my own version of the D3D Mega 24" x 24" 3D Printer. See [[D3D Mega v23.05]] for all of my work on that project. To learn more and start a bit smaller, I created [[D3D Pro v23.12]]. That work is documented on the project's [https://github.com/AlexandriaLittle/d3d-pro Github Page]. Looking forward to contributing! See my work log at [[Alexa Log]].

alexa at alexalittle.me

==Critical Path 2026==
* Reevaluate :)

Alexa Log

2026-03-14T05:14:20Z

Alexa:

{{RightTOC}}

<html><iframe width="600" height="280" src="https://osedev.org/wiki/Alexa"></iframe></html>
==Saturday Mar 14, 2026==
[[Human-AI Collaboration]] Added thoughts of mine on when it is appropriate to use LLMs and when not to.

==Tuesday Jan 20, 2026==
[[OSE Systems Automation‎]]

==Sunday Dec 21, 2025==
I have been preoccupied with thinking about this and other lovely projects, so I'm popping in to share my recent thoughts.

The Appropedia wiki has plans for an open source compression screw grinding machine.

Here's the relevant video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P7IGj5Wa7k

Wiki Entry: https://www.appropedia.org/Open-Source_Grinding_Machine_for_Compression_Screw_Manufacturing/

Design Files: https://osf.io/ev6ta/

Additionally, there's a case study into a bootstrapping a business with 4-5 different revenue streams: https://www.appropedia.org/Making_the_Tools_to_Do-It-Together:_Open-source_Compression_Screw_Manufacturing_Case_Study

All of this is to say, I'm looking into building one of these machines because I want to experiment with small extrusion screw extruders for my next version of the D3D printer

I want to use a small extrusion screw to act as a preheating stage for pellets/regrind to enter a normal 2.85mm V6/Volcano/Supervolcano 3D printer nozzle.

My thought is to use a more shallow extrusion screw that will soften the plastic enough to make it flow but not yet heat the material to its printing temperature.

The reason you use a compression screw at all is to get a greater mixing action in the particles you feed into the screw. Augers don't provide as consistent results becuase of the lack of mixing.

There are many things I want to learn with the screw machine

I have also been considering multiple improvements to the Universal Frame

The current combo of 3D printed plastic with rebar members is not suitably stiff enough for my needs.

On the OSE wiki, Marcin laid out plans for a large workshop structure consisting entirely of welded rebar box trusses: https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/wiki/Large_Workshop_Structure
Large Workshop Structure

I want to miniaturize that design to work as a machine frame on the D3D Mega that is my next planned build

I am also going to experiment with both concrete-filled truss and aerocrete-filled truss. The youtuber Nighthawkinlight recently released a simple recipe to make aerocrete using xanthan gum, liquid dish detergent, a small amount of alcohol, water, and portland cement.

The advantages of aerocrete are that it's up to 60% lighter that normal concrete, and the trapped air that makes it lighter can act as a closed or open cell foam insulation material.
Being rock, it's somewhat heat and fire tolerant. I'm interested in a furnace/stove cement version for extreme temperature conditions.
That's important for the D3D Pro and D3D Mega, because both have planned improvements to include a high temperature heated chamber. With enough planning ahead, I'm expecting that the chamber could reach kiln levels of hot.

That unlocks engineering filaments, high temp recycled mixed plastic blends, annealing on the print bed, glazing pottery or 3D printed ceramics.

Here is a relevant expired patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6722872B1/en
Instead of a metal enclosure like this one, it's cheaper and more attainable to use a high temp refractory concrete (primarily aluminum and silicon oxides) or another material that can withstand high temps.

I purchased some porcelain floor tiles to test their durability in a chamber that's at least 500*C
My searches online for "porcelain exploding at high temp" yielded few results so hopefully that'll go well
One other thing that needs improving is the heated bed. I'm hoping that my non-explosive floor tiles will serve as a tough and flat surface that will last in the high heat.
I grabbed a 24"x24" polished tile from Menards for the build plate.

I'm debating between improving on the current halogen lightbulb design or switching back to the previous 2018 era design that used nichrome wire.
The nichrome wire design was discontinued because it usually wore out the windings at the connection points.
While perusing videos on kiln design, I found that you can twist nichrome wire together with a few shorter strands to make a lower temp and lower resistance section that you can then screw into a high temperature screw terminal from ole reliable McMaster Carr: https://www.mcmaster.com/5602T21/

Nichrome wire is dead cheap compared to halogen lightbulbs and is usually considered a consumable. That being said... lightbulbs are much easier for an end user to change than a big nichrome wire. I'd love feedback on that from you all

I'm also bumping up to 1/2" aluminum round stock and tube stock for motion axes on the D3D Mega build.
For increased rigidity I have been thinking about moving from the polymer bearings to three roller bearings on each rod in the axis.
That will leave space for me to mount the 1/2" round stock directly to the frame along its length using countersunk screw holes.

'''Proposed changes summary:'''

Extruder
--Add compression screw pre-melt stage for pellet and regrind
--Add load cell/strain gauges as mounting points for the extruder for nozzle touch sensing
--Add a toolhead board for controlling all of the functions
--Add mounting plate for quick extruder change/future multi tool head setups

Universal Axis
--Increase rod diameter
--Add mounting points for Y & Z axis stabilization
--Add roller bearings to the carriage

Universal Frame
--Remove 3D printed corners
--Use welded rebar truss for members
--Use U-bolts for attaching members together and mounting components to the frame
--Cast concrete into each truss to dampen vibration and include threaded inserts/nuts, U-bolts, or other hardware (optional)

Fast Heated Bed
--Replace steel bed surface with porcelain floor tile (tbd if this works)
--Increase heating power of bed with either nichrome wire or many halogen lightbulbs
--Increase thermal mass of the bed via filling with sand or possibly casting custom aerocrete panels for nichrome coils
--Use high temperature terminal blocks

Universal Controller
--Add toolhead board(s)
--Add more solid state relays to enable zone control in the heated bed
-- Use larger enclosure with removable mounting plate and cable management area
--Add a small touchscreen for full printer control at point of operation (optional)

Heated Chamber
--Add heated chamber
--Use rebar truss, high termperature aerocrete/firebrick/porcelain tile (best results tbd)
--Use nichrome or halogen lightbulb heating elements in the bottom of the chamber for active heating
--Use small metal fans for air circulation (motors can be externally mounted)
--Use welding blanket as a flexible baffle on top of the chamber (see here for more options: https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/wiki/Open_Source_High_Temperature_3D_Printer_Requirements_%2B_Value_Proposition)

I should emphasize that these are planned changes and are not actually things I have done. They therefore are not recommendations but rather future experiments. :)

==Thu Aug 15, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]

==Fri June 21, 2024==
I'm back with updates!

I have been working on the printer in my spare time all month long, gradually performing upgrades and ironing out issues. I will do my best to compile the technical aspects of my notes for this past month at [[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]. I have yet to begin more structured/formal data collection on the printer, but I have a shortlist of things I will be testing for:

* Max Temps (Deg. C/ Deg. F)
* Max movement of all axes (mm)
* Input shaping settings (frequencies, damping factors, etc. - usually unique to each machine but this will be a ballpark for others)
* Pressure Advance (K-factor, also ballpark)
* Axis backlash for all axes (mm)
* Build time (hours, minutes)
* Max speeds (mm/s)
* Max acceleration (mm/s^2)
* Max jerk (mm/s^3)
* Max volumetric flowrate (mm^3/s) (filament specific, but again ballpark)
* Bed leveling mesh data (mesh output) (need to ensure that the printers don't have wildly warped beds - need to test limits of warp somehow)
* Bed max lift before belt skipping (g or kg)
* Total machine cost (BOM, labor, packaging, etc.)
* Filament used in machine's printed parts (g)
* Count of each part (for BOM)
* Printing results/Start success (failure rate, %) (min. 2 Sigma prior to any sales)
* "Benchy" test print included with each printer
* Skew (mm/m)
* Overhang performance (angle)
* Warping and delamination (test print)
* Noise (dB)

I have also ordered and received most of the parts for the next printer build of v23.12. I will be using some different BOM part choices from the first build. A few of the 'new' parts are updated 3D printed parts. I will be uploading those files at [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]].

==Mon May 20, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]
==Thu May 9, 2024==
Since Saturday I have been working on the 3D printer. I have probably spent over 40 hours on the project this week, but I will have to check all of my notes and upload the grand total. I will be updating the printer data and build information at [[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]. This has been a blast!

==Sat May 4, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Pictures and Video]] I worked on the universal controller assembly first as that is the module that likely needs to come first for the sake of testing all of the other components.

==Fri May 3, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Pictures and Video]]

==Thu May 2, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Pictures and Video]]. I posted recent pics and videos to the Open Source Ecology Workshops Facebook group. The results have been good so far :)

==Sun Apr 28, 2024==
Interview Questions

==Thu Apr 4, 2024==
I have been working on enterprise development for the past few weeks. I now have an LLC set up and a website up and running with demo content [https://www.opensourcemfg.com/]. I have been mapping out processes in the business on a flow chart to plan for what standard operating procedures I need to write. I am currently stuck on my ability to purchase more parts to continue prototyping work, at least for the time being, so I have been working on other things. I have also focused on printing additional products for photographing. I have been adding to my listings on Etsy.

==Wed Mar 13, 2024==
[[Input Shaping]]

==Mon Mar 11, 2024==
My Ender 3 V2 printer broke on Tuesday/Wednesday when I was upgrading the nozzle from 0.4mm to 1.0mm - I stripped the heater block threads. I purchased a replacement part online that arrived on Saturday. I repaired the printer and finished the upgrades. The print time for a universal frame rebar corner connector dropped from 11.5 hours to 4.5 hours with the new nozzle. The print quality also improved. Currently I am printing all of the motor pieces, carriages, and carriage closures for the printer. The whole job is estimated to take 27.5 hours.

Work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide.

==Mon Mar 4, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]

==Sun Mar 3, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]. I had the assistance of a friend for note taking and discussing process improvements during my work today. We both worked on [[D3D Pro v23.12]] for 4.5 hours.

==Tue Feb 27, 2024==
Work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide. Currently still in section 1 (sourcing).

==Mon Feb 19, 2024==
Work on updating the [[D3D Pro v23.12 BOM]] for the switch to the 12" bed, plus adding the tools and supplies (zip ties, ferrules, electrical tape, etc.) that were not included as details in the CAD. I also realized that I made a mistake in the naming of the machine. If I wanted to go for a 12" bed the machine should have been named D3D Pro 2 v23.12 as the Pro 2 is the 12" bed.

==Sun Feb 18, 2024==
Today I worked on setting up a Magento ecommerce website on AWS for my business. It can be viewed here: [https://opensourcemfg.com]. I went for the name Open Source Manufacturing as it nicely sums up the work I'll be doing in my future microfactory.

==Sat Feb 17, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide

==Fri Feb 16, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide

==Thu Feb 15, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide

I met with [[User:Strangeloops]] to discuss OSE, the GVCS, the D3D Pro v23.12 3D Printer and what I could use help on in the project. They are going to look into the firmware and software for the beagleplay board.

==Tue Feb 13, 2024==
Resizing [[D3D Pro v23.12]] to accommodate a 12" bed.

==Fri Feb 9, 2024==
I worked for a few hours tonight drafting a business plan with the help of a friend. I have more work to do in market research and analysis and expanding on the other sections. I also worked on BOM research. The printer's total cost came out slightly under what I had expected, which is nice. :)

==Wed Feb 7, 2024==
The CAD work is coming along nicely. Universal Controller is in place, Z axes are in place, etc. I'm finishing up the bed and then all of the major components and fasteners will be done. Then I have to determine if it will be worth my while to do wiring in the CAD file itself. I like how it was done in the CAD for the Lyman filament extruder. In that file the wire plug locations are marked with color coded cylinders that indicated which wire went to where. On the other hand though, it's time I could spend on other documentation. Once the CAD is finished I am planning to break every part out into it's own separate file and upload it to the parts library on the wiki.

Evening

I worked more on the [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]] today. I caught some spelling errors and generated new parts including the thermistors, heater cartridge, PEI Sheet, 2-sided tape, 1/2" conduit (which for some reason seems to not be 1/2" in any dimension), and the halogen light bulbs and holders (which I did my best to look up online but may be inaccurate to some degree). The assembly is nearing completion. There are currently around 350 individual parts in the part tree and that does not include wires, a few missing screws, or zip ties.

==Mon Feb 5, 2024==
I have been messaging back and forth on discord with an individual who wants to contribute to open source projects. They are looking into firmware options for the upgraded [[D3D Pro v23.12]]. I am looking forward to hearing their thoughts on whether the additional features like gcode preprocessing and advanced bed mesh calculations will be worth the switch.

I realized that I am going to need to redesign the '4D printed' Universal Controller mount board. It is not compatible with the new rebar frame and it needs extra space for the BeagleBone computer. I settled on the BeaglePlay as it has built-in wifi and is around $100. It is also fully open source [https://certification.oshwa.org/us002174.html]. You could probably fire up OSE linux on it if you wanted. :)

==Sun Feb 4, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12]].

==Sat Feb 3, 2024==
Continue work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]]. Getting a lot done. Top axes are in place. Frame is in place. Extruder is in place. I must say, I've really been enjoying the FreeCAD 0.16 workflow. It feels more like I'm assembling a big 3D puzzle when doing placement-based versus when I do constraint-based assemblies and I spend hours fighting to get the constraints near perfect (which is much less fun). I had to hunt around a little bit on the wiki to piece together the CAD library that I have been using. I broke down the [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]] page into subsections for each module and their individual parts. I am planning to complete the CAD work ASAP |am grateful for all of the countless hours of prior development work that went into this project already. It has made my small additions possible.

There is a small business network in my town that provides startup assistance and access to funding opportunities that I am considering joining for the sake of the workshop business I am starting.

==Fri Feb 2, 2024==
Continuing work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]]. I finished the Universal Frame Assembly. I am going to have to start naming parts with the machine name in the file name. I'm starting to overlap names I used on [[D3D Mega v23.05]].

==Wed Jan 31, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]]. [[D3D Pro v23.12 Requirements + Value Proposition]].

==Sun Jan 14, 2024==
I've had lots of fun working on the working doc from Friday's log. I have gotten to a point where I have an early prototype CAD model and I've shared my work (early and often as always). [[File:Universal Frame Rebar Connector.FCStd]]

==Fri Jan 12, 2024==
I spent a little while playing with the Angle Frame Corner generator that is part of the [[3D Printer Workbench]] in FreeCAD. I may attempt to expose more variables from the connector macro vs restarting from scratch to design a new frame corner for 1/2" rebar. If just a few more things were exposed as variables I would be able to generate a 1/2" square slot for the rebar to be inserted into. Then it's just a matter of tightening down the set screw and you're square.

{{Hint|Start a [[Working Doc]] and you can paste this text in there and continue to update with pictures. I'd like to see pictures.-MJ}}

<html><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQJGjvT_RImILXAkqd6a0fL103VUeAeYOpJmNLADXsCtNyqZ54SHsb6FdzmFyus6jdDdgJcFJRMCUMu/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=60000" frameborder="0" width="960" height="569" allowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true"></iframe></html>

[https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1FVPihIJHFriQ9S9soaE_G7H4oCvzvejftOcpkz_REfw/edit?usp=sharing edit]

==Wed Jan 10, 2024==
At work I have been spending a lot of time looking into Semantic MediaWiki. The extension effectively lets a person use a wiki as a low/no code relational database. It would be great to use for data collection or running a business single source of truth. I may use it to track business operations and keep myself organized personally as it's very customizable. I'm honestly surprised that it's not in use on the OSE wiki, but it does add complexity and has an additional learning curve, so maybe not too surprised. I've also been considering that a wiki would be the perfect place to store notes and information as I continue my path of life-long learning.

Recently read the Lecture Notes on Teaching General Semantics by Lance Strate, Ph.D. available at the [https://www.generalsemantics.org/Teaching-Materials General Semantics website]. I was particularly inspired by the section on Idealization  and  Operationalism. Idealization causes frustration because it makes people believe that things like 'love', 'success', etc. are unattainable because they idealize them. When something is put on a pedestal, untouchable, it becomes unattainable because there are no concrete steps to get there. Operationalism, conversely, means you define something by the steps it takes to get there. If you want to "change the world", what will be changed and what are your steps to get there? Similar to the working principles around SMART goals.

I have also recently decided that I'd like to apply the general semantics principles/life principles that I have been pondering lately to my organization ability. I have struggled a lot in the past to stay organized and on top of everything (whether at work or home), and I'd like to learn and develop organization as a skill. In its simplest form, organization is just having a place for everything, and everything in its place. The steps to get there would be to make places for every thing that I want to take time to organize, and put it there; whether that means a physical location for an object, or a place for data to live.

==Mon Jan 8, 2024==
The new year didn't exactly start as planned, but I'm back. I'm going to continue work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]], move on to finishing my critical path and set a realistic workshop date.

An interesting development in my life - a friend of mine is starting out a new small venture making hair care/beard care products at my encouragement. He has a lot of experience from another business he ran making those same products. I want to help him start his business with the most basic tools to get the job done while still allowing for industrial productivity. He should be able to produce his products in a simple double boiler on a gas, electric, or induction stove. I can manufacture all of his packaging on my 3D Printer, and we can use my printer and Cricut machine to produce waterproof/oilproof labels. We can use my 3d printer to make pouring /filling jigs for bottles and chap stick tubes. We are working on manufacturing everything in-house as much as possible. This business will be [[antifragile]] - the multipurpose machines that we're using can be put to use in many other ways in the business, and for the most part we already own everything we need personally, so there's not really any chance of 'going out of business'... just the possibility of having a few hundred dollars of hair care products to use at the house.

Also, I have convinced him to share all of his documentation openly and collaboratively, from standard operating procedures to recipes to data collection. He agrees with me that having free access to that information is better for the world, and helps solve the pressing world issues that we have talked about wanting to solve. Hopefully soon there will be a handful of additional products available for the [[Open Source Everything Store]], and some free cash for more open source work. :)

I read through most of The Homebrew Industrial Revolution: A Low-Overhead Manifesto by Kevin A. Carson. Great book that mentions OSE. I really liked the author's discussions about how precision machining and making parts to higher tolerances, alongside the freeing potential of electricity and the electric motor, bring home or workshop based manufacturing to the same quality as products produced by mass manufacturing. The book has a lot of similar themes to OSE's guiding philosophies.

==Thu Dec 28, 2023==
[[SH4 Documentation Proposal‎]] Typos. [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]] expanding upon full timeline of work.

==Tue Dec 26, 2023==
Expanded on [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]]. I am attempting to break the assembly steps down today. That way when I get to the later assembly and build manual documentation steps I will be more prepared. The old [[3D Printer Manual]] is helping me get the general order of operations down, even with many steps being different in later versions.

==Sun Dec 24, 2023==
Added to Saturday's timeline, and then moved it to [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]]. I am working to expand my to-do list down to every detail that I feel I can reasonably capture. Once completed I will have a list of tasks that is detailed enough to enable swarm-based workflows. The one I'm looking forward to the most is the [[Kit Certification]] and build manual documentation steps. I plan to have me and two others work together to document the build manual. One person builds and explains the steps of the printer build they take as they work. Another person takes up close photos of before, during, and after each step. The third person transcribes the steps into a work document.

I have started to break down the documentation that I will create for handouts at [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]].

==Sat Dec 23, 2023==

Timeline to workshop ready point:

(Does not include marketing/workshop stuff, just kit documentation prep)

* Create and finalize LOD500 cad
** Model frame for 1/2" rebar
*** Model corner connectors / Y axis holders 8hrs
*** Model Z axis top and bottom holders 4hrs
** Model heated bed components and assemble
*** Buy halogen bulbs and holders to take measurements .5hr
*** Model halogen holder and bulb 1hr
*** Model heated bed tubes .5hr
*** Model heated bed sheet metal (including holes) .5hr
*** Model heated bed carbon fiber blankets .5hr
*** Assemble heated bed in CAD 2hr
** Assemble extruder in CAD from available prior work 4hrs
** Assemble control panel in CAD from available prior work 4hrs
** Assemble axes from available prior work - Done

* Generate BOM from CAD - Instant in FreeCAD 21
** Find multiple vendors for each part 12hrs

* Source and order all of the first kit supplies
** Order parts from multiple sources to vet quality/compatibility

* Prep the first kit
** Print 3d printed components - 48+ hrs
** Cut rods and rebar to size - 1.5hr
** Cut lengths of belt - 15min
** Cut lengths of pipe for bed - 30min
** Cut plates for bed (if necessary) - 15min
** Cut aluminum heatsink to size - 10min
** Machine aluminum heatsink on drill press - 15min
** Test all electrical components (motors, endstops, RAMPS+Mega, bed heater, etc) 30min
*** Motors all spin
*** Endstops trigger properly and are correct type for failing safely
*** Bed Heater - lighting up
*** Hotend and thermistors - Heat up and measure temp
** Heat gun the control panel print as in [[4D Printing]] 5min

* Build the first kit
** Build Universal Frame
**# Gather all materials 1min
**# Build two squares from the corners and rebar 10min
**#* Use jig to square (wooden dowel cut to length of connector distance)
**#* Be mindful of corner direction
**#* Tighten fasteners
**# Add 4 vertical rebar pieces into one of the square's corners 2min
**#* Tighten fasteners
**# Put second square onto the top 2min
**#* Turn frame onto its side
**#* Use jig to square
**#* Tighten fasteners
**# Done!
** Build Universal Axes
*** X Axis with rods jutting past the sides
*** Y Axes with unique carriages
*** Z Axes with shorter rods
** Build Universal Extruder
** Build Heated Bed
*** Primarily assembled using high temp epoxy
** Build Universal Controller
*** Tin all wires
*** Attach all components to panel
*** Follow prior art wiring plans
** Build filament holder

* Perform [[Kit Certification]]

* Assemble another printer, taking pictures of every step and recording the steps taken in order.

* Create documentation for printer, following wiki development template
** Kit Prep Manual
*** Safety, workspace layouts, kit prep expected effort timeline
*** Sourcing section - notes on finding local substitutes
*** Metal Cutting Section
*** Aluminum Heatsink Prep Section
*** Steps for partial preassembly
*** Packaging for workshop
*** Packaging for shipment
** Build Manual
*** Universal Frame Section
*** Universal Axis Section
**** X, Y, and Z are separate
*** Universal Extruder Section
*** Fast Heated Bed Section
*** Universal Controller Section
*** Final Assembly Section
*** Wiring and testing Section
*** Troubleshooting Section

* Have an assistant assemble a kit from documentation alone to test for weaknesses
** Revise documentation as necessary for clarity, ease of assembly, turnkey-ness

* Prep the workshop kits
** Print 3d printed components
** Order parts
** Cut rods and rebar to size
** Cut lengths of belt
** Cut lengths of pipe for bed
** Cut plates for bed (if necessary)
** Cut aluminum heatsink to size
** Machine aluminum heatsink on drill press
** Test all electrical components (motors, endstops, RAMPS+Mega, bed heater, etc) for all kits
** Gather together kits per BOM
** Label parts as labeled in the documentation (aiming for eventually offering language agnostic assembly instructions)
** Package kits in separate crates/boxes for easy transport to event
** Print out documentation binder - 1 per kit
** Prepare OSE Linux Live USBs - 1 per kit

*Work in progress*

==Sun Dec 17, 2023==
[[D3D Pro v23.12]]. Started work on CAD Assembly. It's moving very quickly due to prior work on D3D Mega v23.05.

==Sat Dec 16, 2023==
Worked a little bit on my critical path at [[User:Alexa]]. I am reworking it to have a more realistic timeframe.

==Fri Dec 15, 2023==
LOD 500 CAD To-Do Breakdown:
* Model halogen holder and bulb
* Model heated bed tubes
* Model heated bed sheet metal (including holes)
* Model heated bed carbon fiber blankets
* Assemble heated bed in CAD
* Assemble extruder in CAD from available prior work
* Assemble control panel in CAD from available prior work
* Resize rods on universal axes from v23.05
* Resize angle iron in v23.05 frame

I do not yet know how to best model the wires/wiring connections for the CAD. I would really appreciate direction on where I can learn to do this if anyone reading knows.

Contingency plan for any prolonged delays to workshop is to build an online shop after completion of full product documentation. An ecommerce website is still a potentially viable distributive enterprise, even if it does not have the same local impact that a workshop would. I would still prefer to do the workshop first to prove the workshop model is viable before investing time into learning how to sell and market effectively on an ecommerce store. In any case, the store is an inevitability just like the workshop - just a matter of timing.

'''It's the day after the workshop and it was a horrible disaster. What went wrong and how could it have been stopped beforehand?'''
* No tickets were sold so the event could not take place.
* Could be mitigated by buying kits only after ticket sales so there's no money lost except for the venue deposit?
* A solid marketing plan drawn up by an expert and executed to the letter.
* A clear market has been defined as part of the above plan

* The website got DDOSed/Crashed/Too Slow
* Host on large national provider and use cloudflare for DDOS protection
* Use the hosting provider's version of wordpress to ensure automatic updates occur

* The kits were unfinished due to lack of time
* Clear proofs of build time from inexperienced assembler doing a time lapse like in [[Kit Certification]]
* Step by step instructions with clear pictures for each step. Proper warnings and safety information included.
* Clearly labeling each part by letter as in [[Language Agnostic Instructionals]]

* The printers do not function
* Test all motors and electronics prior to finishing kit assembly
* Have a quality control checklist + BOM to review each kit with prior to event
* Have a spare printer worth of parts available

==Thu Dec 14, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Conceptual Design]]. Added additional notes on top cover of high temp heated chamber.

==Tue Dec 12, 2023==
I took a big step in my day job today. I transitioned to posting all of the work that I perform onto an internally hosted wiki for all to see. I have been missing the mark at times without a system for storing my work and the wiki was the perfect place to build in accountability, transparency, and capture all of the details. My hope is that this will increase my capacity to work more collaboratively with my peers as I have been learning to do through OSE.

==Sun Dec 10, 2023==
===Onboarding Assessment===
====Tactical====

'''1. How much time do you have to commit to the development of your chosen project?'''

I can sustainably commit to 8-12 hours per week of development time. I have a 40 hour per week job Tuesday through Saturday, I am a board member for a local nonprofit (which takes up at least a few hours per month), and I provide for and tend to my household, which takes up the rest of my time.

'''2. How long could you sustain your development effort prior to revenue?''' For example, in the worst case scenario of innumerable unforeseen events which prevented you from reaching the point of revenue generation, if it took way longer than was ever reasonably predicted - could you sustain your effort as long as it takes or would you have to pivot? We should have clarity on this question because it can help us match the expected preparation/development tasks to the available time. Please start on this question by thinking about a task list for preparing for a first workshop in as much detail as possible, as part of this question.

Because I am working another full time job I should be able to continue my development efforts without regard to incoming revenue. The development work can be completed with access to a single printer, so once that has been purchased, the overhead costs should be zero or near zero. Ultimately, pursuing sustainable and appropriate open source hardware projects is shaping up to be my life's work so it can take as long as it needs to.

Kits
* Create development pages on wiki
* Create and finalize LOD500 cad
* Generate BOM from CAD
* Source and order all of the kit supplies - Need to discuss best methods to fund purchase
* Cut rods and angle iron to size
* cut lengths of belt
* cut lengths of pipe for bed
* cut plates for bed (if necessary)
* machine aluminum heatsink on drill press
* print 3d printed components
* Perform Kit Certification
* Assemble the printer a second time, taking pictures of every step and recording the steps taken in order.
* Create documentation for printer assembly (Combine with data from kit certification for accurate assembly time estimate)
* Have an assistant assemble a kit from documentation alone to test for weaknesses (bonus points for an assistant who knows nothing about 3d printers) (Potentially optional step)
* Test all electrical components (motors, endstops, RAMPS+Mega, bed heater, etc) for all kits
* Assemble kits per BOM
* Label parts as labeled in the documentation (aiming for eventually offering language agnostic assembly instructions)
* Package kits in separate crates/boxes for easy transport to event
* Print out documentation binder - 1 per kit
* Prepare OSE Linux Live USBs - 1 per kit

Presentation
* Create presentation that talks about unique features and benefits of the D3D Printer
* Include modularity (and what that even means to someone)
* Lifetime design vs planned obsolescence
* Open source hardware
* Distributive enterprise

Venue
* Shop around to obtain rates from venues for a full day workshop
* Pay deposit
* Pay balance due
* Arrive early day of for setup

Food
* Choose a local restaurant for supplying lunch and or catering trays
* Place an advance order for the food to be prepped
* Pick up day of or before
* Alternatively, just buy catering trays from Sam's Club

Marketing materials
* Create and implement templates for social media posts (FB, insta, etc.), flyers
* Distribute flyers in local businesses
* Have venue partner share event on their social media accounts
* Share event in local and surrounding community Facebook groups
* Schedule social media posts for weeks and days leading to event.
* Create website for event and product (lean on work for presentation for content)

Business plan
* If outside funding is required, a business plan will need to be written

Budget
* A budget will need to be written to estimate expenses and potential earnings.
* Ticket Revenue
* Venue cost
* Kits cost
* Marketing cost
* Website costs

'''3. What do you see as the potential of the modular, Construction Set Approach for building things?'''

I see the modular construction set approach to building things as the most important method for creating modern appropriate technology. Many open source hardware projects exist in isolation at present. If those projects were designed to be interoperable and have intercompatible parts they would be easier to design and build while being more appropriate and more valuable. It's my view that the only way that a transition to an open source economy of abundance is possible is with access to a modular construction set of manufacturing tools. The integrated performance (including social, environmental, and technological aspects) of modular construction sets, will better internalize the costs of production as opposed to creating more pollution, forcing people to take jobs that are not their right livelihood, or reinventing prior art for each project. Because modern mass production is focused on point performance of products, there is a lot more value that can be captured for the producer and end user when this approach is used.

Modular construction sets have the potential to enable low overhead distributed production of life sustaining essentials, tools, and machines all the way up to clean rooms and space ships.

'''4. How would you propose to implement 'lifetime design'?''' Discuss some of the key, specific features of your project that would express the 'lifetime design' philosophy. Think about what it would take to offer a 'lifetime design warranty' - point to some details of how you envision that this could this be implemented in a sustainable way?

The D3D Printer has multiple lifetime design elements. The chief design element is the plastic/steel construction of the machine, which combines the complex geometries of 3D printed plastic with the strength of steel. This makes for an extremely rugged design that is unlikely to need much if any maintenance. The parts that wear out fastest on the printer are the linear bearings and the belts, both of which are 3D printable. Other components like the halogen heating bulbs in the bed, the stepper motors, the extruder heater cores and thermistors, the endstops, etc. are all low cost, common-off-the-shelf components that can be easily sourced by the end user. The user will always have the option to service their own machines, even if the company that produced the kit or machine goes out of business.

A lifetime design warranty could consist of a few separate elements.
* Access to the full CAD, documentation, design files, etc. for easy user servicing and repair of the machine
* Offer replacements for all parts in cases where the machine was used under normal operating conditions for a 3D Printer, and the part was still within its useful lifetime. Require that the defective or damaged part be sent in for possible repair. End user pays shipping.
* Base the lifetime amount calculations on industry standard lifetimes of the part. 10,000 hours for stepper motors, for example.
* Anything outside of normal operating lifetimes won't be covered.
* The cost of maintaining a lifetime design warranty will decrease over time as replacement parts are manufactured in-house on digital fabrication machines.

'''5. Why did you choose to pursue the OSE product as opposed to the numerous other options out there?''' Clarify what you see as the value and unique value proposition of our work, compared to other options. Why did you choose to pursue the OSE product as opposed to the numerous other options out there?

I chose to pursue working with OSE for the sake of the appropriateness of their work. The OSE Specifications align perfectly with my personal principles of the free sharing of knowledge, the growth and development of myself as an individual, and adding to the pool of human knowledge via time-binding. I also want to self-provide to enable my own buy-out-at-the-bottom financial independence. I ultimately want to spend my life doing personally meaningful work, and OSE is aligned with my goals on this perfectly.

OSE's most valuable practice is releasing all of their work under open licenses, based on universal guiding principles. The work done by OSE is always in furthering the ends of their vision, not just for the marketing gimmick that some companies engage in when they release their goods as 'open source'. OSE puts their money where their mouth is, so to speak.

I chose to pursue the D3D printer first as it is the machine that is most accessible to me, while also being one of those most ready for a product release from the GVCS. I can build the D3D printers entirely in my second bedroom in my apartment if necessary. I need very low overhead to produce the machines and sell them on a website, which is great because I am at the start of my career and I have very little capital available to me to start the business off. Other organizations' open source machines are available for me to replicate, but none of them have the low part count, modular, lifetime design of the D3D printer.

'''6. What are your revenue goals for the first stage and afterwards?''' Once you have obtained a 'sustainable enterprise' - what revenue and net revenue would you like that to be for you? Provide your goals and the time within which you would like to achieve these goals. How would you see that growing in the years to come?

Once I have obtained a 'sustainable enterprise' I am looking to make as much as I am currently with my day job, approx $30K net per year (which would be approx $100K gross revenue at 30% profit). I want the enterprise to become my full time work, so at the bare minimum I have to be able to sustain myself at my current standard of living. I want to be able to do this work full time within three years or less. After achieving the point of transition to full time work my goal is to increase revenues until I make at least $50K/year net ($167K gross) within five years and for the rest of my life. When combined with other methods of high tech self providing, this is a very sustainable income.

'''7. How do you envision implementing the collaborative and swarm-based development and production aspects of OSE in your project?'''

I am planning to continue uploading all of my work on my projects on the OSE wiki. I am open to working collaboratively with anyone inside or outside of OSE to get my first workshop done successfully. I have also studied how OSE collaborates on the wiki and on cloud based documents, so I can teach others how to best work with me on the project. I also have family members and friends who have expressed interest in helping me on the project if I give them enough direction on where to help, so I will be leaning on them to assist me with the kit production, marketing, and documentation work.

Kit production especially can be broken down into numerous parallel tasks. Picking and packing the materials for 12-24 3D printers can be done component by component by any number of individuals. Photography work can be done from multiple angles by multiple people for a much faster pace and higher quality in recording the steps for documentation.

====Inspiration====

'''1.Describe how you would like your company to look and behave once you have attained the status of Distributive Enterprise.''' Such as - what are you and your team doing, whom are you serving, what products do you have, how is your enterprise growing and providing unique value, what is your day-to-day, what are your prospects for the future), what are you thinking and feeling?

In the near term, while the business is smaller, my team and I would be spending around half the week making 3D printers as well as goods for the Open Source Everything Store (3D Printed Products, Useful 3D Prints, especially metal plastic composite construction), and the other half doing additional documentation work, creating new products for the Open Source Everything Store according to OSE specifications, prototyping new digital fabrication machines (D3D Torch/router table, laser cutter, D3D Circuit Mill, filament extruder, 3D Scanner), etc. We would be serving mostly the national market for our products online, and doing local craft shows to connect with more local customers. By this point there would be extra money to invest into prototyping and pursuing even more development. I would also have access to many more tools (multiple printers, power tools, welders, etc.) that will increase the amount and quality of machines and goods I can produce. All of the general use machinery available to me will enable flexability throughout changing market conditions. The future looks bright. According to my goals, this would be about three years out from now when I move to this being my full time work.

In the long term, I want my business to grow and evolve until I own and operate a microfactory and farm that serves my neighboorhood. This could include a food co-op, tool/equipment sharing, fabrication services, furnature manufacturing, OSE machine replication, educational classes and workshops, and a large catalogue of Open Source Everything Store products. I want to get as close to fully independent closed loop economy as possible to provide the best opportunities that I can for my family, friends, and neighbors. My day-to-day would be spent building machines, tending to orchards and greenhouses, designing new things, and otherwise contributing to humanity's progress via time-binding. The surrounding community would be more prosperous due to the existance of the microfactory campus. I am feeling fulfilled, at the peak of self-actualization, and I have a long life of contributions to make ahead of me.

'''2. What do you consider to be Pressing World Issues in today's world?''' Describe how you are or how you would like to contribute to solving them. Discuss your goals for 'making a better world' in as much detail as you like.

The United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals are the shortlist of pressing world issues that I believe need to be solved.The SDGs are primarily focused on ending material scarcity (poverty, food access, clean water/sanitation access, industry/infrastructure improvement, good health/wellbeing, reduced inequalities, affordable clean energy, sustainable cities/communities, and decent work/economic growth). They also include the need for education, stewardship toward life and nature, and improved governance.

I am going to contribute to solving these issues by working openly and collaboratively toward creating an open source economy of abundance. The best place to do that currently is OSE. I plan to continue to contribute to the appropriate technologies of the GVCS until completion, as well as contributing to the Open Source Everything Store. My hope is that freely releasing economically significant information will create meaningful livelihoods for people everywhere and help to reduce the issues that stem from material scarcity.

I also want to make a better world for myself in my own personal sphere. I want to use myself as a testbed for sustainable business development to prove the model. If I can go from making barely enough to cover my expenses to flourishing and saving for the future from this process then the world will be just that much better for me and anyone who follows this path. It would also prove that distributive enterprise replication can work and contribute to the eventual conversion of the material economy to an open source paradigm. Those who come after me down this path will (if all goes as planned) be able to provide for themselves and their loved ones and that helps to make the world a better place for everyone. The more people who are engaged in productive and collaborative works instead of crime, corruption, or other unethical behavior, the better.

'''3. OSE follows the principles of Good to Great. The core message is that anyone has a choice to develop the discipline to become great, because there is so much good work needed to be done. And in order to solve difficult problems, one needs great capacity. General acceptance of what is already 'good' keeps the world in a state of immense societal/industrial inertia - ie, stuck without adapting to the times. But, becoming great is not easy, and most people do not choose this route. What are your thoughts on being good vs great?'''

I watched the book summary from the Good to Great page for more context, and I have decided that I will read the book in its entirety.

The path to greatness outlined in Good to Great is making disciplined decisions/steps toward your goal. The apt metaphor of a flywheel is used to illustrate how achieving greatness is a series of small additions to the total momentum in a single direction. This theme of continually building upon the same base over and over again is seen in nature, in the concept of time binding, in the principles that lead to the OSE Specifications and GVCS, and in most of the good self improvement/personal growth literature that I have read. The path to greatness as outlined also requires discipline in relationships with others, and discipline of thought. Specifically, in being a supercollaborative individual who is chasing their own passions and focusing on the objective truth without losing sight of or faith in their end goal.

I believe that greatness is an achieveable state for many people given the above roadmap. For me specifically, I firmly believe that I can become great at running an enterprise with enough sustained effort. The way I could best cultivate it is to keep an open dialogue with those around me about my progress, struggles, goals, and visions for the future. When I make a quiet promise to myself it is sometimes not enough to keep me from missing the mark, but when I have people around me who keep me accountable to my goals I can keep moving in the right direction.

'''4. Take a look at the 4 Zones of Possibility. Discuss what these are for you, with respect to your specific OSE involvement, and in your life in general.'''

These are my answers as of 12/10/2023, but I believe items could move between the 4 zones in the future pending material changes to my circumstances.

1. Define what you know that you can do.
I have moderate physical strength and dexterity, so I can meet most of the physical demands of daily life. I can provide for my family by laboring with my mind or my hands. I can use computers effectively. For OSE I know I can readily contribute to documentation and development work including FreeCAD modeling as I have been doing that on my D3D Mega v23.05 project. In life in general I know that I can physically perform most of the tasks that an average healthy person can.

2. What you think you can do.
I think that I am smart enough to be able to learn new subjects and continue on a path of lifelong learning. I think I am an effective communicator of ideas, at least in one on one conversations. I think that I can learn enough to be able to successfully execute the 3D printer workshop. It may also be possible for me to fly out and be involved in some in person events at OSE. I think that I have the skills necessary to replicate the previously designed machines. I also think that I could have what it takes to contribute to OSE as a developer. I also received an associates degree in business so I can handle most business related math and know some basic aspects of business law and entrepreneurship (though I may be somewhat rusty).

3. What you think is probably too much
It would probably be a financial burden on me to start anything too capital intensive, as I'm working on a tight budget. I have yet to dive into completely learning any programming languages so I will need practice before doing any edits to code on projects. The science, physics, and engineering education that I have is what I learned in high school, so there are a lot of holes in my knowledge of these areas. Raising money for my venture effectively would be difficult for me as I currently don't know where is best to start looking. I feel that doing my workshop alone would likely be exceptionally difficult.

4. What you know you can't do.
I can't/won't do anything that will violate my principles, so unethical practices are out of the question. Outside of that, I'm open to trying to learn how to do anything. I can't relocate anytime soon as I have too much that is dear to me where I live.

'''5. Take a look at the Edge of Knowledge concept. Is there any way you can contribute to the 1000 hour curriculum?'''

I can definitely contribute in the 3D Printing and Open Source Everything Store segments of the 1000 hour curriculum. Those are the topics that I have the most knowledge of among those listed. I have also studied some about radio equipment as I work toward earning a ham radio license so I may be able to summarize simple topics in that field as well. Outside of that I don't have much of a specialization. I am very interested in learning the 1000 hour curriculum someday once completed!

'''6. Take a look at the concept of Level 6 Leadership. Have you ever considered or would you be interested in considering becoming a Level 6 Leader?'''

I am interested in becoming a Level 6 Leader. The material reason for starting my enterprise may be to earn money, but my goal is to add to the commons for all to benefit from. Everything that I do I can share freely with others without harming myself. I want to add to the momentum of the open hardware movement to liberate people (including myself) to be free to chase their passions and live personally meaningful lives. I believe that continuing to create open source alternatives to the conventional closed economy is the shortest route to achieving that end.

'''7. At the end of your life, what would you consider as goals achieved of a life worth living, by whichever metric you consider important?'''

I would have lived by my principles my entire life. I would have spent ample time with my loved ones. I would have added significant contributions to the pool of human knowledge. I would have learned something every day until the day I died. I would have made enough time to contemplate in silence and peace. I would have made the world a better place than when I found it. I would have given a boost to the next generations of humanity.

==Fri Dec 8, 2023==
After an email exchange with Marcin, I am planning to push back the date of my workshop to 4-5 months from now. I'm thinking end of April/beginning of May for the event now. I have a lot of work ahead of me for the project but I'm excited to get started. :))

==Tue Dec 5, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]. - See Github link for most recent work. The CAD is coming along nicely now. I have four modules to finish - heated chamber, extruder, controller, heated bed. I am having an issue with my axes in the assembly - They each have a small square artifact that's visible and I don't know how to remove it. I think it has something to do with the belt peg model though because it didn't appear when I deleted that part from the assembly, but that's mostly a hunch. If anyone's here reading my log I'd love help on fixing the problem.

Also, I wanted to note that I've been building this assembly in the A2Plus assembly workbench in FreeCAD v0.21.1 as I could not for the life of me get Assembly2 to work in FreeCAD 0.16. I'm using OSE linux as my daily driver.

I've been putting work into consolidating the wiki's 3D printer documentation under the D3D Mega v23.05 project. My hope is that my eventual completion of the documentation including LOD 500 CAD will give others a launching point from which they can start distributive enterprises based on the D3D system.

I am planning to run a one day 3D printer workshop based on the D3D Pro V20.07. The tenative date and location is February 4th, 2024 in Port Huron, MI. I understand that I am free to run an independent workshop, but I am very interested in collaborating and continuing to contribute my work back into OSE's wiki. Following the workshop (or sooner, if my work on documentation procceds as planned) I am also planning to sell kits for D3D Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, Universal, and the v23.05 Mega that I have been documenting. My long term goal is to be able to sustain my household from the income from this venture.

I am starting to get the word out now for the event. When I get a little spare cash I'm going to put a deposit down on the space so I can get out marketing materials and a website for the event.

My current roadblocks are my 40 hour job and my lack of startup capital, which also means a lack of a D3D Printer to practice on until I get my first ticket order for the event.

==Mon Dec 4, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD ]]. - See Github link for most recent work

==Sun Dec 3, 2023==
I have been inspired by the thought capture method of a "captain's log" seen on [[Eric Lotze Log]] so I will be documenting some of my thoughts on my work, projects, etc. here in my work log as I am so moved.

==Fri Dec 1, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Industry Standards]].

==Wed Nov 29, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD ]]. - See Github link for most recent work

==Tue Nov 28, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD ]].

==Mon Nov 27, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Module Breakdown]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD ]]. ‎[[D3D Mega v23.05]]. [[User:Alexa]] Critical Path.

==Sun Nov 26, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Module Breakdown]].

==Wed Nov 22, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Module Breakdown]].

==Sat Nov 18, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]].

==Fri Nov 17, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]. Reviewed some of [[FreeCAD 101]] in preparation for earning a [[FreeCAD Badge]] and taking the [[Developer Test]].

==Wed Nov 8, 2023==
[[OSE as a Secular Religion‎‎]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Calculations‎]].

==Mon Oct 10, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Conceptual Design]].

==Mon Oct 9, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Conceptual Design]].

==Tue Sept 26, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]] - Nearly finished. Just need to fill out the Interfaces section some more.

==Sat Sept 23, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Future Work]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Calculations]].

==Sat Sept 16, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Calculations]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Industry Standards]].

==Fri Sept 15, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 BOM]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]

==Tue Aug 29, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Industry Standards]]

==Fri July 14, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Production Engineering]]

==Sun July 9, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Unique Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Calculations]].

==Sat July 8, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]

==Wed July 5, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]

==Mon May 22, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]

==Sun May 21, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[Heated Build Chamber Patents]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Conceptual Design]].

Human-AI Collaboration

2026-03-14T05:08:48Z

Alexa: Add my thoughts on LLMs and things to keep in mind when 'collaborating' with them.

*Principles - clarity is key
*If software is generated and works, save it. It will provide a clear reference for downstream work if AI forgets things. Digital code is the best reminder.
*Use graphs to clarify use cases, such as [https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1qYRFBhIUk9bK4FKEb_on2L5GKOWefswss33hn90-pTo/edit?slide=id.g385327b13a5_0_0#slide=id.g385327b13a5_0_0]
*AI can parse JPGs for text and diagrams - which is like having a smart expert derive semantics from what you show to them
*At all time, clear algorithm is key.
*Ports are key in schemas, instead of trying to describe how things attach verbally. Ports define connection method, regardless of or prior to any geometrical transformation

==Alexa's Thoughts==
===Limitations of LLM "AI" models===
* LLMs are trained on a limited dataset. Any information that is sought outside of that dataset will be unanswerable to the model.
* LLMs are trained on proprietary datasets. Unless you are running a local model that you have trained and know the contents of the training data, you will not know what the limitations of the model are.
* LLMs are prediction machines that operate on statistical principles alone. They do NOT reason, they cannot engineer, they cannot think, they cannot deliberate.
* LLMs (from the major AI companies) are trained on scraped data from the internet. They will come with every bias and prejudice that can be found publicly on the internet.
* LLMs often hallucinate or confabulate (fill in gaps in 'memory' with whatever sounds good).
* LLMs, having no reasoning ability, must be followed by a human for anything that is critical for health, safety, success, or accuracy.

===My Thoughts===
Large Language Models are one tool in the computer user's toolbox. Information provided by an LLM must be verified just like on a Wikipedia page, a random post on Reddit, or any other place where untrusted actors can contribute their opinions in the place of fact.

===Where LLMs Excel, and how they can be put to use===
Since AI models can be fed nearly limitless information/data, they can be incredibly fast at generating responses. An LLM can parse through 10,000+ software repositories much faster than a human can, which is why they can generally be useful in performing basic coding tasks or in producing large amounts of human-sounding writing in nearly an instant. LLMs are also okay at presenting creative or non-traditional answers to questions, which can be a useful aid in certain situations. Additionally, it can be difficult to find things that "you don't know you don't know", and LLMs may mention interesting topics in their output that warrant further reading. The area that LLMs most excel in are conversational/natural language input into a computer. They are making improvements in how productive voice commands are for a computer user.

===Things to avoid===
“A computer can never be held accountable, therefore a computer must never make a management decision.” – IBM Training Manual, 1979

Due to the lack of reasoning skills, the need for verification of critical information, and a general lack of understanding of the nuances of living in our world, LLMS should NOT perform certain tasks. Per the classic IBM quote above, LLMs are still computers. They're machines, unfeeling, unable to make moral decisions, and should not be trusted to be truthful. They shouldn't be used to engineer things (for fear of engilucinations) as they can make critical missteps in the process, and then who is to blame?

I personally take pride in my work, and even when the work is not as good as other people's work, at least I can sign my name to it and be proud of what I achieved in my endeavor of creation. If I give all of that away to a robot, what of me is left?

Talk:SCALE

2026-02-21T00:22:20Z

Alexa: Created page with "I hope that the 2026 SCALE 23x talk is still on, I am looking forward to attending the event and seeing the OSE presentation. https://www.socallinuxexpo.org/scale/23x/presentations/open-source-ecology-tools-rebuild-world --~~~~"

I hope that the 2026 SCALE 23x talk is still on, I am looking forward to attending the event and seeing the OSE presentation. https://www.socallinuxexpo.org/scale/23x/presentations/open-source-ecology-tools-rebuild-world
--[[User:Alexa|Alexa]] ([[User talk:Alexa|talk]]) 00:21, 21 February 2026 (UTC)

Alexa Log

2026-01-21T01:02:55Z

Alexa:

{{RightTOC}}

<html><iframe width="600" height="280" src="https://osedev.org/wiki/Alexa"></iframe></html>
==Tuesday Jan 20, 2026==
[[OSE Systems Automation‎]]

==Sunday Dec 21, 2025==
I have been preoccupied with thinking about this and other lovely projects, so I'm popping in to share my recent thoughts.

The Appropedia wiki has plans for an open source compression screw grinding machine.

Here's the relevant video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P7IGj5Wa7k

Wiki Entry: https://www.appropedia.org/Open-Source_Grinding_Machine_for_Compression_Screw_Manufacturing/

Design Files: https://osf.io/ev6ta/

Additionally, there's a case study into a bootstrapping a business with 4-5 different revenue streams: https://www.appropedia.org/Making_the_Tools_to_Do-It-Together:_Open-source_Compression_Screw_Manufacturing_Case_Study

All of this is to say, I'm looking into building one of these machines because I want to experiment with small extrusion screw extruders for my next version of the D3D printer

I want to use a small extrusion screw to act as a preheating stage for pellets/regrind to enter a normal 2.85mm V6/Volcano/Supervolcano 3D printer nozzle.

My thought is to use a more shallow extrusion screw that will soften the plastic enough to make it flow but not yet heat the material to its printing temperature.

The reason you use a compression screw at all is to get a greater mixing action in the particles you feed into the screw. Augers don't provide as consistent results becuase of the lack of mixing.

There are many things I want to learn with the screw machine

I have also been considering multiple improvements to the Universal Frame

The current combo of 3D printed plastic with rebar members is not suitably stiff enough for my needs.

On the OSE wiki, Marcin laid out plans for a large workshop structure consisting entirely of welded rebar box trusses: https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/wiki/Large_Workshop_Structure
Large Workshop Structure

I want to miniaturize that design to work as a machine frame on the D3D Mega that is my next planned build

I am also going to experiment with both concrete-filled truss and aerocrete-filled truss. The youtuber Nighthawkinlight recently released a simple recipe to make aerocrete using xanthan gum, liquid dish detergent, a small amount of alcohol, water, and portland cement.

The advantages of aerocrete are that it's up to 60% lighter that normal concrete, and the trapped air that makes it lighter can act as a closed or open cell foam insulation material.
Being rock, it's somewhat heat and fire tolerant. I'm interested in a furnace/stove cement version for extreme temperature conditions.
That's important for the D3D Pro and D3D Mega, because both have planned improvements to include a high temperature heated chamber. With enough planning ahead, I'm expecting that the chamber could reach kiln levels of hot.

That unlocks engineering filaments, high temp recycled mixed plastic blends, annealing on the print bed, glazing pottery or 3D printed ceramics.

Here is a relevant expired patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6722872B1/en
Instead of a metal enclosure like this one, it's cheaper and more attainable to use a high temp refractory concrete (primarily aluminum and silicon oxides) or another material that can withstand high temps.

I purchased some porcelain floor tiles to test their durability in a chamber that's at least 500*C
My searches online for "porcelain exploding at high temp" yielded few results so hopefully that'll go well
One other thing that needs improving is the heated bed. I'm hoping that my non-explosive floor tiles will serve as a tough and flat surface that will last in the high heat.
I grabbed a 24"x24" polished tile from Menards for the build plate.

I'm debating between improving on the current halogen lightbulb design or switching back to the previous 2018 era design that used nichrome wire.
The nichrome wire design was discontinued because it usually wore out the windings at the connection points.
While perusing videos on kiln design, I found that you can twist nichrome wire together with a few shorter strands to make a lower temp and lower resistance section that you can then screw into a high temperature screw terminal from ole reliable McMaster Carr: https://www.mcmaster.com/5602T21/

Nichrome wire is dead cheap compared to halogen lightbulbs and is usually considered a consumable. That being said... lightbulbs are much easier for an end user to change than a big nichrome wire. I'd love feedback on that from you all

I'm also bumping up to 1/2" aluminum round stock and tube stock for motion axes on the D3D Mega build.
For increased rigidity I have been thinking about moving from the polymer bearings to three roller bearings on each rod in the axis.
That will leave space for me to mount the 1/2" round stock directly to the frame along its length using countersunk screw holes.

'''Proposed changes summary:'''

Extruder
--Add compression screw pre-melt stage for pellet and regrind
--Add load cell/strain gauges as mounting points for the extruder for nozzle touch sensing
--Add a toolhead board for controlling all of the functions
--Add mounting plate for quick extruder change/future multi tool head setups

Universal Axis
--Increase rod diameter
--Add mounting points for Y & Z axis stabilization
--Add roller bearings to the carriage

Universal Frame
--Remove 3D printed corners
--Use welded rebar truss for members
--Use U-bolts for attaching members together and mounting components to the frame
--Cast concrete into each truss to dampen vibration and include threaded inserts/nuts, U-bolts, or other hardware (optional)

Fast Heated Bed
--Replace steel bed surface with porcelain floor tile (tbd if this works)
--Increase heating power of bed with either nichrome wire or many halogen lightbulbs
--Increase thermal mass of the bed via filling with sand or possibly casting custom aerocrete panels for nichrome coils
--Use high temperature terminal blocks

Universal Controller
--Add toolhead board(s)
--Add more solid state relays to enable zone control in the heated bed
-- Use larger enclosure with removable mounting plate and cable management area
--Add a small touchscreen for full printer control at point of operation (optional)

Heated Chamber
--Add heated chamber
--Use rebar truss, high termperature aerocrete/firebrick/porcelain tile (best results tbd)
--Use nichrome or halogen lightbulb heating elements in the bottom of the chamber for active heating
--Use small metal fans for air circulation (motors can be externally mounted)
--Use welding blanket as a flexible baffle on top of the chamber (see here for more options: https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/wiki/Open_Source_High_Temperature_3D_Printer_Requirements_%2B_Value_Proposition)

I should emphasize that these are planned changes and are not actually things I have done. They therefore are not recommendations but rather future experiments. :)

==Thu Aug 15, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]

==Fri June 21, 2024==
I'm back with updates!

I have been working on the printer in my spare time all month long, gradually performing upgrades and ironing out issues. I will do my best to compile the technical aspects of my notes for this past month at [[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]. I have yet to begin more structured/formal data collection on the printer, but I have a shortlist of things I will be testing for:

* Max Temps (Deg. C/ Deg. F)
* Max movement of all axes (mm)
* Input shaping settings (frequencies, damping factors, etc. - usually unique to each machine but this will be a ballpark for others)
* Pressure Advance (K-factor, also ballpark)
* Axis backlash for all axes (mm)
* Build time (hours, minutes)
* Max speeds (mm/s)
* Max acceleration (mm/s^2)
* Max jerk (mm/s^3)
* Max volumetric flowrate (mm^3/s) (filament specific, but again ballpark)
* Bed leveling mesh data (mesh output) (need to ensure that the printers don't have wildly warped beds - need to test limits of warp somehow)
* Bed max lift before belt skipping (g or kg)
* Total machine cost (BOM, labor, packaging, etc.)
* Filament used in machine's printed parts (g)
* Count of each part (for BOM)
* Printing results/Start success (failure rate, %) (min. 2 Sigma prior to any sales)
* "Benchy" test print included with each printer
* Skew (mm/m)
* Overhang performance (angle)
* Warping and delamination (test print)
* Noise (dB)

I have also ordered and received most of the parts for the next printer build of v23.12. I will be using some different BOM part choices from the first build. A few of the 'new' parts are updated 3D printed parts. I will be uploading those files at [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]].

==Mon May 20, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]
==Thu May 9, 2024==
Since Saturday I have been working on the 3D printer. I have probably spent over 40 hours on the project this week, but I will have to check all of my notes and upload the grand total. I will be updating the printer data and build information at [[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]. This has been a blast!

==Sat May 4, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Pictures and Video]] I worked on the universal controller assembly first as that is the module that likely needs to come first for the sake of testing all of the other components.

==Fri May 3, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Pictures and Video]]

==Thu May 2, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Pictures and Video]]. I posted recent pics and videos to the Open Source Ecology Workshops Facebook group. The results have been good so far :)

==Sun Apr 28, 2024==
Interview Questions

==Thu Apr 4, 2024==
I have been working on enterprise development for the past few weeks. I now have an LLC set up and a website up and running with demo content [https://www.opensourcemfg.com/]. I have been mapping out processes in the business on a flow chart to plan for what standard operating procedures I need to write. I am currently stuck on my ability to purchase more parts to continue prototyping work, at least for the time being, so I have been working on other things. I have also focused on printing additional products for photographing. I have been adding to my listings on Etsy.

==Wed Mar 13, 2024==
[[Input Shaping]]

==Mon Mar 11, 2024==
My Ender 3 V2 printer broke on Tuesday/Wednesday when I was upgrading the nozzle from 0.4mm to 1.0mm - I stripped the heater block threads. I purchased a replacement part online that arrived on Saturday. I repaired the printer and finished the upgrades. The print time for a universal frame rebar corner connector dropped from 11.5 hours to 4.5 hours with the new nozzle. The print quality also improved. Currently I am printing all of the motor pieces, carriages, and carriage closures for the printer. The whole job is estimated to take 27.5 hours.

Work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide.

==Mon Mar 4, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]

==Sun Mar 3, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]. I had the assistance of a friend for note taking and discussing process improvements during my work today. We both worked on [[D3D Pro v23.12]] for 4.5 hours.

==Tue Feb 27, 2024==
Work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide. Currently still in section 1 (sourcing).

==Mon Feb 19, 2024==
Work on updating the [[D3D Pro v23.12 BOM]] for the switch to the 12" bed, plus adding the tools and supplies (zip ties, ferrules, electrical tape, etc.) that were not included as details in the CAD. I also realized that I made a mistake in the naming of the machine. If I wanted to go for a 12" bed the machine should have been named D3D Pro 2 v23.12 as the Pro 2 is the 12" bed.

==Sun Feb 18, 2024==
Today I worked on setting up a Magento ecommerce website on AWS for my business. It can be viewed here: [https://opensourcemfg.com]. I went for the name Open Source Manufacturing as it nicely sums up the work I'll be doing in my future microfactory.

==Sat Feb 17, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide

==Fri Feb 16, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide

==Thu Feb 15, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide

I met with [[User:Strangeloops]] to discuss OSE, the GVCS, the D3D Pro v23.12 3D Printer and what I could use help on in the project. They are going to look into the firmware and software for the beagleplay board.

==Tue Feb 13, 2024==
Resizing [[D3D Pro v23.12]] to accommodate a 12" bed.

==Fri Feb 9, 2024==
I worked for a few hours tonight drafting a business plan with the help of a friend. I have more work to do in market research and analysis and expanding on the other sections. I also worked on BOM research. The printer's total cost came out slightly under what I had expected, which is nice. :)

==Wed Feb 7, 2024==
The CAD work is coming along nicely. Universal Controller is in place, Z axes are in place, etc. I'm finishing up the bed and then all of the major components and fasteners will be done. Then I have to determine if it will be worth my while to do wiring in the CAD file itself. I like how it was done in the CAD for the Lyman filament extruder. In that file the wire plug locations are marked with color coded cylinders that indicated which wire went to where. On the other hand though, it's time I could spend on other documentation. Once the CAD is finished I am planning to break every part out into it's own separate file and upload it to the parts library on the wiki.

Evening

I worked more on the [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]] today. I caught some spelling errors and generated new parts including the thermistors, heater cartridge, PEI Sheet, 2-sided tape, 1/2" conduit (which for some reason seems to not be 1/2" in any dimension), and the halogen light bulbs and holders (which I did my best to look up online but may be inaccurate to some degree). The assembly is nearing completion. There are currently around 350 individual parts in the part tree and that does not include wires, a few missing screws, or zip ties.

==Mon Feb 5, 2024==
I have been messaging back and forth on discord with an individual who wants to contribute to open source projects. They are looking into firmware options for the upgraded [[D3D Pro v23.12]]. I am looking forward to hearing their thoughts on whether the additional features like gcode preprocessing and advanced bed mesh calculations will be worth the switch.

I realized that I am going to need to redesign the '4D printed' Universal Controller mount board. It is not compatible with the new rebar frame and it needs extra space for the BeagleBone computer. I settled on the BeaglePlay as it has built-in wifi and is around $100. It is also fully open source [https://certification.oshwa.org/us002174.html]. You could probably fire up OSE linux on it if you wanted. :)

==Sun Feb 4, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12]].

==Sat Feb 3, 2024==
Continue work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]]. Getting a lot done. Top axes are in place. Frame is in place. Extruder is in place. I must say, I've really been enjoying the FreeCAD 0.16 workflow. It feels more like I'm assembling a big 3D puzzle when doing placement-based versus when I do constraint-based assemblies and I spend hours fighting to get the constraints near perfect (which is much less fun). I had to hunt around a little bit on the wiki to piece together the CAD library that I have been using. I broke down the [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]] page into subsections for each module and their individual parts. I am planning to complete the CAD work ASAP |am grateful for all of the countless hours of prior development work that went into this project already. It has made my small additions possible.

There is a small business network in my town that provides startup assistance and access to funding opportunities that I am considering joining for the sake of the workshop business I am starting.

==Fri Feb 2, 2024==
Continuing work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]]. I finished the Universal Frame Assembly. I am going to have to start naming parts with the machine name in the file name. I'm starting to overlap names I used on [[D3D Mega v23.05]].

==Wed Jan 31, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]]. [[D3D Pro v23.12 Requirements + Value Proposition]].

==Sun Jan 14, 2024==
I've had lots of fun working on the working doc from Friday's log. I have gotten to a point where I have an early prototype CAD model and I've shared my work (early and often as always). [[File:Universal Frame Rebar Connector.FCStd]]

==Fri Jan 12, 2024==
I spent a little while playing with the Angle Frame Corner generator that is part of the [[3D Printer Workbench]] in FreeCAD. I may attempt to expose more variables from the connector macro vs restarting from scratch to design a new frame corner for 1/2" rebar. If just a few more things were exposed as variables I would be able to generate a 1/2" square slot for the rebar to be inserted into. Then it's just a matter of tightening down the set screw and you're square.

{{Hint|Start a [[Working Doc]] and you can paste this text in there and continue to update with pictures. I'd like to see pictures.-MJ}}

<html><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQJGjvT_RImILXAkqd6a0fL103VUeAeYOpJmNLADXsCtNyqZ54SHsb6FdzmFyus6jdDdgJcFJRMCUMu/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=60000" frameborder="0" width="960" height="569" allowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true"></iframe></html>

[https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1FVPihIJHFriQ9S9soaE_G7H4oCvzvejftOcpkz_REfw/edit?usp=sharing edit]

==Wed Jan 10, 2024==
At work I have been spending a lot of time looking into Semantic MediaWiki. The extension effectively lets a person use a wiki as a low/no code relational database. It would be great to use for data collection or running a business single source of truth. I may use it to track business operations and keep myself organized personally as it's very customizable. I'm honestly surprised that it's not in use on the OSE wiki, but it does add complexity and has an additional learning curve, so maybe not too surprised. I've also been considering that a wiki would be the perfect place to store notes and information as I continue my path of life-long learning.

Recently read the Lecture Notes on Teaching General Semantics by Lance Strate, Ph.D. available at the [https://www.generalsemantics.org/Teaching-Materials General Semantics website]. I was particularly inspired by the section on Idealization  and  Operationalism. Idealization causes frustration because it makes people believe that things like 'love', 'success', etc. are unattainable because they idealize them. When something is put on a pedestal, untouchable, it becomes unattainable because there are no concrete steps to get there. Operationalism, conversely, means you define something by the steps it takes to get there. If you want to "change the world", what will be changed and what are your steps to get there? Similar to the working principles around SMART goals.

I have also recently decided that I'd like to apply the general semantics principles/life principles that I have been pondering lately to my organization ability. I have struggled a lot in the past to stay organized and on top of everything (whether at work or home), and I'd like to learn and develop organization as a skill. In its simplest form, organization is just having a place for everything, and everything in its place. The steps to get there would be to make places for every thing that I want to take time to organize, and put it there; whether that means a physical location for an object, or a place for data to live.

==Mon Jan 8, 2024==
The new year didn't exactly start as planned, but I'm back. I'm going to continue work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]], move on to finishing my critical path and set a realistic workshop date.

An interesting development in my life - a friend of mine is starting out a new small venture making hair care/beard care products at my encouragement. He has a lot of experience from another business he ran making those same products. I want to help him start his business with the most basic tools to get the job done while still allowing for industrial productivity. He should be able to produce his products in a simple double boiler on a gas, electric, or induction stove. I can manufacture all of his packaging on my 3D Printer, and we can use my printer and Cricut machine to produce waterproof/oilproof labels. We can use my 3d printer to make pouring /filling jigs for bottles and chap stick tubes. We are working on manufacturing everything in-house as much as possible. This business will be [[antifragile]] - the multipurpose machines that we're using can be put to use in many other ways in the business, and for the most part we already own everything we need personally, so there's not really any chance of 'going out of business'... just the possibility of having a few hundred dollars of hair care products to use at the house.

Also, I have convinced him to share all of his documentation openly and collaboratively, from standard operating procedures to recipes to data collection. He agrees with me that having free access to that information is better for the world, and helps solve the pressing world issues that we have talked about wanting to solve. Hopefully soon there will be a handful of additional products available for the [[Open Source Everything Store]], and some free cash for more open source work. :)

I read through most of The Homebrew Industrial Revolution: A Low-Overhead Manifesto by Kevin A. Carson. Great book that mentions OSE. I really liked the author's discussions about how precision machining and making parts to higher tolerances, alongside the freeing potential of electricity and the electric motor, bring home or workshop based manufacturing to the same quality as products produced by mass manufacturing. The book has a lot of similar themes to OSE's guiding philosophies.

==Thu Dec 28, 2023==
[[SH4 Documentation Proposal‎]] Typos. [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]] expanding upon full timeline of work.

==Tue Dec 26, 2023==
Expanded on [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]]. I am attempting to break the assembly steps down today. That way when I get to the later assembly and build manual documentation steps I will be more prepared. The old [[3D Printer Manual]] is helping me get the general order of operations down, even with many steps being different in later versions.

==Sun Dec 24, 2023==
Added to Saturday's timeline, and then moved it to [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]]. I am working to expand my to-do list down to every detail that I feel I can reasonably capture. Once completed I will have a list of tasks that is detailed enough to enable swarm-based workflows. The one I'm looking forward to the most is the [[Kit Certification]] and build manual documentation steps. I plan to have me and two others work together to document the build manual. One person builds and explains the steps of the printer build they take as they work. Another person takes up close photos of before, during, and after each step. The third person transcribes the steps into a work document.

I have started to break down the documentation that I will create for handouts at [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]].

==Sat Dec 23, 2023==

Timeline to workshop ready point:

(Does not include marketing/workshop stuff, just kit documentation prep)

* Create and finalize LOD500 cad
** Model frame for 1/2" rebar
*** Model corner connectors / Y axis holders 8hrs
*** Model Z axis top and bottom holders 4hrs
** Model heated bed components and assemble
*** Buy halogen bulbs and holders to take measurements .5hr
*** Model halogen holder and bulb 1hr
*** Model heated bed tubes .5hr
*** Model heated bed sheet metal (including holes) .5hr
*** Model heated bed carbon fiber blankets .5hr
*** Assemble heated bed in CAD 2hr
** Assemble extruder in CAD from available prior work 4hrs
** Assemble control panel in CAD from available prior work 4hrs
** Assemble axes from available prior work - Done

* Generate BOM from CAD - Instant in FreeCAD 21
** Find multiple vendors for each part 12hrs

* Source and order all of the first kit supplies
** Order parts from multiple sources to vet quality/compatibility

* Prep the first kit
** Print 3d printed components - 48+ hrs
** Cut rods and rebar to size - 1.5hr
** Cut lengths of belt - 15min
** Cut lengths of pipe for bed - 30min
** Cut plates for bed (if necessary) - 15min
** Cut aluminum heatsink to size - 10min
** Machine aluminum heatsink on drill press - 15min
** Test all electrical components (motors, endstops, RAMPS+Mega, bed heater, etc) 30min
*** Motors all spin
*** Endstops trigger properly and are correct type for failing safely
*** Bed Heater - lighting up
*** Hotend and thermistors - Heat up and measure temp
** Heat gun the control panel print as in [[4D Printing]] 5min

* Build the first kit
** Build Universal Frame
**# Gather all materials 1min
**# Build two squares from the corners and rebar 10min
**#* Use jig to square (wooden dowel cut to length of connector distance)
**#* Be mindful of corner direction
**#* Tighten fasteners
**# Add 4 vertical rebar pieces into one of the square's corners 2min
**#* Tighten fasteners
**# Put second square onto the top 2min
**#* Turn frame onto its side
**#* Use jig to square
**#* Tighten fasteners
**# Done!
** Build Universal Axes
*** X Axis with rods jutting past the sides
*** Y Axes with unique carriages
*** Z Axes with shorter rods
** Build Universal Extruder
** Build Heated Bed
*** Primarily assembled using high temp epoxy
** Build Universal Controller
*** Tin all wires
*** Attach all components to panel
*** Follow prior art wiring plans
** Build filament holder

* Perform [[Kit Certification]]

* Assemble another printer, taking pictures of every step and recording the steps taken in order.

* Create documentation for printer, following wiki development template
** Kit Prep Manual
*** Safety, workspace layouts, kit prep expected effort timeline
*** Sourcing section - notes on finding local substitutes
*** Metal Cutting Section
*** Aluminum Heatsink Prep Section
*** Steps for partial preassembly
*** Packaging for workshop
*** Packaging for shipment
** Build Manual
*** Universal Frame Section
*** Universal Axis Section
**** X, Y, and Z are separate
*** Universal Extruder Section
*** Fast Heated Bed Section
*** Universal Controller Section
*** Final Assembly Section
*** Wiring and testing Section
*** Troubleshooting Section

* Have an assistant assemble a kit from documentation alone to test for weaknesses
** Revise documentation as necessary for clarity, ease of assembly, turnkey-ness

* Prep the workshop kits
** Print 3d printed components
** Order parts
** Cut rods and rebar to size
** Cut lengths of belt
** Cut lengths of pipe for bed
** Cut plates for bed (if necessary)
** Cut aluminum heatsink to size
** Machine aluminum heatsink on drill press
** Test all electrical components (motors, endstops, RAMPS+Mega, bed heater, etc) for all kits
** Gather together kits per BOM
** Label parts as labeled in the documentation (aiming for eventually offering language agnostic assembly instructions)
** Package kits in separate crates/boxes for easy transport to event
** Print out documentation binder - 1 per kit
** Prepare OSE Linux Live USBs - 1 per kit

*Work in progress*

==Sun Dec 17, 2023==
[[D3D Pro v23.12]]. Started work on CAD Assembly. It's moving very quickly due to prior work on D3D Mega v23.05.

==Sat Dec 16, 2023==
Worked a little bit on my critical path at [[User:Alexa]]. I am reworking it to have a more realistic timeframe.

==Fri Dec 15, 2023==
LOD 500 CAD To-Do Breakdown:
* Model halogen holder and bulb
* Model heated bed tubes
* Model heated bed sheet metal (including holes)
* Model heated bed carbon fiber blankets
* Assemble heated bed in CAD
* Assemble extruder in CAD from available prior work
* Assemble control panel in CAD from available prior work
* Resize rods on universal axes from v23.05
* Resize angle iron in v23.05 frame

I do not yet know how to best model the wires/wiring connections for the CAD. I would really appreciate direction on where I can learn to do this if anyone reading knows.

Contingency plan for any prolonged delays to workshop is to build an online shop after completion of full product documentation. An ecommerce website is still a potentially viable distributive enterprise, even if it does not have the same local impact that a workshop would. I would still prefer to do the workshop first to prove the workshop model is viable before investing time into learning how to sell and market effectively on an ecommerce store. In any case, the store is an inevitability just like the workshop - just a matter of timing.

'''It's the day after the workshop and it was a horrible disaster. What went wrong and how could it have been stopped beforehand?'''
* No tickets were sold so the event could not take place.
* Could be mitigated by buying kits only after ticket sales so there's no money lost except for the venue deposit?
* A solid marketing plan drawn up by an expert and executed to the letter.
* A clear market has been defined as part of the above plan

* The website got DDOSed/Crashed/Too Slow
* Host on large national provider and use cloudflare for DDOS protection
* Use the hosting provider's version of wordpress to ensure automatic updates occur

* The kits were unfinished due to lack of time
* Clear proofs of build time from inexperienced assembler doing a time lapse like in [[Kit Certification]]
* Step by step instructions with clear pictures for each step. Proper warnings and safety information included.
* Clearly labeling each part by letter as in [[Language Agnostic Instructionals]]

* The printers do not function
* Test all motors and electronics prior to finishing kit assembly
* Have a quality control checklist + BOM to review each kit with prior to event
* Have a spare printer worth of parts available

==Thu Dec 14, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Conceptual Design]]. Added additional notes on top cover of high temp heated chamber.

==Tue Dec 12, 2023==
I took a big step in my day job today. I transitioned to posting all of the work that I perform onto an internally hosted wiki for all to see. I have been missing the mark at times without a system for storing my work and the wiki was the perfect place to build in accountability, transparency, and capture all of the details. My hope is that this will increase my capacity to work more collaboratively with my peers as I have been learning to do through OSE.

==Sun Dec 10, 2023==
===Onboarding Assessment===
====Tactical====

'''1. How much time do you have to commit to the development of your chosen project?'''

I can sustainably commit to 8-12 hours per week of development time. I have a 40 hour per week job Tuesday through Saturday, I am a board member for a local nonprofit (which takes up at least a few hours per month), and I provide for and tend to my household, which takes up the rest of my time.

'''2. How long could you sustain your development effort prior to revenue?''' For example, in the worst case scenario of innumerable unforeseen events which prevented you from reaching the point of revenue generation, if it took way longer than was ever reasonably predicted - could you sustain your effort as long as it takes or would you have to pivot? We should have clarity on this question because it can help us match the expected preparation/development tasks to the available time. Please start on this question by thinking about a task list for preparing for a first workshop in as much detail as possible, as part of this question.

Because I am working another full time job I should be able to continue my development efforts without regard to incoming revenue. The development work can be completed with access to a single printer, so once that has been purchased, the overhead costs should be zero or near zero. Ultimately, pursuing sustainable and appropriate open source hardware projects is shaping up to be my life's work so it can take as long as it needs to.

Kits
* Create development pages on wiki
* Create and finalize LOD500 cad
* Generate BOM from CAD
* Source and order all of the kit supplies - Need to discuss best methods to fund purchase
* Cut rods and angle iron to size
* cut lengths of belt
* cut lengths of pipe for bed
* cut plates for bed (if necessary)
* machine aluminum heatsink on drill press
* print 3d printed components
* Perform Kit Certification
* Assemble the printer a second time, taking pictures of every step and recording the steps taken in order.
* Create documentation for printer assembly (Combine with data from kit certification for accurate assembly time estimate)
* Have an assistant assemble a kit from documentation alone to test for weaknesses (bonus points for an assistant who knows nothing about 3d printers) (Potentially optional step)
* Test all electrical components (motors, endstops, RAMPS+Mega, bed heater, etc) for all kits
* Assemble kits per BOM
* Label parts as labeled in the documentation (aiming for eventually offering language agnostic assembly instructions)
* Package kits in separate crates/boxes for easy transport to event
* Print out documentation binder - 1 per kit
* Prepare OSE Linux Live USBs - 1 per kit

Presentation
* Create presentation that talks about unique features and benefits of the D3D Printer
* Include modularity (and what that even means to someone)
* Lifetime design vs planned obsolescence
* Open source hardware
* Distributive enterprise

Venue
* Shop around to obtain rates from venues for a full day workshop
* Pay deposit
* Pay balance due
* Arrive early day of for setup

Food
* Choose a local restaurant for supplying lunch and or catering trays
* Place an advance order for the food to be prepped
* Pick up day of or before
* Alternatively, just buy catering trays from Sam's Club

Marketing materials
* Create and implement templates for social media posts (FB, insta, etc.), flyers
* Distribute flyers in local businesses
* Have venue partner share event on their social media accounts
* Share event in local and surrounding community Facebook groups
* Schedule social media posts for weeks and days leading to event.
* Create website for event and product (lean on work for presentation for content)

Business plan
* If outside funding is required, a business plan will need to be written

Budget
* A budget will need to be written to estimate expenses and potential earnings.
* Ticket Revenue
* Venue cost
* Kits cost
* Marketing cost
* Website costs

'''3. What do you see as the potential of the modular, Construction Set Approach for building things?'''

I see the modular construction set approach to building things as the most important method for creating modern appropriate technology. Many open source hardware projects exist in isolation at present. If those projects were designed to be interoperable and have intercompatible parts they would be easier to design and build while being more appropriate and more valuable. It's my view that the only way that a transition to an open source economy of abundance is possible is with access to a modular construction set of manufacturing tools. The integrated performance (including social, environmental, and technological aspects) of modular construction sets, will better internalize the costs of production as opposed to creating more pollution, forcing people to take jobs that are not their right livelihood, or reinventing prior art for each project. Because modern mass production is focused on point performance of products, there is a lot more value that can be captured for the producer and end user when this approach is used.

Modular construction sets have the potential to enable low overhead distributed production of life sustaining essentials, tools, and machines all the way up to clean rooms and space ships.

'''4. How would you propose to implement 'lifetime design'?''' Discuss some of the key, specific features of your project that would express the 'lifetime design' philosophy. Think about what it would take to offer a 'lifetime design warranty' - point to some details of how you envision that this could this be implemented in a sustainable way?

The D3D Printer has multiple lifetime design elements. The chief design element is the plastic/steel construction of the machine, which combines the complex geometries of 3D printed plastic with the strength of steel. This makes for an extremely rugged design that is unlikely to need much if any maintenance. The parts that wear out fastest on the printer are the linear bearings and the belts, both of which are 3D printable. Other components like the halogen heating bulbs in the bed, the stepper motors, the extruder heater cores and thermistors, the endstops, etc. are all low cost, common-off-the-shelf components that can be easily sourced by the end user. The user will always have the option to service their own machines, even if the company that produced the kit or machine goes out of business.

A lifetime design warranty could consist of a few separate elements.
* Access to the full CAD, documentation, design files, etc. for easy user servicing and repair of the machine
* Offer replacements for all parts in cases where the machine was used under normal operating conditions for a 3D Printer, and the part was still within its useful lifetime. Require that the defective or damaged part be sent in for possible repair. End user pays shipping.
* Base the lifetime amount calculations on industry standard lifetimes of the part. 10,000 hours for stepper motors, for example.
* Anything outside of normal operating lifetimes won't be covered.
* The cost of maintaining a lifetime design warranty will decrease over time as replacement parts are manufactured in-house on digital fabrication machines.

'''5. Why did you choose to pursue the OSE product as opposed to the numerous other options out there?''' Clarify what you see as the value and unique value proposition of our work, compared to other options. Why did you choose to pursue the OSE product as opposed to the numerous other options out there?

I chose to pursue working with OSE for the sake of the appropriateness of their work. The OSE Specifications align perfectly with my personal principles of the free sharing of knowledge, the growth and development of myself as an individual, and adding to the pool of human knowledge via time-binding. I also want to self-provide to enable my own buy-out-at-the-bottom financial independence. I ultimately want to spend my life doing personally meaningful work, and OSE is aligned with my goals on this perfectly.

OSE's most valuable practice is releasing all of their work under open licenses, based on universal guiding principles. The work done by OSE is always in furthering the ends of their vision, not just for the marketing gimmick that some companies engage in when they release their goods as 'open source'. OSE puts their money where their mouth is, so to speak.

I chose to pursue the D3D printer first as it is the machine that is most accessible to me, while also being one of those most ready for a product release from the GVCS. I can build the D3D printers entirely in my second bedroom in my apartment if necessary. I need very low overhead to produce the machines and sell them on a website, which is great because I am at the start of my career and I have very little capital available to me to start the business off. Other organizations' open source machines are available for me to replicate, but none of them have the low part count, modular, lifetime design of the D3D printer.

'''6. What are your revenue goals for the first stage and afterwards?''' Once you have obtained a 'sustainable enterprise' - what revenue and net revenue would you like that to be for you? Provide your goals and the time within which you would like to achieve these goals. How would you see that growing in the years to come?

Once I have obtained a 'sustainable enterprise' I am looking to make as much as I am currently with my day job, approx $30K net per year (which would be approx $100K gross revenue at 30% profit). I want the enterprise to become my full time work, so at the bare minimum I have to be able to sustain myself at my current standard of living. I want to be able to do this work full time within three years or less. After achieving the point of transition to full time work my goal is to increase revenues until I make at least $50K/year net ($167K gross) within five years and for the rest of my life. When combined with other methods of high tech self providing, this is a very sustainable income.

'''7. How do you envision implementing the collaborative and swarm-based development and production aspects of OSE in your project?'''

I am planning to continue uploading all of my work on my projects on the OSE wiki. I am open to working collaboratively with anyone inside or outside of OSE to get my first workshop done successfully. I have also studied how OSE collaborates on the wiki and on cloud based documents, so I can teach others how to best work with me on the project. I also have family members and friends who have expressed interest in helping me on the project if I give them enough direction on where to help, so I will be leaning on them to assist me with the kit production, marketing, and documentation work.

Kit production especially can be broken down into numerous parallel tasks. Picking and packing the materials for 12-24 3D printers can be done component by component by any number of individuals. Photography work can be done from multiple angles by multiple people for a much faster pace and higher quality in recording the steps for documentation.

====Inspiration====

'''1.Describe how you would like your company to look and behave once you have attained the status of Distributive Enterprise.''' Such as - what are you and your team doing, whom are you serving, what products do you have, how is your enterprise growing and providing unique value, what is your day-to-day, what are your prospects for the future), what are you thinking and feeling?

In the near term, while the business is smaller, my team and I would be spending around half the week making 3D printers as well as goods for the Open Source Everything Store (3D Printed Products, Useful 3D Prints, especially metal plastic composite construction), and the other half doing additional documentation work, creating new products for the Open Source Everything Store according to OSE specifications, prototyping new digital fabrication machines (D3D Torch/router table, laser cutter, D3D Circuit Mill, filament extruder, 3D Scanner), etc. We would be serving mostly the national market for our products online, and doing local craft shows to connect with more local customers. By this point there would be extra money to invest into prototyping and pursuing even more development. I would also have access to many more tools (multiple printers, power tools, welders, etc.) that will increase the amount and quality of machines and goods I can produce. All of the general use machinery available to me will enable flexability throughout changing market conditions. The future looks bright. According to my goals, this would be about three years out from now when I move to this being my full time work.

In the long term, I want my business to grow and evolve until I own and operate a microfactory and farm that serves my neighboorhood. This could include a food co-op, tool/equipment sharing, fabrication services, furnature manufacturing, OSE machine replication, educational classes and workshops, and a large catalogue of Open Source Everything Store products. I want to get as close to fully independent closed loop economy as possible to provide the best opportunities that I can for my family, friends, and neighbors. My day-to-day would be spent building machines, tending to orchards and greenhouses, designing new things, and otherwise contributing to humanity's progress via time-binding. The surrounding community would be more prosperous due to the existance of the microfactory campus. I am feeling fulfilled, at the peak of self-actualization, and I have a long life of contributions to make ahead of me.

'''2. What do you consider to be Pressing World Issues in today's world?''' Describe how you are or how you would like to contribute to solving them. Discuss your goals for 'making a better world' in as much detail as you like.

The United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals are the shortlist of pressing world issues that I believe need to be solved.The SDGs are primarily focused on ending material scarcity (poverty, food access, clean water/sanitation access, industry/infrastructure improvement, good health/wellbeing, reduced inequalities, affordable clean energy, sustainable cities/communities, and decent work/economic growth). They also include the need for education, stewardship toward life and nature, and improved governance.

I am going to contribute to solving these issues by working openly and collaboratively toward creating an open source economy of abundance. The best place to do that currently is OSE. I plan to continue to contribute to the appropriate technologies of the GVCS until completion, as well as contributing to the Open Source Everything Store. My hope is that freely releasing economically significant information will create meaningful livelihoods for people everywhere and help to reduce the issues that stem from material scarcity.

I also want to make a better world for myself in my own personal sphere. I want to use myself as a testbed for sustainable business development to prove the model. If I can go from making barely enough to cover my expenses to flourishing and saving for the future from this process then the world will be just that much better for me and anyone who follows this path. It would also prove that distributive enterprise replication can work and contribute to the eventual conversion of the material economy to an open source paradigm. Those who come after me down this path will (if all goes as planned) be able to provide for themselves and their loved ones and that helps to make the world a better place for everyone. The more people who are engaged in productive and collaborative works instead of crime, corruption, or other unethical behavior, the better.

'''3. OSE follows the principles of Good to Great. The core message is that anyone has a choice to develop the discipline to become great, because there is so much good work needed to be done. And in order to solve difficult problems, one needs great capacity. General acceptance of what is already 'good' keeps the world in a state of immense societal/industrial inertia - ie, stuck without adapting to the times. But, becoming great is not easy, and most people do not choose this route. What are your thoughts on being good vs great?'''

I watched the book summary from the Good to Great page for more context, and I have decided that I will read the book in its entirety.

The path to greatness outlined in Good to Great is making disciplined decisions/steps toward your goal. The apt metaphor of a flywheel is used to illustrate how achieving greatness is a series of small additions to the total momentum in a single direction. This theme of continually building upon the same base over and over again is seen in nature, in the concept of time binding, in the principles that lead to the OSE Specifications and GVCS, and in most of the good self improvement/personal growth literature that I have read. The path to greatness as outlined also requires discipline in relationships with others, and discipline of thought. Specifically, in being a supercollaborative individual who is chasing their own passions and focusing on the objective truth without losing sight of or faith in their end goal.

I believe that greatness is an achieveable state for many people given the above roadmap. For me specifically, I firmly believe that I can become great at running an enterprise with enough sustained effort. The way I could best cultivate it is to keep an open dialogue with those around me about my progress, struggles, goals, and visions for the future. When I make a quiet promise to myself it is sometimes not enough to keep me from missing the mark, but when I have people around me who keep me accountable to my goals I can keep moving in the right direction.

'''4. Take a look at the 4 Zones of Possibility. Discuss what these are for you, with respect to your specific OSE involvement, and in your life in general.'''

These are my answers as of 12/10/2023, but I believe items could move between the 4 zones in the future pending material changes to my circumstances.

1. Define what you know that you can do.
I have moderate physical strength and dexterity, so I can meet most of the physical demands of daily life. I can provide for my family by laboring with my mind or my hands. I can use computers effectively. For OSE I know I can readily contribute to documentation and development work including FreeCAD modeling as I have been doing that on my D3D Mega v23.05 project. In life in general I know that I can physically perform most of the tasks that an average healthy person can.

2. What you think you can do.
I think that I am smart enough to be able to learn new subjects and continue on a path of lifelong learning. I think I am an effective communicator of ideas, at least in one on one conversations. I think that I can learn enough to be able to successfully execute the 3D printer workshop. It may also be possible for me to fly out and be involved in some in person events at OSE. I think that I have the skills necessary to replicate the previously designed machines. I also think that I could have what it takes to contribute to OSE as a developer. I also received an associates degree in business so I can handle most business related math and know some basic aspects of business law and entrepreneurship (though I may be somewhat rusty).

3. What you think is probably too much
It would probably be a financial burden on me to start anything too capital intensive, as I'm working on a tight budget. I have yet to dive into completely learning any programming languages so I will need practice before doing any edits to code on projects. The science, physics, and engineering education that I have is what I learned in high school, so there are a lot of holes in my knowledge of these areas. Raising money for my venture effectively would be difficult for me as I currently don't know where is best to start looking. I feel that doing my workshop alone would likely be exceptionally difficult.

4. What you know you can't do.
I can't/won't do anything that will violate my principles, so unethical practices are out of the question. Outside of that, I'm open to trying to learn how to do anything. I can't relocate anytime soon as I have too much that is dear to me where I live.

'''5. Take a look at the Edge of Knowledge concept. Is there any way you can contribute to the 1000 hour curriculum?'''

I can definitely contribute in the 3D Printing and Open Source Everything Store segments of the 1000 hour curriculum. Those are the topics that I have the most knowledge of among those listed. I have also studied some about radio equipment as I work toward earning a ham radio license so I may be able to summarize simple topics in that field as well. Outside of that I don't have much of a specialization. I am very interested in learning the 1000 hour curriculum someday once completed!

'''6. Take a look at the concept of Level 6 Leadership. Have you ever considered or would you be interested in considering becoming a Level 6 Leader?'''

I am interested in becoming a Level 6 Leader. The material reason for starting my enterprise may be to earn money, but my goal is to add to the commons for all to benefit from. Everything that I do I can share freely with others without harming myself. I want to add to the momentum of the open hardware movement to liberate people (including myself) to be free to chase their passions and live personally meaningful lives. I believe that continuing to create open source alternatives to the conventional closed economy is the shortest route to achieving that end.

'''7. At the end of your life, what would you consider as goals achieved of a life worth living, by whichever metric you consider important?'''

I would have lived by my principles my entire life. I would have spent ample time with my loved ones. I would have added significant contributions to the pool of human knowledge. I would have learned something every day until the day I died. I would have made enough time to contemplate in silence and peace. I would have made the world a better place than when I found it. I would have given a boost to the next generations of humanity.

==Fri Dec 8, 2023==
After an email exchange with Marcin, I am planning to push back the date of my workshop to 4-5 months from now. I'm thinking end of April/beginning of May for the event now. I have a lot of work ahead of me for the project but I'm excited to get started. :))

==Tue Dec 5, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]. - See Github link for most recent work. The CAD is coming along nicely now. I have four modules to finish - heated chamber, extruder, controller, heated bed. I am having an issue with my axes in the assembly - They each have a small square artifact that's visible and I don't know how to remove it. I think it has something to do with the belt peg model though because it didn't appear when I deleted that part from the assembly, but that's mostly a hunch. If anyone's here reading my log I'd love help on fixing the problem.

Also, I wanted to note that I've been building this assembly in the A2Plus assembly workbench in FreeCAD v0.21.1 as I could not for the life of me get Assembly2 to work in FreeCAD 0.16. I'm using OSE linux as my daily driver.

I've been putting work into consolidating the wiki's 3D printer documentation under the D3D Mega v23.05 project. My hope is that my eventual completion of the documentation including LOD 500 CAD will give others a launching point from which they can start distributive enterprises based on the D3D system.

I am planning to run a one day 3D printer workshop based on the D3D Pro V20.07. The tenative date and location is February 4th, 2024 in Port Huron, MI. I understand that I am free to run an independent workshop, but I am very interested in collaborating and continuing to contribute my work back into OSE's wiki. Following the workshop (or sooner, if my work on documentation procceds as planned) I am also planning to sell kits for D3D Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, Universal, and the v23.05 Mega that I have been documenting. My long term goal is to be able to sustain my household from the income from this venture.

I am starting to get the word out now for the event. When I get a little spare cash I'm going to put a deposit down on the space so I can get out marketing materials and a website for the event.

My current roadblocks are my 40 hour job and my lack of startup capital, which also means a lack of a D3D Printer to practice on until I get my first ticket order for the event.

==Mon Dec 4, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD ]]. - See Github link for most recent work

==Sun Dec 3, 2023==
I have been inspired by the thought capture method of a "captain's log" seen on [[Eric Lotze Log]] so I will be documenting some of my thoughts on my work, projects, etc. here in my work log as I am so moved.

==Fri Dec 1, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Industry Standards]].

==Wed Nov 29, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD ]]. - See Github link for most recent work

==Tue Nov 28, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD ]].

==Mon Nov 27, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Module Breakdown]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD ]]. ‎[[D3D Mega v23.05]]. [[User:Alexa]] Critical Path.

==Sun Nov 26, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Module Breakdown]].

==Wed Nov 22, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Module Breakdown]].

==Sat Nov 18, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]].

==Fri Nov 17, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]. Reviewed some of [[FreeCAD 101]] in preparation for earning a [[FreeCAD Badge]] and taking the [[Developer Test]].

==Wed Nov 8, 2023==
[[OSE as a Secular Religion‎‎]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Calculations‎]].

==Mon Oct 10, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Conceptual Design]].

==Mon Oct 9, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Conceptual Design]].

==Tue Sept 26, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]] - Nearly finished. Just need to fill out the Interfaces section some more.

==Sat Sept 23, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Future Work]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Calculations]].

==Sat Sept 16, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Calculations]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Industry Standards]].

==Fri Sept 15, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 BOM]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]

==Tue Aug 29, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Industry Standards]]

==Fri July 14, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Production Engineering]]

==Sun July 9, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Unique Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Calculations]].

==Sat July 8, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]

==Wed July 5, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]

==Mon May 22, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]

==Sun May 21, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[Heated Build Chamber Patents]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Conceptual Design]].

OSE Systems Automation

2026-01-21T00:00:25Z

Alexa: Add working example of automation in OSHW documentation and modeling

=Canonical Frame (Non-Negotiable)=

The civilization bottleneck OSE is attacking is not labor.
It is translation.

Specifically:

Translating design intent into executable production without relying on human memory or hero expertise.

=Compiler=
Precise Statement (Canonical)

The compiler consumes a schema and deterministically generates a FreeCAD model (and all other downstream artifacts).

Or more formally:

Schema → Compiler → CAD / BOM / Build / QC / Certification Artifacts

=Clean Version=

https://chatgpt.com/share/696f7727-7704-8010-9b20-a10908e73564

If hardware is specified as a schema, and schemas compile deterministically into CAD, BOMs, and build instructions, then hardware becomes replicable the same way software is replicable.

=D3D Pro Documentation as a prototype=

The [[D3D Pro v23.12]]'s documentation is an example of a plain text, YAML-based, schema defined open-source hardware documentation that is directly rendered into a complete build document and static webpage. The documentation software used is being developed here: [https://github.com/dof-initiative DOF Initiative on Github]. In future updates of the DOF (Distributed Open Source Hardware Framework) software, the schemas will define all of the build steps, CAD and CAM files, the ready-to-publish documentation layouts, and other forms and documents needed for certifications. With integrations into tools like CadQuery, or the FreeCAD API, DOF will be able to make models with any level of detail while saving time doing so. The schema data is stored in plain text files that can be tracked by git, so it can be forked, branched, merged, etc enabling distributed OSHW development at scale akin to FOSS today.

Broadly Reconfigurable and Expandable Automation Device (BREAD)

2026-01-14T09:26:01Z

Alexa: Change link to Github repo

[https://github.com/AlexandriaLittle/Open-Source-B.R.E.A.D. Link to Github repo with downloads for almost all existing components]

Open source data acquisition and automation device. Modular, expandable, and with numerous existing 'slices', the system has already shown it's capable of controlling complex machines like a TIG-based Metal 3D-printer.<ref>Oberloier, Shane, "Open-Source TIG-Based Metal 3D-Printing", Open Access Dissertation, Michigan Technological University, 2021. https://doi.org/10.37099/mtu.dc.etdr/1301</ref>

<span id="bread-links"></span>
== BREAD Links ==

* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMPlVbqSqJ4 Finn Hafting: Modularize your electronics with BREAD - YouTube]
* [https://www.appropedia.org/Open_Source_Framework_for_a_Broadly_Expandable_and_Reconfigurable_Data_Acquisition_and_Automation_Device_(BREAD) Open Source Framework: Expandable Reconfigurable Data Acquisition Device (BREAD)] Moving_the_Open-Source_Broadly_Reconfigurable_and_Expandable_Automation_Device_(BREAD)''Towards_a_Supervisory_Control_and_Data_Acquisition''(SCADA)_System)
* [https://www.appropedia.org/OSHE_Bread_Applications OSHE Bread Applications - Appropedia, the sustainability wiki]
* [https://github.com/FHafting/BREAD GitHub - FHafting/BREAD]
* [https://osf.io/u2h4g/overview OSF | BREAD]
* [https://osf.io/7mk4w/overview OSF | LOAF_x04 Backplane]
* [https://osf.io/x4yqj/overview OSF | BREAD LOAF_x08]
* [https://osf.io/ajmbe/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - +/- 10A Current Sensor (SLC_CR10)]
* [https://osf.io/xe6cz/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - +/- 20A Current Sensor (SLC_CR20)]
* [https://osf.io/xpgf8/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - +/- 40A Current Sensor (SLC_CR40)]
* [https://osf.io/5vxws/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - 4 Channel Relay (SLC_RLAY)]
* [https://osf.io/a8nk5/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - Audio Analysis (SLC_AAFT)]
* [https://osf.io/zbg98/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - Bioreactor (SPECIALIZED) (SLC_PHDO)]
* [https://osf.io/w9rka/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - BLDC Motor Controller]
* [https://osf.io/6aw9m/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - DC Motor Controller (SLC_DCMT)]
* [https://osf.io/9gm5h/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - Field Solar Power (SLC_SOLR)]
* [https://osf.io/nm7je/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - MOLD(Mass Output and Logging Device)]
* [https://osf.io/4mzs8/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - Pump Control Board (Specialized) (SLC_PUMP)]
* [https://osf.io/pf6gy/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - Relay Heating Element Controller (SLC_RLHT)]
* [https://osf.io/d7vks/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - Servo Motor Controller (SLC_SERV)]
* [https://osf.io/q8nkc/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - Stepper Motor Controller (SLC_STEP)]
* [https://osf.io/v5327/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - Template (SLC_TEMP)]
* [https://osf.io/erbp6/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - Text-to-Speech]
* [https://osf.io/sfehu/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - Thermocouple Reader (SLC_THRM)]
* [https://osf.io/j9rh5/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - USB Port (SLC_USBP)]
* [https://osf.io/742ez/overview OSF | BREAD Slice – Analog Reader / FFT (SLC_LVAI)]
* [https://osf.io/yrmqu/overview OSF | BREAD Slice – Battery Management (SLC_BMS)]
* [https://osf.io/2xpnu/overview OSF | BREAD Slice – Buck Converter / Analog Signal Generator (SLC_BUCK)]
* [https://osf.io/m53fu/overview OSF | BREAD Slice– Heating Element Controller (SLC_HEAT)]
* [https://osf.io/hbz92/overview OSF | BREAD BUNS]
* [https://osf.io/3rnj4/overview OSF | BREAD CAN update]
* [https://osf.io/wxt3s/overview OSF | BREAD DAQ]
* [https://osf.io/2htbm/overview OSF | BREAD Vision]
* [https://osf.io/98m6k/overview OSF | Off-Grid BREAD]
* [https://osf.io/3ugbn/overview OSF | Integrated Open Source Pyrolysis Board based on BREAD]
* [https://osf.io/user/fntgd Shane Oberloier | BREAD Contributor]
* [https://osf.io/user/zs4mx?tab=2 Nicholas Whisman | BREAD Contributor]
* [https://osf.io/user/78mv4?tab=2 Finn Hafting | BREAD Contributor]
* [https://ouci.dntb.gov.ua/en/works/lxXvAPQl/ BREAD References and Citations]
* [https://oshe.io/ Open Source Hardware Enterprise]

Broadly Reconfigurable and Expandable Automation Device (BREAD)

2026-01-14T08:47:12Z

Alexa: Fix formatting

[https://www.appropedia.org/Open_Source_Framework_for_a_Broadly_Expandable_and_Reconfigurable_Data_Acquisition_and_Automation_Device_(BREAD) Link to relevant Appropedia Wiki entry]

Open source data acquisition and automation device. Modular, expandable, and with numerous existing 'slices', the system has already shown it's capable of controlling complex machines like a TIG-based Metal 3D-printer.<ref>Oberloier, Shane, "Open-Source TIG-Based Metal 3D-Printing", Open Access Dissertation, Michigan Technological University, 2021. https://doi.org/10.37099/mtu.dc.etdr/1301</ref>

<span id="bread-links"></span>
== BREAD Links ==

* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMPlVbqSqJ4 Finn Hafting: Modularize your electronics with BREAD - YouTube]
* [https://www.appropedia.org/Open_Source_Framework_for_a_Broadly_Expandable_and_Reconfigurable_Data_Acquisition_and_Automation_Device_(BREAD) Open Source Framework: Expandable Reconfigurable Data Acquisition Device (BREAD)] Moving_the_Open-Source_Broadly_Reconfigurable_and_Expandable_Automation_Device_(BREAD)''Towards_a_Supervisory_Control_and_Data_Acquisition''(SCADA)_System)
* [https://www.appropedia.org/OSHE_Bread_Applications OSHE Bread Applications - Appropedia, the sustainability wiki]
* [https://github.com/FHafting/BREAD GitHub - FHafting/BREAD]
* [https://osf.io/u2h4g/overview OSF | BREAD]
* [https://osf.io/7mk4w/overview OSF | LOAF_x04 Backplane]
* [https://osf.io/x4yqj/overview OSF | BREAD LOAF_x08]
* [https://osf.io/ajmbe/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - +/- 10A Current Sensor (SLC_CR10)]
* [https://osf.io/xe6cz/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - +/- 20A Current Sensor (SLC_CR20)]
* [https://osf.io/xpgf8/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - +/- 40A Current Sensor (SLC_CR40)]
* [https://osf.io/5vxws/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - 4 Channel Relay (SLC_RLAY)]
* [https://osf.io/a8nk5/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - Audio Analysis (SLC_AAFT)]
* [https://osf.io/zbg98/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - Bioreactor (SPECIALIZED) (SLC_PHDO)]
* [https://osf.io/w9rka/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - BLDC Motor Controller]
* [https://osf.io/6aw9m/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - DC Motor Controller (SLC_DCMT)]
* [https://osf.io/9gm5h/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - Field Solar Power (SLC_SOLR)]
* [https://osf.io/nm7je/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - MOLD(Mass Output and Logging Device)]
* [https://osf.io/4mzs8/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - Pump Control Board (Specialized) (SLC_PUMP)]
* [https://osf.io/pf6gy/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - Relay Heating Element Controller (SLC_RLHT)]
* [https://osf.io/d7vks/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - Servo Motor Controller (SLC_SERV)]
* [https://osf.io/q8nkc/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - Stepper Motor Controller (SLC_STEP)]
* [https://osf.io/v5327/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - Template (SLC_TEMP)]
* [https://osf.io/erbp6/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - Text-to-Speech]
* [https://osf.io/sfehu/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - Thermocouple Reader (SLC_THRM)]
* [https://osf.io/j9rh5/overview OSF | BREAD Slice - USB Port (SLC_USBP)]
* [https://osf.io/742ez/overview OSF | BREAD Slice – Analog Reader / FFT (SLC_LVAI)]
* [https://osf.io/yrmqu/overview OSF | BREAD Slice – Battery Management (SLC_BMS)]
* [https://osf.io/2xpnu/overview OSF | BREAD Slice – Buck Converter / Analog Signal Generator (SLC_BUCK)]
* [https://osf.io/m53fu/overview OSF | BREAD Slice– Heating Element Controller (SLC_HEAT)]
* [https://osf.io/hbz92/overview OSF | BREAD BUNS]
* [https://osf.io/3rnj4/overview OSF | BREAD CAN update]
* [https://osf.io/wxt3s/overview OSF | BREAD DAQ]
* [https://osf.io/2htbm/overview OSF | BREAD Vision]
* [https://osf.io/98m6k/overview OSF | Off-Grid BREAD]
* [https://osf.io/3ugbn/overview OSF | Integrated Open Source Pyrolysis Board based on BREAD]
* [https://osf.io/user/fntgd Shane Oberloier | BREAD Contributor]
* [https://osf.io/user/zs4mx?tab=2 Nicholas Whisman | BREAD Contributor]
* [https://osf.io/user/78mv4?tab=2 Finn Hafting | BREAD Contributor]
* [https://ouci.dntb.gov.ua/en/works/lxXvAPQl/ BREAD References and Citations]
* [https://oshe.io/ Open Source Hardware Enterprise]

Broadly Reconfigurable and Expandable Automation Device (BREAD)

2026-01-14T08:43:23Z

Alexa: Add links to other work

[https://www.appropedia.org/Open_Source_Framework_for_a_Broadly_Expandable_and_Reconfigurable_Data_Acquisition_and_Automation_Device_(BREAD) Link to relevant Appropedia Wiki entry]

Open source data acquisition and automation device. Modular, expandable, and with numerous existing 'slices', the system has already shown it's capable of controlling complex machines like a TIG-based Metal 3D-printer.<ref>Oberloier, Shane, "Open-Source TIG-Based Metal 3D-Printing", Open Access Dissertation, Michigan Technological University, 2021. https://doi.org/10.37099/mtu.dc.etdr/1301</ref>

## BREAD Links
- [Finn Hafting: Modularize your electronics with BREAD - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMPlVbqSqJ4)
- [Open Source Framework: Expandable Reconfigurable Data Acquisition Device (BREAD)](https://www.appropedia.org/Open_Source_Framework_for_a_Broadly_Expandable_and_Reconfigurable_Data_Acquisition_and_Automation_Device_(BREAD))
Moving_the_Open-Source_Broadly_Reconfigurable_and_Expandable_Automation_Device_(BREAD)_Towards_a_Supervisory_Control_and_Data_Acquisition_(SCADA)_System)
- [OSHE Bread Applications - Appropedia, the sustainability wiki](https://www.appropedia.org/OSHE_Bread_Applications)
- [GitHub - FHafting/BREAD](https://github.com/FHafting/BREAD)
- [OSF | BREAD](https://osf.io/u2h4g/overview)
- [OSF | LOAF_x04 Backplane](https://osf.io/7mk4w/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD LOAF_x08](https://osf.io/x4yqj/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Slice - +/- 10A Current Sensor (SLC_CR10)](https://osf.io/ajmbe/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Slice - +/- 20A Current Sensor (SLC_CR20)](https://osf.io/xe6cz/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Slice - +/- 40A Current Sensor (SLC_CR40)](https://osf.io/xpgf8/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Slice - 4 Channel Relay (SLC_RLAY)](https://osf.io/5vxws/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Slice - Audio Analysis (SLC_AAFT)](https://osf.io/a8nk5/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Slice - Bioreactor (SPECIALIZED) (SLC_PHDO)](https://osf.io/zbg98/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Slice - BLDC Motor Controller](https://osf.io/w9rka/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Slice - DC Motor Controller (SLC_DCMT)](https://osf.io/6aw9m/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Slice - Field Solar Power (SLC_SOLR)](https://osf.io/9gm5h/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Slice - MOLD(Mass Output and Logging Device)](https://osf.io/nm7je/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Slice - Pump Control Board (Specialized) (SLC_PUMP)](https://osf.io/4mzs8/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Slice - Relay Heating Element Controller (SLC_RLHT)](https://osf.io/pf6gy/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Slice - Servo Motor Controller (SLC_SERV)](https://osf.io/d7vks/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Slice - Stepper Motor Controller (SLC_STEP)](https://osf.io/q8nkc/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Slice - Template (SLC_TEMP)](https://osf.io/v5327/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Slice - Text-to-Speech](https://osf.io/erbp6/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Slice - Thermocouple Reader (SLC_THRM)](https://osf.io/sfehu/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Slice - USB Port (SLC_USBP)](https://osf.io/j9rh5/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Slice -- Analog Reader / FFT (SLC_LVAI)](https://osf.io/742ez/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Slice -- Battery Management (SLC_BMS)](https://osf.io/yrmqu/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Slice -- Buck Converter / Analog Signal Generator (SLC_BUCK)](https://osf.io/2xpnu/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Slice-- Heating Element Controller (SLC_HEAT)](https://osf.io/m53fu/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD BUNS](https://osf.io/hbz92/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD CAN update](https://osf.io/3rnj4/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD DAQ](https://osf.io/wxt3s/overview)
- [OSF | BREAD Vision](https://osf.io/2htbm/overview)
- [OSF | Off-Grid BREAD](https://osf.io/98m6k/overview)
- [OSF | Integrated Open Source Pyrolysis Board based on BREAD](https://osf.io/3ugbn/overview)
- [Shane Oberloier | BREAD Contributor](https://osf.io/user/fntgd)
- [Nicholas Whisman | BREAD Contributor](https://osf.io/user/zs4mx?tab=2)
- [Finn Hafting | BREAD Contributor](https://osf.io/user/78mv4?tab=2)
- [BREAD References and Citations](https://ouci.dntb.gov.ua/en/works/lxXvAPQl/)
- [Open Source Hardware Enterprise](https://oshe.io/)

BREAD (Hardware)

2026-01-14T07:51:12Z

Alexa: Fix link

#REDIRECT [[Broadly Reconfigurable and Expandable Automation Device (BREAD)]]

BREAD (Hardware)

2026-01-14T07:50:38Z

Alexa: Create page redirect

#REDIRECT Broadly Reconfigurable and Expandable Automation Device (BREAD)

Broadly Reconfigurable and Expandable Automation Device (BREAD)

2026-01-14T07:47:44Z

Alexa: Created page with "[https://www.appropedia.org/Open_Source_Framework_for_a_Broadly_Expandable_and_Reconfigurable_Data_Acquisition_and_Automation_Device_(BREAD) Link to relevant Appropedia Wiki entry] Open source data acquisition and automation device. Modular, expandable, and with numerous existing 'slices', the system has already shown it's capable of controlling complex machines like a TIG-based Metal 3D-printer.<ref>Oberloier, Shane, "Open-Source TIG-Based Metal 3D-Printing", Open Acce..."

Talk:Ethical Robber Barons

2026-01-14T07:36:19Z

Alexa: Created page with "It is not ethical to have an amount of money that begins with the letter B while people starve to death on the same planet as you. --~~~~"

It is not ethical to have an amount of money that begins with the letter B while people starve to death on the same planet as you.
--[[User:Alexa|Alexa]] ([[User talk:Alexa|talk]]) 07:36, 14 January 2026 (UTC)

User:Alexa

2025-12-31T07:41:52Z

Alexa: Be more specific

User:Alexa

2025-12-31T07:26:27Z

Alexa: Forgot the name of my project there for a second

User:Alexa

2025-12-31T07:26:02Z

Alexa: Fix link; minor typo

Hi! My name is Alexandria Little, but I go by Alexa. I'm passionate about open source everything and I'm very interested in replicating machines designed by OSE. One project I have been attempting is my own version of the D3D Mega 24" x 24" 3D Printer. See [[D3D Mega v23.05]] for all of my work on that project. To learn more and start a bit smaller, I created [[D3D Mega v23.12]]. That work is documented on the project's [https://github.com/AlexandriaLittle/d3d-pro Github Page]. Looking forward to contributing! See my work log at [[Alexa Log]].

alexa at alexalittle.me

==Critical Path 2026==
* Associate's Degree in Welding

* Teach a robot how to weld.

User:Alexa

2025-12-31T07:25:35Z

Alexa: Fix formatting

Hi! My name is Alexandria Little, but I go by Alexa. I'm passionate about open source everything and I'm very interested in replicating machines designed by OSE. One project I have been attempting is my own version of the D3D Mega 24" x 24" 3D Printer. See [[D3D Mega v23.05]] for all of my work on that project. To learn more and start a bit smaller, I created [[D3D Mega v23.12]]. That work is documented on the project's [[https://github.com/AlexandriaLittle/d3d-pro Github Page]]. Looking forward to contributing! See my work log at [[Alexa Log]].

alexa at alexalittle.me

==Critical Path 2026==
* Associate's Degree in Welding

* Teach a robot how to weld.

User:Alexa

2025-12-31T07:24:56Z

Alexa: Update for the new year

Hi! My name is Alexandria Little, but I go by Alexa. I'm passionate about open source everything and I'm very interested in replicating machines designed by OSE. One project I have been attempting is my own version of the D3D Mega 24" x 24" 3D Printer. See [[D3D Mega v23.05]] for all of my work on that project. To learn more and start a bit smaller, I created [[D3D Mega v23.12]]. That work is documented on the project's [[https://github.com/AlexandriaLittle/d3d-pro Github Page]]. Looking forward to contributing! See my work log at [[Alexa Log]].

alexa at alexalittle.me

==Critical Path 2026==
-Associate's Degree in Welding
-Teach a robot how to weld.

Alexa Log

2025-12-21T09:41:35Z

Alexa:

{{RightTOC}}

<html><iframe width="600" height="280" src="https://osedev.org/wiki/Alexa"></iframe></html>
==Sunday Dec 21, 2025==
I have been preoccupied with thinking about this and other lovely projects, so I'm popping in to share my recent thoughts.

The Appropedia wiki has plans for an open source compression screw grinding machine.

Here's the relevant video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P7IGj5Wa7k

Wiki Entry: https://www.appropedia.org/Open-Source_Grinding_Machine_for_Compression_Screw_Manufacturing/

Design Files: https://osf.io/ev6ta/

Additionally, there's a case study into a bootstrapping a business with 4-5 different revenue streams: https://www.appropedia.org/Making_the_Tools_to_Do-It-Together:_Open-source_Compression_Screw_Manufacturing_Case_Study

All of this is to say, I'm looking into building one of these machines because I want to experiment with small extrusion screw extruders for my next version of the D3D printer

I want to use a small extrusion screw to act as a preheating stage for pellets/regrind to enter a normal 2.85mm V6/Volcano/Supervolcano 3D printer nozzle.

My thought is to use a more shallow extrusion screw that will soften the plastic enough to make it flow but not yet heat the material to its printing temperature.

The reason you use a compression screw at all is to get a greater mixing action in the particles you feed into the screw. Augers don't provide as consistent results becuase of the lack of mixing.

There are many things I want to learn with the screw machine

I have also been considering multiple improvements to the Universal Frame

The current combo of 3D printed plastic with rebar members is not suitably stiff enough for my needs.

On the OSE wiki, Marcin laid out plans for a large workshop structure consisting entirely of welded rebar box trusses: https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/wiki/Large_Workshop_Structure
Large Workshop Structure

I want to miniaturize that design to work as a machine frame on the D3D Mega that is my next planned build

I am also going to experiment with both concrete-filled truss and aerocrete-filled truss. The youtuber Nighthawkinlight recently released a simple recipe to make aerocrete using xanthan gum, liquid dish detergent, a small amount of alcohol, water, and portland cement.

The advantages of aerocrete are that it's up to 60% lighter that normal concrete, and the trapped air that makes it lighter can act as a closed or open cell foam insulation material.
Being rock, it's somewhat heat and fire tolerant. I'm interested in a furnace/stove cement version for extreme temperature conditions.
That's important for the D3D Pro and D3D Mega, because both have planned improvements to include a high temperature heated chamber. With enough planning ahead, I'm expecting that the chamber could reach kiln levels of hot.

That unlocks engineering filaments, high temp recycled mixed plastic blends, annealing on the print bed, glazing pottery or 3D printed ceramics.

Here is a relevant expired patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6722872B1/en
Instead of a metal enclosure like this one, it's cheaper and more attainable to use a high temp refractory concrete (primarily aluminum and silicon oxides) or another material that can withstand high temps.

I purchased some porcelain floor tiles to test their durability in a chamber that's at least 500*C
My searches online for "porcelain exploding at high temp" yielded few results so hopefully that'll go well
One other thing that needs improving is the heated bed. I'm hoping that my non-explosive floor tiles will serve as a tough and flat surface that will last in the high heat.
I grabbed a 24"x24" polished tile from Menards for the build plate.

I'm debating between improving on the current halogen lightbulb design or switching back to the previous 2018 era design that used nichrome wire.
The nichrome wire design was discontinued because it usually wore out the windings at the connection points.
While perusing videos on kiln design, I found that you can twist nichrome wire together with a few shorter strands to make a lower temp and lower resistance section that you can then screw into a high temperature screw terminal from ole reliable McMaster Carr: https://www.mcmaster.com/5602T21/

Nichrome wire is dead cheap compared to halogen lightbulbs and is usually considered a consumable. That being said... lightbulbs are much easier for an end user to change than a big nichrome wire. I'd love feedback on that from you all

I'm also bumping up to 1/2" aluminum round stock and tube stock for motion axes on the D3D Mega build.
For increased rigidity I have been thinking about moving from the polymer bearings to three roller bearings on each rod in the axis.
That will leave space for me to mount the 1/2" round stock directly to the frame along its length using countersunk screw holes.

'''Proposed changes summary:'''

Extruder
--Add compression screw pre-melt stage for pellet and regrind
--Add load cell/strain gauges as mounting points for the extruder for nozzle touch sensing
--Add a toolhead board for controlling all of the functions
--Add mounting plate for quick extruder change/future multi tool head setups

Universal Axis
--Increase rod diameter
--Add mounting points for Y & Z axis stabilization
--Add roller bearings to the carriage

Universal Frame
--Remove 3D printed corners
--Use welded rebar truss for members
--Use U-bolts for attaching members together and mounting components to the frame
--Cast concrete into each truss to dampen vibration and include threaded inserts/nuts, U-bolts, or other hardware (optional)

Fast Heated Bed
--Replace steel bed surface with porcelain floor tile (tbd if this works)
--Increase heating power of bed with either nichrome wire or many halogen lightbulbs
--Increase thermal mass of the bed via filling with sand or possibly casting custom aerocrete panels for nichrome coils
--Use high temperature terminal blocks

Universal Controller
--Add toolhead board(s)
--Add more solid state relays to enable zone control in the heated bed
-- Use larger enclosure with removable mounting plate and cable management area
--Add a small touchscreen for full printer control at point of operation (optional)

Heated Chamber
--Add heated chamber
--Use rebar truss, high termperature aerocrete/firebrick/porcelain tile (best results tbd)
--Use nichrome or halogen lightbulb heating elements in the bottom of the chamber for active heating
--Use small metal fans for air circulation (motors can be externally mounted)
--Use welding blanket as a flexible baffle on top of the chamber (see here for more options: https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/wiki/Open_Source_High_Temperature_3D_Printer_Requirements_%2B_Value_Proposition)

I should emphasize that these are planned changes and are not actually things I have done. They therefore are not recommendations but rather future experiments. :)

==Thu Aug 15, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]

==Fri June 21, 2024==
I'm back with updates!

I have been working on the printer in my spare time all month long, gradually performing upgrades and ironing out issues. I will do my best to compile the technical aspects of my notes for this past month at [[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]. I have yet to begin more structured/formal data collection on the printer, but I have a shortlist of things I will be testing for:

* Max Temps (Deg. C/ Deg. F)
* Max movement of all axes (mm)
* Input shaping settings (frequencies, damping factors, etc. - usually unique to each machine but this will be a ballpark for others)
* Pressure Advance (K-factor, also ballpark)
* Axis backlash for all axes (mm)
* Build time (hours, minutes)
* Max speeds (mm/s)
* Max acceleration (mm/s^2)
* Max jerk (mm/s^3)
* Max volumetric flowrate (mm^3/s) (filament specific, but again ballpark)
* Bed leveling mesh data (mesh output) (need to ensure that the printers don't have wildly warped beds - need to test limits of warp somehow)
* Bed max lift before belt skipping (g or kg)
* Total machine cost (BOM, labor, packaging, etc.)
* Filament used in machine's printed parts (g)
* Count of each part (for BOM)
* Printing results/Start success (failure rate, %) (min. 2 Sigma prior to any sales)
* "Benchy" test print included with each printer
* Skew (mm/m)
* Overhang performance (angle)
* Warping and delamination (test print)
* Noise (dB)

I have also ordered and received most of the parts for the next printer build of v23.12. I will be using some different BOM part choices from the first build. A few of the 'new' parts are updated 3D printed parts. I will be uploading those files at [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]].

==Mon May 20, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]
==Thu May 9, 2024==
Since Saturday I have been working on the 3D printer. I have probably spent over 40 hours on the project this week, but I will have to check all of my notes and upload the grand total. I will be updating the printer data and build information at [[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]. This has been a blast!

==Sat May 4, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Pictures and Video]] I worked on the universal controller assembly first as that is the module that likely needs to come first for the sake of testing all of the other components.

==Fri May 3, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Pictures and Video]]

==Thu May 2, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Pictures and Video]]. I posted recent pics and videos to the Open Source Ecology Workshops Facebook group. The results have been good so far :)

==Sun Apr 28, 2024==
Interview Questions

==Thu Apr 4, 2024==
I have been working on enterprise development for the past few weeks. I now have an LLC set up and a website up and running with demo content [https://www.opensourcemfg.com/]. I have been mapping out processes in the business on a flow chart to plan for what standard operating procedures I need to write. I am currently stuck on my ability to purchase more parts to continue prototyping work, at least for the time being, so I have been working on other things. I have also focused on printing additional products for photographing. I have been adding to my listings on Etsy.

==Wed Mar 13, 2024==
[[Input Shaping]]

==Mon Mar 11, 2024==
My Ender 3 V2 printer broke on Tuesday/Wednesday when I was upgrading the nozzle from 0.4mm to 1.0mm - I stripped the heater block threads. I purchased a replacement part online that arrived on Saturday. I repaired the printer and finished the upgrades. The print time for a universal frame rebar corner connector dropped from 11.5 hours to 4.5 hours with the new nozzle. The print quality also improved. Currently I am printing all of the motor pieces, carriages, and carriage closures for the printer. The whole job is estimated to take 27.5 hours.

Work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide.

==Mon Mar 4, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]

==Sun Mar 3, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]. I had the assistance of a friend for note taking and discussing process improvements during my work today. We both worked on [[D3D Pro v23.12]] for 4.5 hours.

==Tue Feb 27, 2024==
Work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide. Currently still in section 1 (sourcing).

==Mon Feb 19, 2024==
Work on updating the [[D3D Pro v23.12 BOM]] for the switch to the 12" bed, plus adding the tools and supplies (zip ties, ferrules, electrical tape, etc.) that were not included as details in the CAD. I also realized that I made a mistake in the naming of the machine. If I wanted to go for a 12" bed the machine should have been named D3D Pro 2 v23.12 as the Pro 2 is the 12" bed.

==Sun Feb 18, 2024==
Today I worked on setting up a Magento ecommerce website on AWS for my business. It can be viewed here: [https://opensourcemfg.com]. I went for the name Open Source Manufacturing as it nicely sums up the work I'll be doing in my future microfactory.

==Sat Feb 17, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide

==Fri Feb 16, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide

==Thu Feb 15, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide

I met with [[User:Strangeloops]] to discuss OSE, the GVCS, the D3D Pro v23.12 3D Printer and what I could use help on in the project. They are going to look into the firmware and software for the beagleplay board.

==Tue Feb 13, 2024==
Resizing [[D3D Pro v23.12]] to accommodate a 12" bed.

==Fri Feb 9, 2024==
I worked for a few hours tonight drafting a business plan with the help of a friend. I have more work to do in market research and analysis and expanding on the other sections. I also worked on BOM research. The printer's total cost came out slightly under what I had expected, which is nice. :)

==Wed Feb 7, 2024==
The CAD work is coming along nicely. Universal Controller is in place, Z axes are in place, etc. I'm finishing up the bed and then all of the major components and fasteners will be done. Then I have to determine if it will be worth my while to do wiring in the CAD file itself. I like how it was done in the CAD for the Lyman filament extruder. In that file the wire plug locations are marked with color coded cylinders that indicated which wire went to where. On the other hand though, it's time I could spend on other documentation. Once the CAD is finished I am planning to break every part out into it's own separate file and upload it to the parts library on the wiki.

Evening

I worked more on the [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]] today. I caught some spelling errors and generated new parts including the thermistors, heater cartridge, PEI Sheet, 2-sided tape, 1/2" conduit (which for some reason seems to not be 1/2" in any dimension), and the halogen light bulbs and holders (which I did my best to look up online but may be inaccurate to some degree). The assembly is nearing completion. There are currently around 350 individual parts in the part tree and that does not include wires, a few missing screws, or zip ties.

==Mon Feb 5, 2024==
I have been messaging back and forth on discord with an individual who wants to contribute to open source projects. They are looking into firmware options for the upgraded [[D3D Pro v23.12]]. I am looking forward to hearing their thoughts on whether the additional features like gcode preprocessing and advanced bed mesh calculations will be worth the switch.

I realized that I am going to need to redesign the '4D printed' Universal Controller mount board. It is not compatible with the new rebar frame and it needs extra space for the BeagleBone computer. I settled on the BeaglePlay as it has built-in wifi and is around $100. It is also fully open source [https://certification.oshwa.org/us002174.html]. You could probably fire up OSE linux on it if you wanted. :)

==Sun Feb 4, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12]].

==Sat Feb 3, 2024==
Continue work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]]. Getting a lot done. Top axes are in place. Frame is in place. Extruder is in place. I must say, I've really been enjoying the FreeCAD 0.16 workflow. It feels more like I'm assembling a big 3D puzzle when doing placement-based versus when I do constraint-based assemblies and I spend hours fighting to get the constraints near perfect (which is much less fun). I had to hunt around a little bit on the wiki to piece together the CAD library that I have been using. I broke down the [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]] page into subsections for each module and their individual parts. I am planning to complete the CAD work ASAP |am grateful for all of the countless hours of prior development work that went into this project already. It has made my small additions possible.

There is a small business network in my town that provides startup assistance and access to funding opportunities that I am considering joining for the sake of the workshop business I am starting.

==Fri Feb 2, 2024==
Continuing work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]]. I finished the Universal Frame Assembly. I am going to have to start naming parts with the machine name in the file name. I'm starting to overlap names I used on [[D3D Mega v23.05]].

==Wed Jan 31, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]]. [[D3D Pro v23.12 Requirements + Value Proposition]].

==Sun Jan 14, 2024==
I've had lots of fun working on the working doc from Friday's log. I have gotten to a point where I have an early prototype CAD model and I've shared my work (early and often as always). [[File:Universal Frame Rebar Connector.FCStd]]

==Fri Jan 12, 2024==
I spent a little while playing with the Angle Frame Corner generator that is part of the [[3D Printer Workbench]] in FreeCAD. I may attempt to expose more variables from the connector macro vs restarting from scratch to design a new frame corner for 1/2" rebar. If just a few more things were exposed as variables I would be able to generate a 1/2" square slot for the rebar to be inserted into. Then it's just a matter of tightening down the set screw and you're square.

{{Hint|Start a [[Working Doc]] and you can paste this text in there and continue to update with pictures. I'd like to see pictures.-MJ}}

<html><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQJGjvT_RImILXAkqd6a0fL103VUeAeYOpJmNLADXsCtNyqZ54SHsb6FdzmFyus6jdDdgJcFJRMCUMu/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=60000" frameborder="0" width="960" height="569" allowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true"></iframe></html>

[https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1FVPihIJHFriQ9S9soaE_G7H4oCvzvejftOcpkz_REfw/edit?usp=sharing edit]

==Wed Jan 10, 2024==
At work I have been spending a lot of time looking into Semantic MediaWiki. The extension effectively lets a person use a wiki as a low/no code relational database. It would be great to use for data collection or running a business single source of truth. I may use it to track business operations and keep myself organized personally as it's very customizable. I'm honestly surprised that it's not in use on the OSE wiki, but it does add complexity and has an additional learning curve, so maybe not too surprised. I've also been considering that a wiki would be the perfect place to store notes and information as I continue my path of life-long learning.

Recently read the Lecture Notes on Teaching General Semantics by Lance Strate, Ph.D. available at the [https://www.generalsemantics.org/Teaching-Materials General Semantics website]. I was particularly inspired by the section on Idealization  and  Operationalism. Idealization causes frustration because it makes people believe that things like 'love', 'success', etc. are unattainable because they idealize them. When something is put on a pedestal, untouchable, it becomes unattainable because there are no concrete steps to get there. Operationalism, conversely, means you define something by the steps it takes to get there. If you want to "change the world", what will be changed and what are your steps to get there? Similar to the working principles around SMART goals.

I have also recently decided that I'd like to apply the general semantics principles/life principles that I have been pondering lately to my organization ability. I have struggled a lot in the past to stay organized and on top of everything (whether at work or home), and I'd like to learn and develop organization as a skill. In its simplest form, organization is just having a place for everything, and everything in its place. The steps to get there would be to make places for every thing that I want to take time to organize, and put it there; whether that means a physical location for an object, or a place for data to live.

==Mon Jan 8, 2024==
The new year didn't exactly start as planned, but I'm back. I'm going to continue work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]], move on to finishing my critical path and set a realistic workshop date.

An interesting development in my life - a friend of mine is starting out a new small venture making hair care/beard care products at my encouragement. He has a lot of experience from another business he ran making those same products. I want to help him start his business with the most basic tools to get the job done while still allowing for industrial productivity. He should be able to produce his products in a simple double boiler on a gas, electric, or induction stove. I can manufacture all of his packaging on my 3D Printer, and we can use my printer and Cricut machine to produce waterproof/oilproof labels. We can use my 3d printer to make pouring /filling jigs for bottles and chap stick tubes. We are working on manufacturing everything in-house as much as possible. This business will be [[antifragile]] - the multipurpose machines that we're using can be put to use in many other ways in the business, and for the most part we already own everything we need personally, so there's not really any chance of 'going out of business'... just the possibility of having a few hundred dollars of hair care products to use at the house.

Also, I have convinced him to share all of his documentation openly and collaboratively, from standard operating procedures to recipes to data collection. He agrees with me that having free access to that information is better for the world, and helps solve the pressing world issues that we have talked about wanting to solve. Hopefully soon there will be a handful of additional products available for the [[Open Source Everything Store]], and some free cash for more open source work. :)

I read through most of The Homebrew Industrial Revolution: A Low-Overhead Manifesto by Kevin A. Carson. Great book that mentions OSE. I really liked the author's discussions about how precision machining and making parts to higher tolerances, alongside the freeing potential of electricity and the electric motor, bring home or workshop based manufacturing to the same quality as products produced by mass manufacturing. The book has a lot of similar themes to OSE's guiding philosophies.

==Thu Dec 28, 2023==
[[SH4 Documentation Proposal‎]] Typos. [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]] expanding upon full timeline of work.

==Tue Dec 26, 2023==
Expanded on [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]]. I am attempting to break the assembly steps down today. That way when I get to the later assembly and build manual documentation steps I will be more prepared. The old [[3D Printer Manual]] is helping me get the general order of operations down, even with many steps being different in later versions.

==Sun Dec 24, 2023==
Added to Saturday's timeline, and then moved it to [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]]. I am working to expand my to-do list down to every detail that I feel I can reasonably capture. Once completed I will have a list of tasks that is detailed enough to enable swarm-based workflows. The one I'm looking forward to the most is the [[Kit Certification]] and build manual documentation steps. I plan to have me and two others work together to document the build manual. One person builds and explains the steps of the printer build they take as they work. Another person takes up close photos of before, during, and after each step. The third person transcribes the steps into a work document.

I have started to break down the documentation that I will create for handouts at [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]].

==Sat Dec 23, 2023==

Timeline to workshop ready point:

(Does not include marketing/workshop stuff, just kit documentation prep)

* Create and finalize LOD500 cad
** Model frame for 1/2" rebar
*** Model corner connectors / Y axis holders 8hrs
*** Model Z axis top and bottom holders 4hrs
** Model heated bed components and assemble
*** Buy halogen bulbs and holders to take measurements .5hr
*** Model halogen holder and bulb 1hr
*** Model heated bed tubes .5hr
*** Model heated bed sheet metal (including holes) .5hr
*** Model heated bed carbon fiber blankets .5hr
*** Assemble heated bed in CAD 2hr
** Assemble extruder in CAD from available prior work 4hrs
** Assemble control panel in CAD from available prior work 4hrs
** Assemble axes from available prior work - Done

* Generate BOM from CAD - Instant in FreeCAD 21
** Find multiple vendors for each part 12hrs

* Source and order all of the first kit supplies
** Order parts from multiple sources to vet quality/compatibility

* Prep the first kit
** Print 3d printed components - 48+ hrs
** Cut rods and rebar to size - 1.5hr
** Cut lengths of belt - 15min
** Cut lengths of pipe for bed - 30min
** Cut plates for bed (if necessary) - 15min
** Cut aluminum heatsink to size - 10min
** Machine aluminum heatsink on drill press - 15min
** Test all electrical components (motors, endstops, RAMPS+Mega, bed heater, etc) 30min
*** Motors all spin
*** Endstops trigger properly and are correct type for failing safely
*** Bed Heater - lighting up
*** Hotend and thermistors - Heat up and measure temp
** Heat gun the control panel print as in [[4D Printing]] 5min

* Build the first kit
** Build Universal Frame
**# Gather all materials 1min
**# Build two squares from the corners and rebar 10min
**#* Use jig to square (wooden dowel cut to length of connector distance)
**#* Be mindful of corner direction
**#* Tighten fasteners
**# Add 4 vertical rebar pieces into one of the square's corners 2min
**#* Tighten fasteners
**# Put second square onto the top 2min
**#* Turn frame onto its side
**#* Use jig to square
**#* Tighten fasteners
**# Done!
** Build Universal Axes
*** X Axis with rods jutting past the sides
*** Y Axes with unique carriages
*** Z Axes with shorter rods
** Build Universal Extruder
** Build Heated Bed
*** Primarily assembled using high temp epoxy
** Build Universal Controller
*** Tin all wires
*** Attach all components to panel
*** Follow prior art wiring plans
** Build filament holder

* Perform [[Kit Certification]]

* Assemble another printer, taking pictures of every step and recording the steps taken in order.

* Create documentation for printer, following wiki development template
** Kit Prep Manual
*** Safety, workspace layouts, kit prep expected effort timeline
*** Sourcing section - notes on finding local substitutes
*** Metal Cutting Section
*** Aluminum Heatsink Prep Section
*** Steps for partial preassembly
*** Packaging for workshop
*** Packaging for shipment
** Build Manual
*** Universal Frame Section
*** Universal Axis Section
**** X, Y, and Z are separate
*** Universal Extruder Section
*** Fast Heated Bed Section
*** Universal Controller Section
*** Final Assembly Section
*** Wiring and testing Section
*** Troubleshooting Section

* Have an assistant assemble a kit from documentation alone to test for weaknesses
** Revise documentation as necessary for clarity, ease of assembly, turnkey-ness

* Prep the workshop kits
** Print 3d printed components
** Order parts
** Cut rods and rebar to size
** Cut lengths of belt
** Cut lengths of pipe for bed
** Cut plates for bed (if necessary)
** Cut aluminum heatsink to size
** Machine aluminum heatsink on drill press
** Test all electrical components (motors, endstops, RAMPS+Mega, bed heater, etc) for all kits
** Gather together kits per BOM
** Label parts as labeled in the documentation (aiming for eventually offering language agnostic assembly instructions)
** Package kits in separate crates/boxes for easy transport to event
** Print out documentation binder - 1 per kit
** Prepare OSE Linux Live USBs - 1 per kit

*Work in progress*

==Sun Dec 17, 2023==
[[D3D Pro v23.12]]. Started work on CAD Assembly. It's moving very quickly due to prior work on D3D Mega v23.05.

==Sat Dec 16, 2023==
Worked a little bit on my critical path at [[User:Alexa]]. I am reworking it to have a more realistic timeframe.

==Fri Dec 15, 2023==
LOD 500 CAD To-Do Breakdown:
* Model halogen holder and bulb
* Model heated bed tubes
* Model heated bed sheet metal (including holes)
* Model heated bed carbon fiber blankets
* Assemble heated bed in CAD
* Assemble extruder in CAD from available prior work
* Assemble control panel in CAD from available prior work
* Resize rods on universal axes from v23.05
* Resize angle iron in v23.05 frame

I do not yet know how to best model the wires/wiring connections for the CAD. I would really appreciate direction on where I can learn to do this if anyone reading knows.

Contingency plan for any prolonged delays to workshop is to build an online shop after completion of full product documentation. An ecommerce website is still a potentially viable distributive enterprise, even if it does not have the same local impact that a workshop would. I would still prefer to do the workshop first to prove the workshop model is viable before investing time into learning how to sell and market effectively on an ecommerce store. In any case, the store is an inevitability just like the workshop - just a matter of timing.

'''It's the day after the workshop and it was a horrible disaster. What went wrong and how could it have been stopped beforehand?'''
* No tickets were sold so the event could not take place.
* Could be mitigated by buying kits only after ticket sales so there's no money lost except for the venue deposit?
* A solid marketing plan drawn up by an expert and executed to the letter.
* A clear market has been defined as part of the above plan

* The website got DDOSed/Crashed/Too Slow
* Host on large national provider and use cloudflare for DDOS protection
* Use the hosting provider's version of wordpress to ensure automatic updates occur

* The kits were unfinished due to lack of time
* Clear proofs of build time from inexperienced assembler doing a time lapse like in [[Kit Certification]]
* Step by step instructions with clear pictures for each step. Proper warnings and safety information included.
* Clearly labeling each part by letter as in [[Language Agnostic Instructionals]]

* The printers do not function
* Test all motors and electronics prior to finishing kit assembly
* Have a quality control checklist + BOM to review each kit with prior to event
* Have a spare printer worth of parts available

==Thu Dec 14, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Conceptual Design]]. Added additional notes on top cover of high temp heated chamber.

==Tue Dec 12, 2023==
I took a big step in my day job today. I transitioned to posting all of the work that I perform onto an internally hosted wiki for all to see. I have been missing the mark at times without a system for storing my work and the wiki was the perfect place to build in accountability, transparency, and capture all of the details. My hope is that this will increase my capacity to work more collaboratively with my peers as I have been learning to do through OSE.

==Sun Dec 10, 2023==
===Onboarding Assessment===
====Tactical====

'''1. How much time do you have to commit to the development of your chosen project?'''

I can sustainably commit to 8-12 hours per week of development time. I have a 40 hour per week job Tuesday through Saturday, I am a board member for a local nonprofit (which takes up at least a few hours per month), and I provide for and tend to my household, which takes up the rest of my time.

'''2. How long could you sustain your development effort prior to revenue?''' For example, in the worst case scenario of innumerable unforeseen events which prevented you from reaching the point of revenue generation, if it took way longer than was ever reasonably predicted - could you sustain your effort as long as it takes or would you have to pivot? We should have clarity on this question because it can help us match the expected preparation/development tasks to the available time. Please start on this question by thinking about a task list for preparing for a first workshop in as much detail as possible, as part of this question.

Because I am working another full time job I should be able to continue my development efforts without regard to incoming revenue. The development work can be completed with access to a single printer, so once that has been purchased, the overhead costs should be zero or near zero. Ultimately, pursuing sustainable and appropriate open source hardware projects is shaping up to be my life's work so it can take as long as it needs to.

Kits
* Create development pages on wiki
* Create and finalize LOD500 cad
* Generate BOM from CAD
* Source and order all of the kit supplies - Need to discuss best methods to fund purchase
* Cut rods and angle iron to size
* cut lengths of belt
* cut lengths of pipe for bed
* cut plates for bed (if necessary)
* machine aluminum heatsink on drill press
* print 3d printed components
* Perform Kit Certification
* Assemble the printer a second time, taking pictures of every step and recording the steps taken in order.
* Create documentation for printer assembly (Combine with data from kit certification for accurate assembly time estimate)
* Have an assistant assemble a kit from documentation alone to test for weaknesses (bonus points for an assistant who knows nothing about 3d printers) (Potentially optional step)
* Test all electrical components (motors, endstops, RAMPS+Mega, bed heater, etc) for all kits
* Assemble kits per BOM
* Label parts as labeled in the documentation (aiming for eventually offering language agnostic assembly instructions)
* Package kits in separate crates/boxes for easy transport to event
* Print out documentation binder - 1 per kit
* Prepare OSE Linux Live USBs - 1 per kit

Presentation
* Create presentation that talks about unique features and benefits of the D3D Printer
* Include modularity (and what that even means to someone)
* Lifetime design vs planned obsolescence
* Open source hardware
* Distributive enterprise

Venue
* Shop around to obtain rates from venues for a full day workshop
* Pay deposit
* Pay balance due
* Arrive early day of for setup

Food
* Choose a local restaurant for supplying lunch and or catering trays
* Place an advance order for the food to be prepped
* Pick up day of or before
* Alternatively, just buy catering trays from Sam's Club

Marketing materials
* Create and implement templates for social media posts (FB, insta, etc.), flyers
* Distribute flyers in local businesses
* Have venue partner share event on their social media accounts
* Share event in local and surrounding community Facebook groups
* Schedule social media posts for weeks and days leading to event.
* Create website for event and product (lean on work for presentation for content)

Business plan
* If outside funding is required, a business plan will need to be written

Budget
* A budget will need to be written to estimate expenses and potential earnings.
* Ticket Revenue
* Venue cost
* Kits cost
* Marketing cost
* Website costs

'''3. What do you see as the potential of the modular, Construction Set Approach for building things?'''

I see the modular construction set approach to building things as the most important method for creating modern appropriate technology. Many open source hardware projects exist in isolation at present. If those projects were designed to be interoperable and have intercompatible parts they would be easier to design and build while being more appropriate and more valuable. It's my view that the only way that a transition to an open source economy of abundance is possible is with access to a modular construction set of manufacturing tools. The integrated performance (including social, environmental, and technological aspects) of modular construction sets, will better internalize the costs of production as opposed to creating more pollution, forcing people to take jobs that are not their right livelihood, or reinventing prior art for each project. Because modern mass production is focused on point performance of products, there is a lot more value that can be captured for the producer and end user when this approach is used.

Modular construction sets have the potential to enable low overhead distributed production of life sustaining essentials, tools, and machines all the way up to clean rooms and space ships.

'''4. How would you propose to implement 'lifetime design'?''' Discuss some of the key, specific features of your project that would express the 'lifetime design' philosophy. Think about what it would take to offer a 'lifetime design warranty' - point to some details of how you envision that this could this be implemented in a sustainable way?

The D3D Printer has multiple lifetime design elements. The chief design element is the plastic/steel construction of the machine, which combines the complex geometries of 3D printed plastic with the strength of steel. This makes for an extremely rugged design that is unlikely to need much if any maintenance. The parts that wear out fastest on the printer are the linear bearings and the belts, both of which are 3D printable. Other components like the halogen heating bulbs in the bed, the stepper motors, the extruder heater cores and thermistors, the endstops, etc. are all low cost, common-off-the-shelf components that can be easily sourced by the end user. The user will always have the option to service their own machines, even if the company that produced the kit or machine goes out of business.

A lifetime design warranty could consist of a few separate elements.
* Access to the full CAD, documentation, design files, etc. for easy user servicing and repair of the machine
* Offer replacements for all parts in cases where the machine was used under normal operating conditions for a 3D Printer, and the part was still within its useful lifetime. Require that the defective or damaged part be sent in for possible repair. End user pays shipping.
* Base the lifetime amount calculations on industry standard lifetimes of the part. 10,000 hours for stepper motors, for example.
* Anything outside of normal operating lifetimes won't be covered.
* The cost of maintaining a lifetime design warranty will decrease over time as replacement parts are manufactured in-house on digital fabrication machines.

'''5. Why did you choose to pursue the OSE product as opposed to the numerous other options out there?''' Clarify what you see as the value and unique value proposition of our work, compared to other options. Why did you choose to pursue the OSE product as opposed to the numerous other options out there?

I chose to pursue working with OSE for the sake of the appropriateness of their work. The OSE Specifications align perfectly with my personal principles of the free sharing of knowledge, the growth and development of myself as an individual, and adding to the pool of human knowledge via time-binding. I also want to self-provide to enable my own buy-out-at-the-bottom financial independence. I ultimately want to spend my life doing personally meaningful work, and OSE is aligned with my goals on this perfectly.

OSE's most valuable practice is releasing all of their work under open licenses, based on universal guiding principles. The work done by OSE is always in furthering the ends of their vision, not just for the marketing gimmick that some companies engage in when they release their goods as 'open source'. OSE puts their money where their mouth is, so to speak.

I chose to pursue the D3D printer first as it is the machine that is most accessible to me, while also being one of those most ready for a product release from the GVCS. I can build the D3D printers entirely in my second bedroom in my apartment if necessary. I need very low overhead to produce the machines and sell them on a website, which is great because I am at the start of my career and I have very little capital available to me to start the business off. Other organizations' open source machines are available for me to replicate, but none of them have the low part count, modular, lifetime design of the D3D printer.

'''6. What are your revenue goals for the first stage and afterwards?''' Once you have obtained a 'sustainable enterprise' - what revenue and net revenue would you like that to be for you? Provide your goals and the time within which you would like to achieve these goals. How would you see that growing in the years to come?

Once I have obtained a 'sustainable enterprise' I am looking to make as much as I am currently with my day job, approx $30K net per year (which would be approx $100K gross revenue at 30% profit). I want the enterprise to become my full time work, so at the bare minimum I have to be able to sustain myself at my current standard of living. I want to be able to do this work full time within three years or less. After achieving the point of transition to full time work my goal is to increase revenues until I make at least $50K/year net ($167K gross) within five years and for the rest of my life. When combined with other methods of high tech self providing, this is a very sustainable income.

'''7. How do you envision implementing the collaborative and swarm-based development and production aspects of OSE in your project?'''

I am planning to continue uploading all of my work on my projects on the OSE wiki. I am open to working collaboratively with anyone inside or outside of OSE to get my first workshop done successfully. I have also studied how OSE collaborates on the wiki and on cloud based documents, so I can teach others how to best work with me on the project. I also have family members and friends who have expressed interest in helping me on the project if I give them enough direction on where to help, so I will be leaning on them to assist me with the kit production, marketing, and documentation work.

Kit production especially can be broken down into numerous parallel tasks. Picking and packing the materials for 12-24 3D printers can be done component by component by any number of individuals. Photography work can be done from multiple angles by multiple people for a much faster pace and higher quality in recording the steps for documentation.

====Inspiration====

'''1.Describe how you would like your company to look and behave once you have attained the status of Distributive Enterprise.''' Such as - what are you and your team doing, whom are you serving, what products do you have, how is your enterprise growing and providing unique value, what is your day-to-day, what are your prospects for the future), what are you thinking and feeling?

In the near term, while the business is smaller, my team and I would be spending around half the week making 3D printers as well as goods for the Open Source Everything Store (3D Printed Products, Useful 3D Prints, especially metal plastic composite construction), and the other half doing additional documentation work, creating new products for the Open Source Everything Store according to OSE specifications, prototyping new digital fabrication machines (D3D Torch/router table, laser cutter, D3D Circuit Mill, filament extruder, 3D Scanner), etc. We would be serving mostly the national market for our products online, and doing local craft shows to connect with more local customers. By this point there would be extra money to invest into prototyping and pursuing even more development. I would also have access to many more tools (multiple printers, power tools, welders, etc.) that will increase the amount and quality of machines and goods I can produce. All of the general use machinery available to me will enable flexability throughout changing market conditions. The future looks bright. According to my goals, this would be about three years out from now when I move to this being my full time work.

In the long term, I want my business to grow and evolve until I own and operate a microfactory and farm that serves my neighboorhood. This could include a food co-op, tool/equipment sharing, fabrication services, furnature manufacturing, OSE machine replication, educational classes and workshops, and a large catalogue of Open Source Everything Store products. I want to get as close to fully independent closed loop economy as possible to provide the best opportunities that I can for my family, friends, and neighbors. My day-to-day would be spent building machines, tending to orchards and greenhouses, designing new things, and otherwise contributing to humanity's progress via time-binding. The surrounding community would be more prosperous due to the existance of the microfactory campus. I am feeling fulfilled, at the peak of self-actualization, and I have a long life of contributions to make ahead of me.

'''2. What do you consider to be Pressing World Issues in today's world?''' Describe how you are or how you would like to contribute to solving them. Discuss your goals for 'making a better world' in as much detail as you like.

The United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals are the shortlist of pressing world issues that I believe need to be solved.The SDGs are primarily focused on ending material scarcity (poverty, food access, clean water/sanitation access, industry/infrastructure improvement, good health/wellbeing, reduced inequalities, affordable clean energy, sustainable cities/communities, and decent work/economic growth). They also include the need for education, stewardship toward life and nature, and improved governance.

I am going to contribute to solving these issues by working openly and collaboratively toward creating an open source economy of abundance. The best place to do that currently is OSE. I plan to continue to contribute to the appropriate technologies of the GVCS until completion, as well as contributing to the Open Source Everything Store. My hope is that freely releasing economically significant information will create meaningful livelihoods for people everywhere and help to reduce the issues that stem from material scarcity.

I also want to make a better world for myself in my own personal sphere. I want to use myself as a testbed for sustainable business development to prove the model. If I can go from making barely enough to cover my expenses to flourishing and saving for the future from this process then the world will be just that much better for me and anyone who follows this path. It would also prove that distributive enterprise replication can work and contribute to the eventual conversion of the material economy to an open source paradigm. Those who come after me down this path will (if all goes as planned) be able to provide for themselves and their loved ones and that helps to make the world a better place for everyone. The more people who are engaged in productive and collaborative works instead of crime, corruption, or other unethical behavior, the better.

'''3. OSE follows the principles of Good to Great. The core message is that anyone has a choice to develop the discipline to become great, because there is so much good work needed to be done. And in order to solve difficult problems, one needs great capacity. General acceptance of what is already 'good' keeps the world in a state of immense societal/industrial inertia - ie, stuck without adapting to the times. But, becoming great is not easy, and most people do not choose this route. What are your thoughts on being good vs great?'''

I watched the book summary from the Good to Great page for more context, and I have decided that I will read the book in its entirety.

The path to greatness outlined in Good to Great is making disciplined decisions/steps toward your goal. The apt metaphor of a flywheel is used to illustrate how achieving greatness is a series of small additions to the total momentum in a single direction. This theme of continually building upon the same base over and over again is seen in nature, in the concept of time binding, in the principles that lead to the OSE Specifications and GVCS, and in most of the good self improvement/personal growth literature that I have read. The path to greatness as outlined also requires discipline in relationships with others, and discipline of thought. Specifically, in being a supercollaborative individual who is chasing their own passions and focusing on the objective truth without losing sight of or faith in their end goal.

I believe that greatness is an achieveable state for many people given the above roadmap. For me specifically, I firmly believe that I can become great at running an enterprise with enough sustained effort. The way I could best cultivate it is to keep an open dialogue with those around me about my progress, struggles, goals, and visions for the future. When I make a quiet promise to myself it is sometimes not enough to keep me from missing the mark, but when I have people around me who keep me accountable to my goals I can keep moving in the right direction.

'''4. Take a look at the 4 Zones of Possibility. Discuss what these are for you, with respect to your specific OSE involvement, and in your life in general.'''

These are my answers as of 12/10/2023, but I believe items could move between the 4 zones in the future pending material changes to my circumstances.

1. Define what you know that you can do.
I have moderate physical strength and dexterity, so I can meet most of the physical demands of daily life. I can provide for my family by laboring with my mind or my hands. I can use computers effectively. For OSE I know I can readily contribute to documentation and development work including FreeCAD modeling as I have been doing that on my D3D Mega v23.05 project. In life in general I know that I can physically perform most of the tasks that an average healthy person can.

2. What you think you can do.
I think that I am smart enough to be able to learn new subjects and continue on a path of lifelong learning. I think I am an effective communicator of ideas, at least in one on one conversations. I think that I can learn enough to be able to successfully execute the 3D printer workshop. It may also be possible for me to fly out and be involved in some in person events at OSE. I think that I have the skills necessary to replicate the previously designed machines. I also think that I could have what it takes to contribute to OSE as a developer. I also received an associates degree in business so I can handle most business related math and know some basic aspects of business law and entrepreneurship (though I may be somewhat rusty).

3. What you think is probably too much
It would probably be a financial burden on me to start anything too capital intensive, as I'm working on a tight budget. I have yet to dive into completely learning any programming languages so I will need practice before doing any edits to code on projects. The science, physics, and engineering education that I have is what I learned in high school, so there are a lot of holes in my knowledge of these areas. Raising money for my venture effectively would be difficult for me as I currently don't know where is best to start looking. I feel that doing my workshop alone would likely be exceptionally difficult.

4. What you know you can't do.
I can't/won't do anything that will violate my principles, so unethical practices are out of the question. Outside of that, I'm open to trying to learn how to do anything. I can't relocate anytime soon as I have too much that is dear to me where I live.

'''5. Take a look at the Edge of Knowledge concept. Is there any way you can contribute to the 1000 hour curriculum?'''

I can definitely contribute in the 3D Printing and Open Source Everything Store segments of the 1000 hour curriculum. Those are the topics that I have the most knowledge of among those listed. I have also studied some about radio equipment as I work toward earning a ham radio license so I may be able to summarize simple topics in that field as well. Outside of that I don't have much of a specialization. I am very interested in learning the 1000 hour curriculum someday once completed!

'''6. Take a look at the concept of Level 6 Leadership. Have you ever considered or would you be interested in considering becoming a Level 6 Leader?'''

I am interested in becoming a Level 6 Leader. The material reason for starting my enterprise may be to earn money, but my goal is to add to the commons for all to benefit from. Everything that I do I can share freely with others without harming myself. I want to add to the momentum of the open hardware movement to liberate people (including myself) to be free to chase their passions and live personally meaningful lives. I believe that continuing to create open source alternatives to the conventional closed economy is the shortest route to achieving that end.

'''7. At the end of your life, what would you consider as goals achieved of a life worth living, by whichever metric you consider important?'''

I would have lived by my principles my entire life. I would have spent ample time with my loved ones. I would have added significant contributions to the pool of human knowledge. I would have learned something every day until the day I died. I would have made enough time to contemplate in silence and peace. I would have made the world a better place than when I found it. I would have given a boost to the next generations of humanity.

==Fri Dec 8, 2023==
After an email exchange with Marcin, I am planning to push back the date of my workshop to 4-5 months from now. I'm thinking end of April/beginning of May for the event now. I have a lot of work ahead of me for the project but I'm excited to get started. :))

==Tue Dec 5, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]. - See Github link for most recent work. The CAD is coming along nicely now. I have four modules to finish - heated chamber, extruder, controller, heated bed. I am having an issue with my axes in the assembly - They each have a small square artifact that's visible and I don't know how to remove it. I think it has something to do with the belt peg model though because it didn't appear when I deleted that part from the assembly, but that's mostly a hunch. If anyone's here reading my log I'd love help on fixing the problem.

Also, I wanted to note that I've been building this assembly in the A2Plus assembly workbench in FreeCAD v0.21.1 as I could not for the life of me get Assembly2 to work in FreeCAD 0.16. I'm using OSE linux as my daily driver.

I've been putting work into consolidating the wiki's 3D printer documentation under the D3D Mega v23.05 project. My hope is that my eventual completion of the documentation including LOD 500 CAD will give others a launching point from which they can start distributive enterprises based on the D3D system.

I am planning to run a one day 3D printer workshop based on the D3D Pro V20.07. The tenative date and location is February 4th, 2024 in Port Huron, MI. I understand that I am free to run an independent workshop, but I am very interested in collaborating and continuing to contribute my work back into OSE's wiki. Following the workshop (or sooner, if my work on documentation procceds as planned) I am also planning to sell kits for D3D Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, Universal, and the v23.05 Mega that I have been documenting. My long term goal is to be able to sustain my household from the income from this venture.

I am starting to get the word out now for the event. When I get a little spare cash I'm going to put a deposit down on the space so I can get out marketing materials and a website for the event.

My current roadblocks are my 40 hour job and my lack of startup capital, which also means a lack of a D3D Printer to practice on until I get my first ticket order for the event.

==Mon Dec 4, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD ]]. - See Github link for most recent work

==Sun Dec 3, 2023==
I have been inspired by the thought capture method of a "captain's log" seen on [[Eric Lotze Log]] so I will be documenting some of my thoughts on my work, projects, etc. here in my work log as I am so moved.

==Fri Dec 1, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Industry Standards]].

==Wed Nov 29, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD ]]. - See Github link for most recent work

==Tue Nov 28, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD ]].

==Mon Nov 27, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Module Breakdown]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD ]]. ‎[[D3D Mega v23.05]]. [[User:Alexa]] Critical Path.

==Sun Nov 26, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Module Breakdown]].

==Wed Nov 22, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Module Breakdown]].

==Sat Nov 18, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]].

==Fri Nov 17, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]. Reviewed some of [[FreeCAD 101]] in preparation for earning a [[FreeCAD Badge]] and taking the [[Developer Test]].

==Wed Nov 8, 2023==
[[OSE as a Secular Religion‎‎]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Calculations‎]].

==Mon Oct 10, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Conceptual Design]].

==Mon Oct 9, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Conceptual Design]].

==Tue Sept 26, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]] - Nearly finished. Just need to fill out the Interfaces section some more.

==Sat Sept 23, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Future Work]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Calculations]].

==Sat Sept 16, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Calculations]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Industry Standards]].

==Fri Sept 15, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 BOM]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]

==Tue Aug 29, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Industry Standards]]

==Fri July 14, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Production Engineering]]

==Sun July 9, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Unique Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Calculations]].

==Sat July 8, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]

==Wed July 5, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]

==Mon May 22, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]

==Sun May 21, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[Heated Build Chamber Patents]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Conceptual Design]].

Alexa Log

2025-12-21T09:39:18Z

Alexa: Add my recent thoughts that I also shared on the OSE Discord

{{RightTOC}}

<html><iframe width="600" height="280" src="https://osedev.org/wiki/Alexa"></iframe></html>
==Sunday Dec 21, 2025==
I have been preoccupied with thinking about this and other lovely projects, so I'm popping in to share my recent thoughts.
The Appropedia wiki has plans for an open source compression screw grinding machine.
Here's the relevant video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P7IGj5Wa7k
Wiki Entry: https://www.appropedia.org/Open-Source_Grinding_Machine_for_Compression_Screw_Manufacturing/
Design Files: https://osf.io/ev6ta/
Additionally, there's a case study into a bootstrapping a business with 4-5 different revenue streams: https://www.appropedia.org/Making_the_Tools_to_Do-It-Together:_Open-source_Compression_Screw_Manufacturing_Case_Study
All of this is to say, I'm looking into building one of these machines because I want to experiment with small extrusion screw extruders for my next version of the D3D printer
I want to use a small extrusion screw to act as a preheating stage for pellets/regrind to enter a normal 2.85mm V6/Volcano/Supervolcano 3D printer nozzle.
My thought is to use a more shallow extrusion screw that will soften the plastic enough to make it flow but not yet heat the material to its printing temperature.
The reason you use a compression screw at all is to get a greater mixing action in the particles you feed into the screw. Augers don't provide as consistent results becuase of the lack of mixing.
There are many things I want to learn with the screw machine
I have also been considering multiple improvements to the Universal Frame
The current combo of 3D printed plastic with rebar members is not suitably stiff enough for my needs.
On the OSE wiki, Marcin laid out plans for a large workshop structure consisting entirely of welded rebar box trusses: https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/wiki/Large_Workshop_Structure
Large Workshop Structure
I want to miniaturize that design to work as a machine frame on the D3D Mega that is my next planned build
I am also going to experiment with both concrete-filled truss and aerocrete-filled truss. The youtuber Nighthawkinlight recently released a simple recipe to make aerocrete using xanthan gum, liquid dish detergent, a small amount of alcohol, water, and portland cement.
The advantages of aerocrete are that it's up to 60% lighter that normal concrete, and the trapped air that makes it lighter can act as a closed or open cell foam insulation material
Being rock, it's somewhat heat and fire tolerant. I'm interested in a furnace/stove cement version for extreme temperature conditions.
That's important for the D3D Pro and D3D Mega, because both have planned improvements to include a high temperature heated chamber. With enough planning ahead, I'm expecting that the chamber could reach kiln levels of hot
That unlocks engineering filaments, high temp recycled mixed plastic blends, annealing on the print bed, glazing pottery or 3D printed ceramics
Here is a relevant expired patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6722872B1/en
Instead of a metal enclosure like this one, it's cheaper and more attainable to use a high temp refractory concrete (primarily aluminum and silicon oxides) or another material that can withstand high temps
I purchased some porcelain floor tiles to test their durability in a chamber that's at least 500*C
My searches online for "porcelain exploding at high temp" yielded few results so hopefully that'll go well
One other thing that needs improving is the heated bed. I'm hoping that my non-explosive floor tiles will serve as a tough and flat surface that will last in the high heat.
I grabbed a 24"x24" polished tile from Menards for the build plate
I'm debating between improving on the current halogen lightbulb design or switching back to the previous 2018 era design that used nichrome wire
The nichrome wire design was discontinued because it usually wore out the windings at the connection points
While persuing videos on kiln design, I found that you can twist nichrome wire together with a few shorter strands to make a lower temp and lower resistance section that you can then screw into a high temperature screw terminal from ole reliable McMaster Carr: https://www.mcmaster.com/5602T21/
Nichrome wire is dead cheap compared to halogen lightbulbs and is usually considered a consumable. That being said... lightbulbs are much easier for an end user to change than a big nichrome wire. I'd love feedback on that from you all
I'm also bumping up to 1/2" aluminum round stock and tube stock for motion axes on the D3D Mega build
For increased rigidity I have been thinking about moving from the polymer bearings to three roller bearings on each rod in the axis
That will leave space for me to mount the 1/2" round stock directly to the frame along its length using countersunk screw holes

Big ole changes summary:

Extruder
--Add compression screw pre-melt stage for pellet and regrind
--Add load cell/strain gauges as mounting points for the extruder for nozzle touch sensing
--Add a toolhead board for controlling all of the functions
--Add mounting plate for quick extruder change/future multi tool head setups

Universal Axis
--Increase rod diameter
--Add mounting points for Y & Z axis stabilization
--Add roller bearings to the carriage

Universal Frame
--Remove 3D printed corners
--Use welded rebar truss for members
--Use U-bolts for attaching members together and mounting components to the frame
--Cast concrete into each truss to dampen vibration and include threaded inserts/nuts, U-bolts, or other hardware (optional)

Fast Heated Bed
--Replace steel bed surface with porcelain floor tile (tbd if this works)
--Increase heating power of bed with either nichrome wire or many halogen lightbulbs
--Increase thermal mass of the bed via filling with sand or possibly casting custom aerocrete panels for nichrome coils
--Use high temperature terminal blocks

Universal Controller
--Add toolhead board(s)
--Add more solid state relays to enable zone control in the heated bed
-- Use larger enclosure with removable mounting plate and cable management area
--Add a small touchscreen for full printer control at point of operation (optional)

Heated Chamber
--Add heated chamber
--Use rebar truss, high termperature aerocrete/firebrick/porcelain tile (best results tbd)
--Use nichrome or halogen lightbulb heating elements in the bottom of the chamber for active heating
--Use small metal fans for air circulation (motors can be externally mounted)
--Use welding blanket as a flexible baffle on top of the chamber (see here for more options: https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/wiki/Open_Source_High_Temperature_3D_Printer_Requirements_%2B_Value_Proposition)

I should emphasize that these are planned changes and are not actually things I have done. They therefore are not recommendations but rather future experiments. :)

==Thu Aug 15, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]

==Fri June 21, 2024==
I'm back with updates!

I have been working on the printer in my spare time all month long, gradually performing upgrades and ironing out issues. I will do my best to compile the technical aspects of my notes for this past month at [[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]. I have yet to begin more structured/formal data collection on the printer, but I have a shortlist of things I will be testing for:

* Max Temps (Deg. C/ Deg. F)
* Max movement of all axes (mm)
* Input shaping settings (frequencies, damping factors, etc. - usually unique to each machine but this will be a ballpark for others)
* Pressure Advance (K-factor, also ballpark)
* Axis backlash for all axes (mm)
* Build time (hours, minutes)
* Max speeds (mm/s)
* Max acceleration (mm/s^2)
* Max jerk (mm/s^3)
* Max volumetric flowrate (mm^3/s) (filament specific, but again ballpark)
* Bed leveling mesh data (mesh output) (need to ensure that the printers don't have wildly warped beds - need to test limits of warp somehow)
* Bed max lift before belt skipping (g or kg)
* Total machine cost (BOM, labor, packaging, etc.)
* Filament used in machine's printed parts (g)
* Count of each part (for BOM)
* Printing results/Start success (failure rate, %) (min. 2 Sigma prior to any sales)
* "Benchy" test print included with each printer
* Skew (mm/m)
* Overhang performance (angle)
* Warping and delamination (test print)
* Noise (dB)

I have also ordered and received most of the parts for the next printer build of v23.12. I will be using some different BOM part choices from the first build. A few of the 'new' parts are updated 3D printed parts. I will be uploading those files at [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]].

==Mon May 20, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]
==Thu May 9, 2024==
Since Saturday I have been working on the 3D printer. I have probably spent over 40 hours on the project this week, but I will have to check all of my notes and upload the grand total. I will be updating the printer data and build information at [[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]. This has been a blast!

==Sat May 4, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Pictures and Video]] I worked on the universal controller assembly first as that is the module that likely needs to come first for the sake of testing all of the other components.

==Fri May 3, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Pictures and Video]]

==Thu May 2, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Pictures and Video]]. I posted recent pics and videos to the Open Source Ecology Workshops Facebook group. The results have been good so far :)

==Sun Apr 28, 2024==
Interview Questions

==Thu Apr 4, 2024==
I have been working on enterprise development for the past few weeks. I now have an LLC set up and a website up and running with demo content [https://www.opensourcemfg.com/]. I have been mapping out processes in the business on a flow chart to plan for what standard operating procedures I need to write. I am currently stuck on my ability to purchase more parts to continue prototyping work, at least for the time being, so I have been working on other things. I have also focused on printing additional products for photographing. I have been adding to my listings on Etsy.

==Wed Mar 13, 2024==
[[Input Shaping]]

==Mon Mar 11, 2024==
My Ender 3 V2 printer broke on Tuesday/Wednesday when I was upgrading the nozzle from 0.4mm to 1.0mm - I stripped the heater block threads. I purchased a replacement part online that arrived on Saturday. I repaired the printer and finished the upgrades. The print time for a universal frame rebar corner connector dropped from 11.5 hours to 4.5 hours with the new nozzle. The print quality also improved. Currently I am printing all of the motor pieces, carriages, and carriage closures for the printer. The whole job is estimated to take 27.5 hours.

Work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide.

==Mon Mar 4, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]

==Sun Mar 3, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]. I had the assistance of a friend for note taking and discussing process improvements during my work today. We both worked on [[D3D Pro v23.12]] for 4.5 hours.

==Tue Feb 27, 2024==
Work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide. Currently still in section 1 (sourcing).

==Mon Feb 19, 2024==
Work on updating the [[D3D Pro v23.12 BOM]] for the switch to the 12" bed, plus adding the tools and supplies (zip ties, ferrules, electrical tape, etc.) that were not included as details in the CAD. I also realized that I made a mistake in the naming of the machine. If I wanted to go for a 12" bed the machine should have been named D3D Pro 2 v23.12 as the Pro 2 is the 12" bed.

==Sun Feb 18, 2024==
Today I worked on setting up a Magento ecommerce website on AWS for my business. It can be viewed here: [https://opensourcemfg.com]. I went for the name Open Source Manufacturing as it nicely sums up the work I'll be doing in my future microfactory.

==Sat Feb 17, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide

==Fri Feb 16, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide

==Thu Feb 15, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide

I met with [[User:Strangeloops]] to discuss OSE, the GVCS, the D3D Pro v23.12 3D Printer and what I could use help on in the project. They are going to look into the firmware and software for the beagleplay board.

==Tue Feb 13, 2024==
Resizing [[D3D Pro v23.12]] to accommodate a 12" bed.

==Fri Feb 9, 2024==
I worked for a few hours tonight drafting a business plan with the help of a friend. I have more work to do in market research and analysis and expanding on the other sections. I also worked on BOM research. The printer's total cost came out slightly under what I had expected, which is nice. :)

==Wed Feb 7, 2024==
The CAD work is coming along nicely. Universal Controller is in place, Z axes are in place, etc. I'm finishing up the bed and then all of the major components and fasteners will be done. Then I have to determine if it will be worth my while to do wiring in the CAD file itself. I like how it was done in the CAD for the Lyman filament extruder. In that file the wire plug locations are marked with color coded cylinders that indicated which wire went to where. On the other hand though, it's time I could spend on other documentation. Once the CAD is finished I am planning to break every part out into it's own separate file and upload it to the parts library on the wiki.

Evening

I worked more on the [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]] today. I caught some spelling errors and generated new parts including the thermistors, heater cartridge, PEI Sheet, 2-sided tape, 1/2" conduit (which for some reason seems to not be 1/2" in any dimension), and the halogen light bulbs and holders (which I did my best to look up online but may be inaccurate to some degree). The assembly is nearing completion. There are currently around 350 individual parts in the part tree and that does not include wires, a few missing screws, or zip ties.

==Mon Feb 5, 2024==
I have been messaging back and forth on discord with an individual who wants to contribute to open source projects. They are looking into firmware options for the upgraded [[D3D Pro v23.12]]. I am looking forward to hearing their thoughts on whether the additional features like gcode preprocessing and advanced bed mesh calculations will be worth the switch.

I realized that I am going to need to redesign the '4D printed' Universal Controller mount board. It is not compatible with the new rebar frame and it needs extra space for the BeagleBone computer. I settled on the BeaglePlay as it has built-in wifi and is around $100. It is also fully open source [https://certification.oshwa.org/us002174.html]. You could probably fire up OSE linux on it if you wanted. :)

==Sun Feb 4, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12]].

==Sat Feb 3, 2024==
Continue work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]]. Getting a lot done. Top axes are in place. Frame is in place. Extruder is in place. I must say, I've really been enjoying the FreeCAD 0.16 workflow. It feels more like I'm assembling a big 3D puzzle when doing placement-based versus when I do constraint-based assemblies and I spend hours fighting to get the constraints near perfect (which is much less fun). I had to hunt around a little bit on the wiki to piece together the CAD library that I have been using. I broke down the [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]] page into subsections for each module and their individual parts. I am planning to complete the CAD work ASAP |am grateful for all of the countless hours of prior development work that went into this project already. It has made my small additions possible.

There is a small business network in my town that provides startup assistance and access to funding opportunities that I am considering joining for the sake of the workshop business I am starting.

==Fri Feb 2, 2024==
Continuing work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]]. I finished the Universal Frame Assembly. I am going to have to start naming parts with the machine name in the file name. I'm starting to overlap names I used on [[D3D Mega v23.05]].

==Wed Jan 31, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]]. [[D3D Pro v23.12 Requirements + Value Proposition]].

==Sun Jan 14, 2024==
I've had lots of fun working on the working doc from Friday's log. I have gotten to a point where I have an early prototype CAD model and I've shared my work (early and often as always). [[File:Universal Frame Rebar Connector.FCStd]]

==Fri Jan 12, 2024==
I spent a little while playing with the Angle Frame Corner generator that is part of the [[3D Printer Workbench]] in FreeCAD. I may attempt to expose more variables from the connector macro vs restarting from scratch to design a new frame corner for 1/2" rebar. If just a few more things were exposed as variables I would be able to generate a 1/2" square slot for the rebar to be inserted into. Then it's just a matter of tightening down the set screw and you're square.

{{Hint|Start a [[Working Doc]] and you can paste this text in there and continue to update with pictures. I'd like to see pictures.-MJ}}

<html><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQJGjvT_RImILXAkqd6a0fL103VUeAeYOpJmNLADXsCtNyqZ54SHsb6FdzmFyus6jdDdgJcFJRMCUMu/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=60000" frameborder="0" width="960" height="569" allowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true"></iframe></html>

[https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1FVPihIJHFriQ9S9soaE_G7H4oCvzvejftOcpkz_REfw/edit?usp=sharing edit]

==Wed Jan 10, 2024==
At work I have been spending a lot of time looking into Semantic MediaWiki. The extension effectively lets a person use a wiki as a low/no code relational database. It would be great to use for data collection or running a business single source of truth. I may use it to track business operations and keep myself organized personally as it's very customizable. I'm honestly surprised that it's not in use on the OSE wiki, but it does add complexity and has an additional learning curve, so maybe not too surprised. I've also been considering that a wiki would be the perfect place to store notes and information as I continue my path of life-long learning.

Recently read the Lecture Notes on Teaching General Semantics by Lance Strate, Ph.D. available at the [https://www.generalsemantics.org/Teaching-Materials General Semantics website]. I was particularly inspired by the section on Idealization  and  Operationalism. Idealization causes frustration because it makes people believe that things like 'love', 'success', etc. are unattainable because they idealize them. When something is put on a pedestal, untouchable, it becomes unattainable because there are no concrete steps to get there. Operationalism, conversely, means you define something by the steps it takes to get there. If you want to "change the world", what will be changed and what are your steps to get there? Similar to the working principles around SMART goals.

I have also recently decided that I'd like to apply the general semantics principles/life principles that I have been pondering lately to my organization ability. I have struggled a lot in the past to stay organized and on top of everything (whether at work or home), and I'd like to learn and develop organization as a skill. In its simplest form, organization is just having a place for everything, and everything in its place. The steps to get there would be to make places for every thing that I want to take time to organize, and put it there; whether that means a physical location for an object, or a place for data to live.

==Mon Jan 8, 2024==
The new year didn't exactly start as planned, but I'm back. I'm going to continue work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]], move on to finishing my critical path and set a realistic workshop date.

An interesting development in my life - a friend of mine is starting out a new small venture making hair care/beard care products at my encouragement. He has a lot of experience from another business he ran making those same products. I want to help him start his business with the most basic tools to get the job done while still allowing for industrial productivity. He should be able to produce his products in a simple double boiler on a gas, electric, or induction stove. I can manufacture all of his packaging on my 3D Printer, and we can use my printer and Cricut machine to produce waterproof/oilproof labels. We can use my 3d printer to make pouring /filling jigs for bottles and chap stick tubes. We are working on manufacturing everything in-house as much as possible. This business will be [[antifragile]] - the multipurpose machines that we're using can be put to use in many other ways in the business, and for the most part we already own everything we need personally, so there's not really any chance of 'going out of business'... just the possibility of having a few hundred dollars of hair care products to use at the house.

Also, I have convinced him to share all of his documentation openly and collaboratively, from standard operating procedures to recipes to data collection. He agrees with me that having free access to that information is better for the world, and helps solve the pressing world issues that we have talked about wanting to solve. Hopefully soon there will be a handful of additional products available for the [[Open Source Everything Store]], and some free cash for more open source work. :)

I read through most of The Homebrew Industrial Revolution: A Low-Overhead Manifesto by Kevin A. Carson. Great book that mentions OSE. I really liked the author's discussions about how precision machining and making parts to higher tolerances, alongside the freeing potential of electricity and the electric motor, bring home or workshop based manufacturing to the same quality as products produced by mass manufacturing. The book has a lot of similar themes to OSE's guiding philosophies.

==Thu Dec 28, 2023==
[[SH4 Documentation Proposal‎]] Typos. [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]] expanding upon full timeline of work.

==Tue Dec 26, 2023==
Expanded on [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]]. I am attempting to break the assembly steps down today. That way when I get to the later assembly and build manual documentation steps I will be more prepared. The old [[3D Printer Manual]] is helping me get the general order of operations down, even with many steps being different in later versions.

==Sun Dec 24, 2023==
Added to Saturday's timeline, and then moved it to [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]]. I am working to expand my to-do list down to every detail that I feel I can reasonably capture. Once completed I will have a list of tasks that is detailed enough to enable swarm-based workflows. The one I'm looking forward to the most is the [[Kit Certification]] and build manual documentation steps. I plan to have me and two others work together to document the build manual. One person builds and explains the steps of the printer build they take as they work. Another person takes up close photos of before, during, and after each step. The third person transcribes the steps into a work document.

I have started to break down the documentation that I will create for handouts at [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]].

==Sat Dec 23, 2023==

Timeline to workshop ready point:

(Does not include marketing/workshop stuff, just kit documentation prep)

* Create and finalize LOD500 cad
** Model frame for 1/2" rebar
*** Model corner connectors / Y axis holders 8hrs
*** Model Z axis top and bottom holders 4hrs
** Model heated bed components and assemble
*** Buy halogen bulbs and holders to take measurements .5hr
*** Model halogen holder and bulb 1hr
*** Model heated bed tubes .5hr
*** Model heated bed sheet metal (including holes) .5hr
*** Model heated bed carbon fiber blankets .5hr
*** Assemble heated bed in CAD 2hr
** Assemble extruder in CAD from available prior work 4hrs
** Assemble control panel in CAD from available prior work 4hrs
** Assemble axes from available prior work - Done

* Generate BOM from CAD - Instant in FreeCAD 21
** Find multiple vendors for each part 12hrs

* Source and order all of the first kit supplies
** Order parts from multiple sources to vet quality/compatibility

* Prep the first kit
** Print 3d printed components - 48+ hrs
** Cut rods and rebar to size - 1.5hr
** Cut lengths of belt - 15min
** Cut lengths of pipe for bed - 30min
** Cut plates for bed (if necessary) - 15min
** Cut aluminum heatsink to size - 10min
** Machine aluminum heatsink on drill press - 15min
** Test all electrical components (motors, endstops, RAMPS+Mega, bed heater, etc) 30min
*** Motors all spin
*** Endstops trigger properly and are correct type for failing safely
*** Bed Heater - lighting up
*** Hotend and thermistors - Heat up and measure temp
** Heat gun the control panel print as in [[4D Printing]] 5min

* Build the first kit
** Build Universal Frame
**# Gather all materials 1min
**# Build two squares from the corners and rebar 10min
**#* Use jig to square (wooden dowel cut to length of connector distance)
**#* Be mindful of corner direction
**#* Tighten fasteners
**# Add 4 vertical rebar pieces into one of the square's corners 2min
**#* Tighten fasteners
**# Put second square onto the top 2min
**#* Turn frame onto its side
**#* Use jig to square
**#* Tighten fasteners
**# Done!
** Build Universal Axes
*** X Axis with rods jutting past the sides
*** Y Axes with unique carriages
*** Z Axes with shorter rods
** Build Universal Extruder
** Build Heated Bed
*** Primarily assembled using high temp epoxy
** Build Universal Controller
*** Tin all wires
*** Attach all components to panel
*** Follow prior art wiring plans
** Build filament holder

* Perform [[Kit Certification]]

* Assemble another printer, taking pictures of every step and recording the steps taken in order.

* Create documentation for printer, following wiki development template
** Kit Prep Manual
*** Safety, workspace layouts, kit prep expected effort timeline
*** Sourcing section - notes on finding local substitutes
*** Metal Cutting Section
*** Aluminum Heatsink Prep Section
*** Steps for partial preassembly
*** Packaging for workshop
*** Packaging for shipment
** Build Manual
*** Universal Frame Section
*** Universal Axis Section
**** X, Y, and Z are separate
*** Universal Extruder Section
*** Fast Heated Bed Section
*** Universal Controller Section
*** Final Assembly Section
*** Wiring and testing Section
*** Troubleshooting Section

* Have an assistant assemble a kit from documentation alone to test for weaknesses
** Revise documentation as necessary for clarity, ease of assembly, turnkey-ness

* Prep the workshop kits
** Print 3d printed components
** Order parts
** Cut rods and rebar to size
** Cut lengths of belt
** Cut lengths of pipe for bed
** Cut plates for bed (if necessary)
** Cut aluminum heatsink to size
** Machine aluminum heatsink on drill press
** Test all electrical components (motors, endstops, RAMPS+Mega, bed heater, etc) for all kits
** Gather together kits per BOM
** Label parts as labeled in the documentation (aiming for eventually offering language agnostic assembly instructions)
** Package kits in separate crates/boxes for easy transport to event
** Print out documentation binder - 1 per kit
** Prepare OSE Linux Live USBs - 1 per kit

*Work in progress*

==Sun Dec 17, 2023==
[[D3D Pro v23.12]]. Started work on CAD Assembly. It's moving very quickly due to prior work on D3D Mega v23.05.

==Sat Dec 16, 2023==
Worked a little bit on my critical path at [[User:Alexa]]. I am reworking it to have a more realistic timeframe.

==Fri Dec 15, 2023==
LOD 500 CAD To-Do Breakdown:
* Model halogen holder and bulb
* Model heated bed tubes
* Model heated bed sheet metal (including holes)
* Model heated bed carbon fiber blankets
* Assemble heated bed in CAD
* Assemble extruder in CAD from available prior work
* Assemble control panel in CAD from available prior work
* Resize rods on universal axes from v23.05
* Resize angle iron in v23.05 frame

I do not yet know how to best model the wires/wiring connections for the CAD. I would really appreciate direction on where I can learn to do this if anyone reading knows.

Contingency plan for any prolonged delays to workshop is to build an online shop after completion of full product documentation. An ecommerce website is still a potentially viable distributive enterprise, even if it does not have the same local impact that a workshop would. I would still prefer to do the workshop first to prove the workshop model is viable before investing time into learning how to sell and market effectively on an ecommerce store. In any case, the store is an inevitability just like the workshop - just a matter of timing.

'''It's the day after the workshop and it was a horrible disaster. What went wrong and how could it have been stopped beforehand?'''
* No tickets were sold so the event could not take place.
* Could be mitigated by buying kits only after ticket sales so there's no money lost except for the venue deposit?
* A solid marketing plan drawn up by an expert and executed to the letter.
* A clear market has been defined as part of the above plan

* The website got DDOSed/Crashed/Too Slow
* Host on large national provider and use cloudflare for DDOS protection
* Use the hosting provider's version of wordpress to ensure automatic updates occur

* The kits were unfinished due to lack of time
* Clear proofs of build time from inexperienced assembler doing a time lapse like in [[Kit Certification]]
* Step by step instructions with clear pictures for each step. Proper warnings and safety information included.
* Clearly labeling each part by letter as in [[Language Agnostic Instructionals]]

* The printers do not function
* Test all motors and electronics prior to finishing kit assembly
* Have a quality control checklist + BOM to review each kit with prior to event
* Have a spare printer worth of parts available

==Thu Dec 14, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Conceptual Design]]. Added additional notes on top cover of high temp heated chamber.

==Tue Dec 12, 2023==
I took a big step in my day job today. I transitioned to posting all of the work that I perform onto an internally hosted wiki for all to see. I have been missing the mark at times without a system for storing my work and the wiki was the perfect place to build in accountability, transparency, and capture all of the details. My hope is that this will increase my capacity to work more collaboratively with my peers as I have been learning to do through OSE.

==Sun Dec 10, 2023==
===Onboarding Assessment===
====Tactical====

'''1. How much time do you have to commit to the development of your chosen project?'''

I can sustainably commit to 8-12 hours per week of development time. I have a 40 hour per week job Tuesday through Saturday, I am a board member for a local nonprofit (which takes up at least a few hours per month), and I provide for and tend to my household, which takes up the rest of my time.

'''2. How long could you sustain your development effort prior to revenue?''' For example, in the worst case scenario of innumerable unforeseen events which prevented you from reaching the point of revenue generation, if it took way longer than was ever reasonably predicted - could you sustain your effort as long as it takes or would you have to pivot? We should have clarity on this question because it can help us match the expected preparation/development tasks to the available time. Please start on this question by thinking about a task list for preparing for a first workshop in as much detail as possible, as part of this question.

Because I am working another full time job I should be able to continue my development efforts without regard to incoming revenue. The development work can be completed with access to a single printer, so once that has been purchased, the overhead costs should be zero or near zero. Ultimately, pursuing sustainable and appropriate open source hardware projects is shaping up to be my life's work so it can take as long as it needs to.

Kits
* Create development pages on wiki
* Create and finalize LOD500 cad
* Generate BOM from CAD
* Source and order all of the kit supplies - Need to discuss best methods to fund purchase
* Cut rods and angle iron to size
* cut lengths of belt
* cut lengths of pipe for bed
* cut plates for bed (if necessary)
* machine aluminum heatsink on drill press
* print 3d printed components
* Perform Kit Certification
* Assemble the printer a second time, taking pictures of every step and recording the steps taken in order.
* Create documentation for printer assembly (Combine with data from kit certification for accurate assembly time estimate)
* Have an assistant assemble a kit from documentation alone to test for weaknesses (bonus points for an assistant who knows nothing about 3d printers) (Potentially optional step)
* Test all electrical components (motors, endstops, RAMPS+Mega, bed heater, etc) for all kits
* Assemble kits per BOM
* Label parts as labeled in the documentation (aiming for eventually offering language agnostic assembly instructions)
* Package kits in separate crates/boxes for easy transport to event
* Print out documentation binder - 1 per kit
* Prepare OSE Linux Live USBs - 1 per kit

Presentation
* Create presentation that talks about unique features and benefits of the D3D Printer
* Include modularity (and what that even means to someone)
* Lifetime design vs planned obsolescence
* Open source hardware
* Distributive enterprise

Venue
* Shop around to obtain rates from venues for a full day workshop
* Pay deposit
* Pay balance due
* Arrive early day of for setup

Food
* Choose a local restaurant for supplying lunch and or catering trays
* Place an advance order for the food to be prepped
* Pick up day of or before
* Alternatively, just buy catering trays from Sam's Club

Marketing materials
* Create and implement templates for social media posts (FB, insta, etc.), flyers
* Distribute flyers in local businesses
* Have venue partner share event on their social media accounts
* Share event in local and surrounding community Facebook groups
* Schedule social media posts for weeks and days leading to event.
* Create website for event and product (lean on work for presentation for content)

Business plan
* If outside funding is required, a business plan will need to be written

Budget
* A budget will need to be written to estimate expenses and potential earnings.
* Ticket Revenue
* Venue cost
* Kits cost
* Marketing cost
* Website costs

'''3. What do you see as the potential of the modular, Construction Set Approach for building things?'''

I see the modular construction set approach to building things as the most important method for creating modern appropriate technology. Many open source hardware projects exist in isolation at present. If those projects were designed to be interoperable and have intercompatible parts they would be easier to design and build while being more appropriate and more valuable. It's my view that the only way that a transition to an open source economy of abundance is possible is with access to a modular construction set of manufacturing tools. The integrated performance (including social, environmental, and technological aspects) of modular construction sets, will better internalize the costs of production as opposed to creating more pollution, forcing people to take jobs that are not their right livelihood, or reinventing prior art for each project. Because modern mass production is focused on point performance of products, there is a lot more value that can be captured for the producer and end user when this approach is used.

Modular construction sets have the potential to enable low overhead distributed production of life sustaining essentials, tools, and machines all the way up to clean rooms and space ships.

'''4. How would you propose to implement 'lifetime design'?''' Discuss some of the key, specific features of your project that would express the 'lifetime design' philosophy. Think about what it would take to offer a 'lifetime design warranty' - point to some details of how you envision that this could this be implemented in a sustainable way?

The D3D Printer has multiple lifetime design elements. The chief design element is the plastic/steel construction of the machine, which combines the complex geometries of 3D printed plastic with the strength of steel. This makes for an extremely rugged design that is unlikely to need much if any maintenance. The parts that wear out fastest on the printer are the linear bearings and the belts, both of which are 3D printable. Other components like the halogen heating bulbs in the bed, the stepper motors, the extruder heater cores and thermistors, the endstops, etc. are all low cost, common-off-the-shelf components that can be easily sourced by the end user. The user will always have the option to service their own machines, even if the company that produced the kit or machine goes out of business.

A lifetime design warranty could consist of a few separate elements.
* Access to the full CAD, documentation, design files, etc. for easy user servicing and repair of the machine
* Offer replacements for all parts in cases where the machine was used under normal operating conditions for a 3D Printer, and the part was still within its useful lifetime. Require that the defective or damaged part be sent in for possible repair. End user pays shipping.
* Base the lifetime amount calculations on industry standard lifetimes of the part. 10,000 hours for stepper motors, for example.
* Anything outside of normal operating lifetimes won't be covered.
* The cost of maintaining a lifetime design warranty will decrease over time as replacement parts are manufactured in-house on digital fabrication machines.

'''5. Why did you choose to pursue the OSE product as opposed to the numerous other options out there?''' Clarify what you see as the value and unique value proposition of our work, compared to other options. Why did you choose to pursue the OSE product as opposed to the numerous other options out there?

I chose to pursue working with OSE for the sake of the appropriateness of their work. The OSE Specifications align perfectly with my personal principles of the free sharing of knowledge, the growth and development of myself as an individual, and adding to the pool of human knowledge via time-binding. I also want to self-provide to enable my own buy-out-at-the-bottom financial independence. I ultimately want to spend my life doing personally meaningful work, and OSE is aligned with my goals on this perfectly.

OSE's most valuable practice is releasing all of their work under open licenses, based on universal guiding principles. The work done by OSE is always in furthering the ends of their vision, not just for the marketing gimmick that some companies engage in when they release their goods as 'open source'. OSE puts their money where their mouth is, so to speak.

I chose to pursue the D3D printer first as it is the machine that is most accessible to me, while also being one of those most ready for a product release from the GVCS. I can build the D3D printers entirely in my second bedroom in my apartment if necessary. I need very low overhead to produce the machines and sell them on a website, which is great because I am at the start of my career and I have very little capital available to me to start the business off. Other organizations' open source machines are available for me to replicate, but none of them have the low part count, modular, lifetime design of the D3D printer.

'''6. What are your revenue goals for the first stage and afterwards?''' Once you have obtained a 'sustainable enterprise' - what revenue and net revenue would you like that to be for you? Provide your goals and the time within which you would like to achieve these goals. How would you see that growing in the years to come?

Once I have obtained a 'sustainable enterprise' I am looking to make as much as I am currently with my day job, approx $30K net per year (which would be approx $100K gross revenue at 30% profit). I want the enterprise to become my full time work, so at the bare minimum I have to be able to sustain myself at my current standard of living. I want to be able to do this work full time within three years or less. After achieving the point of transition to full time work my goal is to increase revenues until I make at least $50K/year net ($167K gross) within five years and for the rest of my life. When combined with other methods of high tech self providing, this is a very sustainable income.

'''7. How do you envision implementing the collaborative and swarm-based development and production aspects of OSE in your project?'''

I am planning to continue uploading all of my work on my projects on the OSE wiki. I am open to working collaboratively with anyone inside or outside of OSE to get my first workshop done successfully. I have also studied how OSE collaborates on the wiki and on cloud based documents, so I can teach others how to best work with me on the project. I also have family members and friends who have expressed interest in helping me on the project if I give them enough direction on where to help, so I will be leaning on them to assist me with the kit production, marketing, and documentation work.

Kit production especially can be broken down into numerous parallel tasks. Picking and packing the materials for 12-24 3D printers can be done component by component by any number of individuals. Photography work can be done from multiple angles by multiple people for a much faster pace and higher quality in recording the steps for documentation.

====Inspiration====

'''1.Describe how you would like your company to look and behave once you have attained the status of Distributive Enterprise.''' Such as - what are you and your team doing, whom are you serving, what products do you have, how is your enterprise growing and providing unique value, what is your day-to-day, what are your prospects for the future), what are you thinking and feeling?

In the near term, while the business is smaller, my team and I would be spending around half the week making 3D printers as well as goods for the Open Source Everything Store (3D Printed Products, Useful 3D Prints, especially metal plastic composite construction), and the other half doing additional documentation work, creating new products for the Open Source Everything Store according to OSE specifications, prototyping new digital fabrication machines (D3D Torch/router table, laser cutter, D3D Circuit Mill, filament extruder, 3D Scanner), etc. We would be serving mostly the national market for our products online, and doing local craft shows to connect with more local customers. By this point there would be extra money to invest into prototyping and pursuing even more development. I would also have access to many more tools (multiple printers, power tools, welders, etc.) that will increase the amount and quality of machines and goods I can produce. All of the general use machinery available to me will enable flexability throughout changing market conditions. The future looks bright. According to my goals, this would be about three years out from now when I move to this being my full time work.

In the long term, I want my business to grow and evolve until I own and operate a microfactory and farm that serves my neighboorhood. This could include a food co-op, tool/equipment sharing, fabrication services, furnature manufacturing, OSE machine replication, educational classes and workshops, and a large catalogue of Open Source Everything Store products. I want to get as close to fully independent closed loop economy as possible to provide the best opportunities that I can for my family, friends, and neighbors. My day-to-day would be spent building machines, tending to orchards and greenhouses, designing new things, and otherwise contributing to humanity's progress via time-binding. The surrounding community would be more prosperous due to the existance of the microfactory campus. I am feeling fulfilled, at the peak of self-actualization, and I have a long life of contributions to make ahead of me.

'''2. What do you consider to be Pressing World Issues in today's world?''' Describe how you are or how you would like to contribute to solving them. Discuss your goals for 'making a better world' in as much detail as you like.

The United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals are the shortlist of pressing world issues that I believe need to be solved.The SDGs are primarily focused on ending material scarcity (poverty, food access, clean water/sanitation access, industry/infrastructure improvement, good health/wellbeing, reduced inequalities, affordable clean energy, sustainable cities/communities, and decent work/economic growth). They also include the need for education, stewardship toward life and nature, and improved governance.

I am going to contribute to solving these issues by working openly and collaboratively toward creating an open source economy of abundance. The best place to do that currently is OSE. I plan to continue to contribute to the appropriate technologies of the GVCS until completion, as well as contributing to the Open Source Everything Store. My hope is that freely releasing economically significant information will create meaningful livelihoods for people everywhere and help to reduce the issues that stem from material scarcity.

I also want to make a better world for myself in my own personal sphere. I want to use myself as a testbed for sustainable business development to prove the model. If I can go from making barely enough to cover my expenses to flourishing and saving for the future from this process then the world will be just that much better for me and anyone who follows this path. It would also prove that distributive enterprise replication can work and contribute to the eventual conversion of the material economy to an open source paradigm. Those who come after me down this path will (if all goes as planned) be able to provide for themselves and their loved ones and that helps to make the world a better place for everyone. The more people who are engaged in productive and collaborative works instead of crime, corruption, or other unethical behavior, the better.

'''3. OSE follows the principles of Good to Great. The core message is that anyone has a choice to develop the discipline to become great, because there is so much good work needed to be done. And in order to solve difficult problems, one needs great capacity. General acceptance of what is already 'good' keeps the world in a state of immense societal/industrial inertia - ie, stuck without adapting to the times. But, becoming great is not easy, and most people do not choose this route. What are your thoughts on being good vs great?'''

I watched the book summary from the Good to Great page for more context, and I have decided that I will read the book in its entirety.

The path to greatness outlined in Good to Great is making disciplined decisions/steps toward your goal. The apt metaphor of a flywheel is used to illustrate how achieving greatness is a series of small additions to the total momentum in a single direction. This theme of continually building upon the same base over and over again is seen in nature, in the concept of time binding, in the principles that lead to the OSE Specifications and GVCS, and in most of the good self improvement/personal growth literature that I have read. The path to greatness as outlined also requires discipline in relationships with others, and discipline of thought. Specifically, in being a supercollaborative individual who is chasing their own passions and focusing on the objective truth without losing sight of or faith in their end goal.

I believe that greatness is an achieveable state for many people given the above roadmap. For me specifically, I firmly believe that I can become great at running an enterprise with enough sustained effort. The way I could best cultivate it is to keep an open dialogue with those around me about my progress, struggles, goals, and visions for the future. When I make a quiet promise to myself it is sometimes not enough to keep me from missing the mark, but when I have people around me who keep me accountable to my goals I can keep moving in the right direction.

'''4. Take a look at the 4 Zones of Possibility. Discuss what these are for you, with respect to your specific OSE involvement, and in your life in general.'''

These are my answers as of 12/10/2023, but I believe items could move between the 4 zones in the future pending material changes to my circumstances.

1. Define what you know that you can do.
I have moderate physical strength and dexterity, so I can meet most of the physical demands of daily life. I can provide for my family by laboring with my mind or my hands. I can use computers effectively. For OSE I know I can readily contribute to documentation and development work including FreeCAD modeling as I have been doing that on my D3D Mega v23.05 project. In life in general I know that I can physically perform most of the tasks that an average healthy person can.

2. What you think you can do.
I think that I am smart enough to be able to learn new subjects and continue on a path of lifelong learning. I think I am an effective communicator of ideas, at least in one on one conversations. I think that I can learn enough to be able to successfully execute the 3D printer workshop. It may also be possible for me to fly out and be involved in some in person events at OSE. I think that I have the skills necessary to replicate the previously designed machines. I also think that I could have what it takes to contribute to OSE as a developer. I also received an associates degree in business so I can handle most business related math and know some basic aspects of business law and entrepreneurship (though I may be somewhat rusty).

3. What you think is probably too much
It would probably be a financial burden on me to start anything too capital intensive, as I'm working on a tight budget. I have yet to dive into completely learning any programming languages so I will need practice before doing any edits to code on projects. The science, physics, and engineering education that I have is what I learned in high school, so there are a lot of holes in my knowledge of these areas. Raising money for my venture effectively would be difficult for me as I currently don't know where is best to start looking. I feel that doing my workshop alone would likely be exceptionally difficult.

4. What you know you can't do.
I can't/won't do anything that will violate my principles, so unethical practices are out of the question. Outside of that, I'm open to trying to learn how to do anything. I can't relocate anytime soon as I have too much that is dear to me where I live.

'''5. Take a look at the Edge of Knowledge concept. Is there any way you can contribute to the 1000 hour curriculum?'''

I can definitely contribute in the 3D Printing and Open Source Everything Store segments of the 1000 hour curriculum. Those are the topics that I have the most knowledge of among those listed. I have also studied some about radio equipment as I work toward earning a ham radio license so I may be able to summarize simple topics in that field as well. Outside of that I don't have much of a specialization. I am very interested in learning the 1000 hour curriculum someday once completed!

'''6. Take a look at the concept of Level 6 Leadership. Have you ever considered or would you be interested in considering becoming a Level 6 Leader?'''

I am interested in becoming a Level 6 Leader. The material reason for starting my enterprise may be to earn money, but my goal is to add to the commons for all to benefit from. Everything that I do I can share freely with others without harming myself. I want to add to the momentum of the open hardware movement to liberate people (including myself) to be free to chase their passions and live personally meaningful lives. I believe that continuing to create open source alternatives to the conventional closed economy is the shortest route to achieving that end.

'''7. At the end of your life, what would you consider as goals achieved of a life worth living, by whichever metric you consider important?'''

I would have lived by my principles my entire life. I would have spent ample time with my loved ones. I would have added significant contributions to the pool of human knowledge. I would have learned something every day until the day I died. I would have made enough time to contemplate in silence and peace. I would have made the world a better place than when I found it. I would have given a boost to the next generations of humanity.

==Fri Dec 8, 2023==
After an email exchange with Marcin, I am planning to push back the date of my workshop to 4-5 months from now. I'm thinking end of April/beginning of May for the event now. I have a lot of work ahead of me for the project but I'm excited to get started. :))

==Tue Dec 5, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]. - See Github link for most recent work. The CAD is coming along nicely now. I have four modules to finish - heated chamber, extruder, controller, heated bed. I am having an issue with my axes in the assembly - They each have a small square artifact that's visible and I don't know how to remove it. I think it has something to do with the belt peg model though because it didn't appear when I deleted that part from the assembly, but that's mostly a hunch. If anyone's here reading my log I'd love help on fixing the problem.

Also, I wanted to note that I've been building this assembly in the A2Plus assembly workbench in FreeCAD v0.21.1 as I could not for the life of me get Assembly2 to work in FreeCAD 0.16. I'm using OSE linux as my daily driver.

I've been putting work into consolidating the wiki's 3D printer documentation under the D3D Mega v23.05 project. My hope is that my eventual completion of the documentation including LOD 500 CAD will give others a launching point from which they can start distributive enterprises based on the D3D system.

I am planning to run a one day 3D printer workshop based on the D3D Pro V20.07. The tenative date and location is February 4th, 2024 in Port Huron, MI. I understand that I am free to run an independent workshop, but I am very interested in collaborating and continuing to contribute my work back into OSE's wiki. Following the workshop (or sooner, if my work on documentation procceds as planned) I am also planning to sell kits for D3D Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, Universal, and the v23.05 Mega that I have been documenting. My long term goal is to be able to sustain my household from the income from this venture.

I am starting to get the word out now for the event. When I get a little spare cash I'm going to put a deposit down on the space so I can get out marketing materials and a website for the event.

My current roadblocks are my 40 hour job and my lack of startup capital, which also means a lack of a D3D Printer to practice on until I get my first ticket order for the event.

==Mon Dec 4, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD ]]. - See Github link for most recent work

==Sun Dec 3, 2023==
I have been inspired by the thought capture method of a "captain's log" seen on [[Eric Lotze Log]] so I will be documenting some of my thoughts on my work, projects, etc. here in my work log as I am so moved.

==Fri Dec 1, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Industry Standards]].

==Wed Nov 29, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD ]]. - See Github link for most recent work

==Tue Nov 28, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD ]].

==Mon Nov 27, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Module Breakdown]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD ]]. ‎[[D3D Mega v23.05]]. [[User:Alexa]] Critical Path.

==Sun Nov 26, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Module Breakdown]].

==Wed Nov 22, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Module Breakdown]].

==Sat Nov 18, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]].

==Fri Nov 17, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]. Reviewed some of [[FreeCAD 101]] in preparation for earning a [[FreeCAD Badge]] and taking the [[Developer Test]].

==Wed Nov 8, 2023==
[[OSE as a Secular Religion‎‎]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Calculations‎]].

==Mon Oct 10, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Conceptual Design]].

==Mon Oct 9, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Conceptual Design]].

==Tue Sept 26, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]] - Nearly finished. Just need to fill out the Interfaces section some more.

==Sat Sept 23, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Future Work]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Calculations]].

==Sat Sept 16, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Calculations]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Industry Standards]].

==Fri Sept 15, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 BOM]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]

==Tue Aug 29, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Industry Standards]]

==Fri July 14, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Production Engineering]]

==Sun July 9, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Unique Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Calculations]].

==Sat July 8, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]

==Wed July 5, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]

==Mon May 22, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]

==Sun May 21, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[Heated Build Chamber Patents]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Conceptual Design]].

Open Source Screw Machine

2025-12-21T04:05:20Z

Alexa: /* Useful Links */ add link to Appropedia research

=Basics=
*A Small CNC Lathe for producing custim screws in an automated, precise manner

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Development Template
!
! Description
! Link to Work Product
! % (1-10)

|-
! scope=row |
| '''DESIGN''' || ||

|-
! scope=row | 1
| [[Requirements + Value Proposition]] || [[Open Source Screw Machine Requirements + Value Proposition]] || 10

|-
! scope=row | 2
| [[Industry_Standards]] || [[Open Source Screw Machine Industry Standards]] || 4

|-
! scope=row | 3
| [[Conceptual Design]] || [[Open Source Screw Machine Conceptual Design]] || 9

|-
! scope=row | 4
| [[Module Breakdown]] || [[Open Source Screw Machine Module Breakdown]] || {{{4}}}

|-
! scope=row | 5
| [[3D CAD]] || [[Open Source Screw Machine 3D CAD]] || {{{5}}}

|-
! scope=row | 6
| [[Calculations]] || [[Open Source Screw Machine Calculations]] || {{{6}}}

|-
! scope=row | 7
| [[Electronics Design]] || [[Open Source Screw Machine Electronics Design]] || {{{7}}}

|-
! scope=row | 8
| [[Wiring and Plumbing]] || [[Open Source Screw Machine Wiring and Plumbing]] || {{{8}}}

|-
! scope=row | 9
| [[Software]] || [[Open Source Screw Machine Software]] || {{{9}}}

|-
! scope=row |
| '''BILL OF MATERIALS || ||

|-
! scope=row | 10
| [[BOM]] || [[Open Source Screw Machine BOM]] || {{{10}}}

|-
! scope=row | 11
| [[vBOM]] || [[Open Source Screw Machine vBOM]] || {{{11}}}

|-
! scope=row | 12
| [[CAM Files]] || [[Open Source Screw Machine CAM Files]] || {{{12}}}

|-
! scope=row | 13
| [[Cut List]] || [[Open Source Screw Machine Cut List]] || {{{13}}}

|-
! scope=row |
| '''BUILD''' || ||

|-
! scope=row | 14
| [[Build Instructions]] || [[Open Source Screw Machine Build Instructions]] || {{{14}}}

|-
! scope=row | 15
| [[Fabrication Drawings]] || [[Open Source Screw Machine Fabrication Drawings]] || {{{15}}}

|-
! scope=row | 16
| [[Exploded Part Diagram]] || [[Open Source Screw Machine Exploded Part Diagram]] || {{{16}}}

|-
! scope=row | 17
| [[Production Engineering]] || [[Open Source Screw Machine Production Engineering]] || {{{17}}}

|-
! scope=row |
| '''DATA COLLECTION''' || ||

|-
! scope=row | 18
| [[Build Pictures and Video]] || [[Open Source Screw Machine Build Pictures and Video]] || {{{18}}}

|-
! scope=row | 19
| [[Data Collection]] || [[Open Source Screw Machine Data Collection]] || {{{19}}}

|-
! scope=row | 20
| [[Future Work]] || [[Open Source Screw Machine Future Work]] || {{{20}}}

|}

=See Also=
*[[Small Aluminium Parts Machine]]
*[[Open Source CNC Lathe]]
*[[Open Source Multimachine]]

=Useful Links=
* Open-Source Grinding Machine for Compression Screw Manufacturing on [https://www.appropedia.org/Open-Source_Grinding_Machine_for_Compression_Screw_Manufacturing Appropedia]

Screw Machine Background Research

2025-12-21T04:03:46Z

Alexa: Add link to relevant Appropedia research page

=Intro=

A screw machine is typically a CNC lathe which can use many tools and produce complex shapes by turning or a combination of turning and milling.

For OSE, we can use a 2" or larger [[Universal Axis]] with a rotary head to produce a screw machine, combining multiple linear and rotary axes to work as one.

=Examples of Configurations=
* Existing open source machine for cutting compression screws: [https://www.appropedia.org/Open-Source_Grinding_Machine_for_Compression_Screw_Manufacturing Appropedia Link]
*This is a CNC lathe with many tools ready for use. A tool turret carries different tools - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_lathe#/media/File:MoriSeiki-examples.jpg] - or many tools can be fixed and the chuck can move.
*To make a gear - a mill can be used with a gear cutter and an indexing head mounted in a vise - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNdI9fvrpc4]
*Making a pulley - milling a round stock - drilling holes, the holes become the pulley teeth - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPJYVJg43dY]
*Hobbing a gear on a CNC lathe - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsN72k5Ne9c]
*11 axis machine - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kkf4A0gZKg]

=Applications=
*[[Gear Pump]]

=Videos=
Induction heat bending and screw machines:

<html><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PhMXnSbqjAc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></html>

=Links=
*[[Open Source Screw Machine]]
*[[Small Aluminum Part Machine]]

Talk:OSE Communications Strategy

2025-06-06T21:56:40Z

Alexa:

AI also has some other issues. I’m not going to get all bent out of shape over the occasional using of it etc, but as a widespread strategy that may be i’ll advised.

I’ll ask around on the discord a bit on if we have any 2D Art Skilled Types (Granted time investment, but more OS Content would probably be useful for more than just that one time, so it wouldn’t be a waste!)

I could probably do Thumbnail Edits and stuff like that if i started doing OSE work full time if noone else is on that (I THINK you already have a video editor, so if they got it/are already up to speed on an os workflow they are probably a better fit than me, but that is a muscle i would just need to get back in shape so to speak)

It’s probably worth it’s own page, but here’s a good video on [[The Ethics of Using Generative AI for Content Creation]

[https://youtu.be/5sFBySzNIX0?si=IZlbJDNiCI8EB2TB A Video by the YouTube Channel “[[Simon Clark]]” Titled “Should I Feel Guilty Using AI” ] ( ‘’’~35 Minute Watch’’’ ) (ALTHOUGH the first half (as he points out for transparency sake) is largely in his area of expertise, Climate Research [[LCAs]] etc), while the second half is largely a personal take/ [[Editorializing]] from the perspective of a Creative / Content Creator (when much of the Training Data was sourced via YouTube videos or Art irrespective of the creator’s wishes etc)

--[[User:Eric|Eric]] ([[User talk:Eric|talk]]) 18:33, 6 June 2025 (UTC)

* I tend to agree with Eric about the ethical implications of using AI to generate art... I don't have a fully fleshed out opinion because I do use AI to ''help me'' brainstorm and write code. Where/how do you draw the line? I don't think approaching this with a rigid attitude is the right. A possible solution could be to take already open-source/creative commons assets and train a model to specifically use that "corpus". Then you could have something that could generate assets without the ethical grey area. New assets created for OSE by humans could be used to continue fine-tuning the model.

* There are plenty of forum applications/software applications that could serve the purpose of a dedicated are for longer-form, discussion based dialogue. Think Discourse(I know of the history with them...) or Forem[https://forem.com/] One of the larger implications of AI is that it can empower individuals or organizations to build their own "for purpose", custom software with less human effort and a smaller team. Any license can be applied to the finished software product.

* There is some exciting news from the FreeCAD blog here: [https://blog.freecad.org/2025/05/19/lens-platform-now-available-collaborate-with-freecad-online/] There is an online, collaborative version in the works as of mid-May. I want to check it out this weekend and see if I can get a version of it running on my server. I also want to look more into how I can support the open-source software as well generally. I'm not sure about the Mechatronics/EE side of things so I'll have to check around.

--[[User:Alexa|Alexa]] ([[User talk:Alexa|talk]]) 21:55, 6 June 2025 (UTC)
I'd like to throw my hat in the ring here and say that there are definitely better ways to achieve a templated graphic/image than using a large language model to hallucinate you something. It would be better to pay someone a few bucks to write a script that adds layers of images together using OSS like imagemagick or GIMP or similar to achieve the same thing. Humans should write the summaries of their work for the sake of accuracy. Also, it seems like the link on the page to "FlashyXM" on the wiki immediately redirects to another website so I don't know what is happening there.

Audacity

2025-05-29T07:35:40Z

Alexa: Correct audio with volume differences between speakers using Audacity

=Source=

http://www.audacityteam.org/

=Voice-Over=

Use Audacity - it has a built-in recording function so you can add voice-over to any footage - such as time lapse.

<html><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XsP02xc1eWI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></html>

=How-To=
Audacity works on selections from clip. To select - use View -> Fit in Window to see all. Selection Tool and Zoom Tool are the main tools. Mouse over these to identify these.

=Frequency Analysis=
Recording audio at 16,000 hz can get you, for example, a measurement of engine frequency or misfiring. You can simply plot a frequency of the sound, and look for signatures on certain freqencies. For example, a 3600 rpm single cylinder engine that fires every stroke (revolution rate is 3600 hertz) - you should see a big spike at 3600 hz, with other noise around that. As another example, voice ID can be performed by matching voice against known signatures. [[Image:voicespectrum.jpg|thumb|Sample voice spectrum that can be used for voice identification.]][[Image:timespectrum.jpg|thumb|Sample amplitude of speech vs time corresponding to the spectrum above.]]

See how to obtain spectrum:

=Changing Frequency=
<html><iframe width="360" height="250" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s9lPhIzY1dg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></html>
=Links=
*[[Noise Removal from Sound]]

[[Category:Audacity]]

=Correct Volume Differences Between Speakers=
# Load the audio track
# Select all of the audio (Ctrl + a)
# Click Effects > Compressor...
# Preview the default settings and make adjustments until the volume levels improve
# Rerun the compression again if necessary
# Select all audio again
# Click Effects > Normalize...
# Run the default settings (reduce the "Normalize peak amplitude" number if the voices are still too loud in the preview)
# Hopefully your end result will be close - good luck out there.

o7
<|
/ \

D3D Pro v23.12 CAM Files

2025-01-17T02:00:44Z

Alexa: Adjust link

== STL Files for 3D Printing ==

[https://github.com/AlexandriaLittle/d3d-pro/tree/main/source/printed_parts Link to Github Repo]

D3D Pro v23.12 Build Pictures and Video

2025-01-16T22:56:21Z

Alexa:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/csERDLkk81Qv4mX56

https://github.com/AlexandriaLittle/d3d-pro/tree/main/source/images

D3D Pro v23.12 CAM Files

2025-01-16T22:47:22Z

Alexa: Created page with " == STL Files for 3D Printing == [https://github.com/AlexandriaLittle/d3d-pro/tree/326f934193b61c9e85899ff233b83c640012d9ae/source/printed_parts Link to Github Repo]"

== STL Files for 3D Printing ==

[https://github.com/AlexandriaLittle/d3d-pro/tree/326f934193b61c9e85899ff233b83c640012d9ae/source/printed_parts Link to Github Repo]

D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions

2024-09-14T08:12:00Z

Alexa: Add assembly instructions iFrame

Documentation modeled in Distributed Open Source Hardware Framework:

[https://github.com/AlexandriaLittle/d3d-pro Github]

[https://alexandrialittle.github.io/d3d-pro/ Build Documentation]

<html>
<iframe src="https://alexandrialittle.github.io/d3d-pro/" style="border:0px #ffffff hidden;" name="myiFrame" scrolling="yes" frameborder="1" marginheight="0px" marginwidth="0px" height="1200px" width="1200px" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</html>

=Kit Preparation Guide=
<html><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vS6dKNIRRBFcTmr3MKQtQRPUAqwbnDPt3kUGS4CjYWGO4a26A_q5Ji_g5Y5aDCdadoLQo2b7d0v2avY/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" frameborder="0" width="768" height="1085" allowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true"></iframe></html>

[https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1V-gCLo5CV2v4VPBb2dSEEYnx_aqucHAHPVnF0YdzPvo/edit?usp=sharing edit]

[[Category: D3D]] [[Category: D3D Pro]] [[Category: Build Instruction]]

OSE Discord Channel

2024-09-02T06:41:00Z

Alexa: Undo revision 300199 by Plastichub (talk)

=Basics=
*A tool for [[Inter-OSE Communication]]
*More informal than the [[OSE Slack Channel (need to find the term slack uses for this
*Has [[RTT]] , image/file sharing, audio, and video capabilities
*Also has useful roles such as timezone(s) for knowing when people are ping-able (ie awake/online)

=Link=
*May expire, if so, yell at [[User:Eric]] for help
*[https://discord.gg/HnXMH4a Invite Link] (Moderation is in Place to make sure everyone passes the [[Asshole Test]] and keep things running smoothly, anyone is welcome as long as they “play nice in the sandbox” )

=Internal Links=
*[[Element (Software) ]] (A Potential FLOSS Alternative)
*[[OSE's Social Media]]

[[Category: Communications]] [[Category: OSE Discord Channel]]

OSE Discord Channel

2024-09-02T03:16:15Z

Alexa: Undo revision 300146 by Plastichub (talk)

OSE Discord Channel

2024-09-01T07:28:59Z

Alexa: Undo revision 300066 by Plastichub (talk)

File:D3D Pro v23.12 Assembly.png

2024-09-01T07:26:19Z

Alexa: Alexa uploaded a new version of File:D3D Pro v23.12 Assembly.png

D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions

2024-08-30T01:47:20Z

Alexa: formatting update

Documentation modeled in Distributed Open Source Hardware Framework:

[https://github.com/AlexandriaLittle/d3d-pro Github]

[https://alexandrialittle.github.io/d3d-pro/ Build Documentation]

=Kit Preparation Guide=
<html><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vS6dKNIRRBFcTmr3MKQtQRPUAqwbnDPt3kUGS4CjYWGO4a26A_q5Ji_g5Y5aDCdadoLQo2b7d0v2avY/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" frameborder="0" width="768" height="1085" allowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true"></iframe></html>

[https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1V-gCLo5CV2v4VPBb2dSEEYnx_aqucHAHPVnF0YdzPvo/edit?usp=sharing edit]

[[Category: D3D]] [[Category: D3D Pro]] [[Category: Build Instruction]]

D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions

2024-08-30T01:47:01Z

Alexa:

Documentation modeled in Distributed Open Source Hardware Framework:
[https://github.com/AlexandriaLittle/d3d-pro Github]
[https://alexandrialittle.github.io/d3d-pro/ Build Documentation]

=Kit Preparation Guide=
<html><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vS6dKNIRRBFcTmr3MKQtQRPUAqwbnDPt3kUGS4CjYWGO4a26A_q5Ji_g5Y5aDCdadoLQo2b7d0v2avY/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000" frameborder="0" width="768" height="1085" allowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true"></iframe></html>

[https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1V-gCLo5CV2v4VPBb2dSEEYnx_aqucHAHPVnF0YdzPvo/edit?usp=sharing edit]

[[Category: D3D]] [[Category: D3D Pro]] [[Category: Build Instruction]]

File:Universal Frame Rebar Connector Right.fcstd

2024-08-18T06:05:19Z

Alexa: Alexa uploaded a new version of File:Universal Frame Rebar Connector Right.fcstd

File:Universal Frame Rebar Connector Left.fcstd

2024-08-18T06:05:02Z

Alexa: Alexa uploaded a new version of File:Universal Frame Rebar Connector Left.fcstd

File:Universal Frame Rebar Connector.fcstd

2024-08-18T06:04:39Z

Alexa: Alexa uploaded a new version of File:Universal Frame Rebar Connector.fcstd

D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection

2024-08-15T07:14:20Z

Alexa:

{{RightTOC}}
=Link to Photo Album=
*Print log - notebook notes [https://photos.app.goo.gl/LnU1T7qW8MeoRAC49]

=Thu Aug 15, 2024=
Issues that have been solved since last update:
* The filament stripping issue has been resolved - the concern was NOT the assembly of the hotend. The resolution was turning down the voltage of the extruder stepper motor as it was overheating. The overheating stepper motor was causing the heatsink to heat up to a temperature that softened PLA filament too early. That was causing a clog, which resulted in stripped filament as the most obvious side effect.
* With the first physical build of the D3D Pro there was not enough length on the X axis to fully probe the 300mmx300mm (11.8"x11.8") bed. There was about 25mm/1" of bed area that the Z probe (the induction sensor) could not reach. This was resolved by rebuilding the frame with longer rebar and axes with longer rods and belts. The remaining parts will be used in future builds of smaller printer.
* During the rebuild mentioned above, the rod lengths were all standardized to 600mm/23.6" to reduce the amount of cuts and keep the axes as identical as possible.
* The rebar members of the frame are all now 450mm/17.7".
* Input shaping was tuned on the machine with the following results:
** X freq = 40.5mm | 25.25Hz
** Y freq = 34.0mm | 17Hz
** X damp = 0.35
** Y damp = 0.30
* I designed a new control panel that is larger and has more holes to be more part agnostic. I am also working on an electrical box for all of the electronics and wiring to keep a clean look and prevent possible shorts and shocks.
* The z axis stepper motors MUST be wired in series and not in parallel. The motors I am using in this build use 1.3 amps and 3.9 volts. I am powering the ramps board with a 24 volt 4 amp power supply.

=Sat June 22, 2024=
Current issues:
* The filament is still stripping very frequently. This has a few potential causes and solutions:
# Too much tension on the tensioner arm of the extruder. Potential solution - loosen the screw that holds the tensioner arm in place to reduce the pressure on the filament.
# Misaligned drive gear. Potential solution - remove tensioner arm and spring, realign the drive gear to be directly above the heatbreak opening.
# Improperly assembled hotend leading to friction in the filament path. Potential solution - reassemble the hotend, ensuring that there is NO space between the heatbreak and nozzle. If filament gets in between the heatbreak and nozzle it will result in clogs which lead to filament stripping.
# Heat creep in the hotend leading to clogs. Potential solution - Ensure the hotend cooling fan is blowing away from the printer to draw the heat away instead of creating static pressure that holds the heat in place. Use thermal paste to increase the heat conductivity between the heatsink block and fins/(Mk 7/Mk 8 heatsink).
# Actually look at the pictures of previous builds to determine how the hotend is assembled... I just realized that I made a mistake in assembly that is likely leading to the issues I have been dealing with this entire time... I screwed the heatbreak in incorrectly by making the top hole flush with the top of the heatsink aluminum block and screwing the short nut on at the bottom of the aluminum block. This is likely what was causing my issue. See here for a picture of what the correct assembly looks like: [[:File:Universalgearless.png | Picture]]

The printer needs the following changes/upgrades for the sake of improving consistency in printing:
* Y2 Axis max position endstop. This will ensure that the axis is square without skipping the belts at Y max.
* Galvanized rods should be used in place of plain steel rods due to corrosion. Galvanized will align more with the principle of lifetime design.
* The bed should have four long nuts welded to the top plate vs the single nut called for in the current design. Having four nuts creates more stability in the bed.

Work notes:
* Do not use a diamond grit blade to cut sheet metal if using a circular saw - use the disposable ones. The sheet metal will rip the grit right off of the sawblade.
* A file, belt sander, rotary tool with a diamond grit sanding disc, or other similar power tool should be used to clean the edges of the rebar, rods, and sheet metal as the burrs can be sharp!
* Ensure that you are using appropriate clamps for holding the welds in place. The clamps must be able to withstand high temperatures from the welding process. Stick to metal clamps. Don't start a fire like I did. (Don't worry, it was a small one!)
* The long nuts that are welded to the bed are galvanized. It has been recommended to me that the galvanized portions should be stripped/sanded off of the long nuts to prevent nickel exposure. It is only necessary to do this in the portions that will be welded. This is critically important for safety!
* A jig/template should be made from 12"x12" cardstock to mark the location of the holes to be drilled and the welds to be made for the bed.
* Test the strength of the welds by using an impact driver to screw a screw all of the way into the long nut. If it's too weak it will break then, which is better than breaking when it's in the hands of the end user.
* If the screws you're using are too long for the long nuts in the bed, add a few regular nuts to the screw for spacing. Washers could also be used, but why add new unique parts to the machine if not necessary?
* When assembling the Universal Axis, use at least four set screws to secure the rods on the motor side. Two can be too little holding force.
* Do no have the axis attached to the rebar clamps when aligning the Z axes' rebar clamps on the frame. It overcomplicates the process.
* Use a jig or measuring tape to ensure that there is consistent placement for the rebar clamps. If the clamps are misaligned they will cause problems with Z travel.
*

=Mon May 20, 2024=
I have been awfully busy with the printer for the past two weeks!

The bad news first:
* The print quality is, at the moment, able to produce functional parts. There are a lot of small surface imperfections, some stringing, some sections that are underextruding, causing weak points in the print.
* If the print head crashes into any overextrusion or blobs on the print it can very easily skip the belts and lose its position. I have lost some prints to this issue due to the subsequent layer shifts.
* It is very easy for the Y axis to get out of alignment. It basically happens every time the stepper motors are turned off.
** Side note: The solution to this is running the Y axis into the end of the printer until the belts on both Y axes skip. You then know that they are square to one another, assuming that the ends are square to each other. The critical component there is making sure that the frame is assembled square. Marlin does have skew correction available as well if your frame is slightly skew, causing a consistent (non-square) angle in the X axis. If the skew is not consistent from print to print then you likely have some other issue.
* The extruder main component that holds the stepper motor and gets screwed into the X axis carriage did not fit properly during assembly and I had to chop off the back lip with pliers. This worked for the most part, but it is causing the print head to be angled slightly. It is also somewhat loose and is able to be wiggled back and forth with relatively little pressure.

My current plan to fix the bad news:
# Reprint the extruder main component, scaled up slightly in the needed direction for a temporary fix. (hopefully a 2% increase won't make the screw holes too far apart)
# Redesign the component in CAD for a proper fit and add this to the CAD assembly.
# Implement axis squaring g-code at the start of every print.
# Going over the printer and tightening every screw
# Reprinting any components that are bent, weak, or otherwise had printing imperfections
# Continuing to tune the printer profiles in my slicer

The GOOD news!: The printer is functioning! It has a solid motion system, a high throughput extruder, a robust frame, and it is overall functioning exactly as it is supposed to. It has precision high enough to make very nice looking prints once I get the printer profile tuned. The current torture test I am running on the printer is a 300mm tall anime character statue. Aside from some extrusion issues and the state of the first layer it looks nearly perfect.

Notes:

* I have not yet implemented g-code to do this axis squaring.
* The bed was not stable enough with the standard Z axis carriages so I redesigned the carriages to be about twice as wide, and the bed is showing much more stability. This upgrade also thickened the part of the carriage that would break if you over tightened the screws and now allows for the use of oversized rods. The original design would not allow for bed holding rods that were too long as they were exactly in line with the rods that were used for motion.
* The 16 gauge steel sheet that I am using for the top of the bed warps rather easily and is making it difficult to get a consistent first layer. It is warped a total of approximately 6mm from the highest to lowest points according to Octoprint. The unified bed leveling can compensate for most of the issue, but it requires fine tuning to get a consistent first layer, which is not great considering how turn-key the machine needs to be.
* The two 500w halogen bulbs run in series for bed heating are somewhat slow to heat the larger bed size. I need to put two more lights in parallel to get heating that will work quickly enough to be able to call the bed "Fast". I want a target of room temp to operating temp in less than 60 seconds.
* Using a thicker first layer leads to more consistent results across the bed surface!
* Bubbles underneath the PEI sheet may be contributing to first layer inconsistencies. Make sure to apply with NO bubbles!
* The bed holders have been melting under higher bed temperatures. This is because the halogen bulbs create a hot spot very near to where the bed holders sit. The bed thermistor is inside of one of the conduit tubes on the bed, which heats much slower than the bed surface directly beside the halogen bulbs. The temperature eventually stabilizes across the bed given enough time, but not before the bed holders melt. Two things have been done to counteract this:
# A layer of heat-resistant carbon fiber felt is placed between the bottom of the bed surface and the contact point of the bed holders.
# The bed holders were moved closer to the edges with the upgraded Z carriage that was mentioned above.

* So far the bed holders have not melted under normal use with PLA, but higher temperatures have not been tested after the upgrades. I will report back when more information is available.
* I assembled the Y axis backwards due to my choice to use the Y min endstop instead of making it into Y maximum as suggested by the other versions of the D3D Printer. In the mean time I have tested adding more autoparallel clamps to the Y axis rods and mounting Y min in the correct location. I aligned the two Y minimum locations by measuring the distance from the idler side to the clamps and making sure that amount matched on each side. Ultimately, I think that I will switch to using the Y maximum endstop soon and reporting back. The Y minimum endstop adds complexity where there need not be any.
* The rebar frame makes it easy to clamp a regular desk lamp to the side of the printer for additional lighting.
* The galvanized rods that are currently in use on the X axis seem to provide a smoother surface to glide on that the regular mild steel rods in use on the other axes. Because of this, and the fact that mild steel will rust eventually unless oiled, galvanized rods should be preferred for use on the printer.
* I was advised by an electrician to add a fuse or breaker in-line with the power cable of the printer. The GFCI will provide some protection against shocks, but NOT overcurrent protection. If the printer draws too much power it will currently rely on the circuit breaker in the house to trip instead of safely turning itself off. So far, the printer has not tripped any breakers or caused any heating in the cables used to power it, but safety is still a top priority. This will be accounted for in the next iteration of printer.
* The Universal Gearless Extruder has a tendency to strip 1.75mm filament relatively frequently, especially when there are a lot of short extrusions and retractions all in a row. 2.85mm/3mm filament has not been tested yet. It is possible to reduce the pressure on the filament by using a weaker spring, but this will impact the UGE's claim to fame of having a very high filament feeding force and high performance. Further testing needs to be conducted.
* The split wire loom that is being used for cable management doesn't hold the cables up and out of the way as well as a cable chain might. The X axis split wire loom should be long enough to be attached to the filament holder rod so that the loom is held up and out of the way of the x endstop and the print head.
* The motors can run rather well in series. I currently have the dual Y and dual Z motors running in series, two per stepper driver. Any more than this will require an external stepper motor driver to operate. Note that running motors in series requires modification of the stepper motor cables!
* The stepper motors currently produce a fair amount of noise - more than the fans currently produce. This is likely the result of using the stepper motor drivers that are included with the RAMPS 1.4 kit. Those stepper motor drivers do not have stealth chop/silent mode. I will upgrade these to a better driver in the future to test the amount of noise generated by the steppers. In the mean time I shall enjoy the whirrs and boops.

=Thu May 9, 2024=
The required parts all arrived for the build by Saturday, 4/5/2024. Thus far I have worked for about 40 hours on the build between the assembly of the physical machine, the testing and adjusting of settings, and the upgrading of the firmware, [[Marlin]], to the latest version.

Notes (no particular order):
* All of the axis sub assemblies should be assembled before putting the axis together on the rods.
# Assemble the motor sides first.
## Put a gear on each motor while using a tape measure as a spacer between the motor and the bottom of the gear.
## Attach the motor to the motor side print with the appropriately sized M3 screws.
## Repeat for all motor sides
# Assemble the Idler sides next.
## Gather the two flanged bearings, the M6 screw, M6 nut, and the idler side print.
## Assemble the idler bearings, flanged sides out, with the M6 screw and nut into the idler side.
## Repeat for all idler sides.
# Assemble the carriages last.
## Tape each linear bearing with electrical tape to get a snug fit when slid into the carriage.
## Slide all four linear bearings into the carriage.
## Secure with an m6 bolt and the carriage closure.
* Tightening of the belts should occur when the printer has all of the axes attached and fastened down.
* Overtightening the belts is easy to do, so steps should be taken to avoid that occurring.
* Belt attachment tightening procedure:
# Secure an end of the belt inside of a belt peg using an m6 set screw (10mm).
# Loop the free end through the carriage first. Refer to the CAD for exact proper placement of the belt peg vs belt pinch. Some orientations don't fit!
# Loop through the next side (motor/idler), back through the carriage, through the remaining side (motor/idler), and back through the hold with the belt peg on it.
# While holding the carriage still, pull the free end of the belt with pliers to make the belt tight.
# Slide a belt pinch over both sections of belt near the free end while the tension is still being applied.
# Tighten down belt pinch with a screw and nut.
# Repeat for all axes
* Every available adjustment screw location should have a screw in it, including the autoparallels, the bed holders, the rebar mounts, etc. Note that the CAD does NOT currently reflect this!
* It is possible to put together the printer with uncut rods and then hack saw off the remainder to get the correct size. (I know because I did it on Y1 and Y2)
* The metal used in the heated bed should be burned with a torch before assembly to burn off any residual grease or oil. They may smoke on the first couple of runs if this step is not taken!
* After assembly but before first test run, the halogen lights in the bed should be cleaned off with a clean rag and rubbing alcohol (and then be allowed to dry). This should increase the lifespan of the halogen lights, as contaminants on the surface can cause them to burn out prematurely.
* The BOM currently calls for the incorrect type of stepper motor cable for the RAMPS 1.4 board. The 4 pin connectors were too wide, and the thinner black ones should be purchased and used instead to ensure a proper fit (especially for the dual Z steppers). The dual Z stepper connection on the RAMPS 1.4 board has an extremely tight fit.
* The BOM calls for a BeaglePlay board, but the build currently uses a RaspberryPi 3B.
* It is possible to screw the heatbreak too far into the heatsink, which causes the nozzle to be too far away from the bed.
* The BOM calls for a supervolcano nozzle, but the build uses a standard volcano nozzle and a heatbreak instead, which is preferred as it is faster and easier to change nozzles. The CAD also needs to be updated to reflect this design change.
* Both the extruder hotend and the heated bed need to have their PID heating settings tuned and saved in the firmware. This has not been done yet at time of writing.
* The screws that are used on the rebar mount on the bottom of the Z axis are a little too long and are scratching the table surface below the printer. They need to be covered, shortened, cut off, etc. in some manner to correct for this. Alternatively, the printer could be mounted to a slab of plywood or other board to give it a nice bottom surface.
* The Z axis is belt driven, so when the stepper motors are disabled if the bed is lifted it will crash down to the bottom of the printer. The default rest position for the Z axis should be set to close to the Z MAX so that when it drops it doesn't cause such a loud noise/crush risk.
* If the power is cut to the printer during a print the Z axis will crash down from the full height of the printer, which is a safety risk. This could be mitigated with an uninterruptable power supply/battery, or possibly springs on the Z axis rods (to catch the falling bed). The trouble with the springs is that the bed/Z axes are currently designed to drive into the bottom of the printer to square the dual Z axes to each other. The springs would prevent this squaring operation, which could cause more inconsistent bed leveling. Hopefully this can be compensated for in software?
* The orientation of the actual printer "front" and what the firmware thinks is the "front" are different. This is because the D3D Printer orients the origin (0, 0) in the back left of the printer. It will need to be noted in the firmware code which firmware side maps to which actual side.
* It is easy to make a mistake while plugging everything in on the Universal Controller. Follow the included directions for the boards and components! I had a stepper driver throw out sparks and die because I plugged it in one pin over. I'm lucky it didn't break the entire board.
* The CAD may have the carriages for Y1 and Y2 backwards. This is a TODO item for me after I get the printer running. I believe that the current orientation, if reversed, would allow for more printable space on the printer.

=Mon Mar 25, 2024=
The set screws and nuts arrived, so I took time to assemble the frame. The frame took 34 minutes to assemble at a leisurely pace. The current version of the frame corners made it difficult to fasten down the rebar using an M6 nut and an M6x10mm set screw. The nut would just fall away if you're not careful because there was a lot of extra space between the nut and the rebar. I redesigned the corner by moving the nut closer to the rebar so that the nut cannot fall out of place. This change seems to make the corners easier to work with. Time can be saved if the screws are put into the corners before the rebar, and are then tightened down. Without doing that step the frame has to be rotated to have gravity assist in placing the nut in the correct location. The space that the nut fits into is too tight to fit tools into for the most part so it is much preferred to have the screws and nuts pre-placed.

The print times for parts has been reduced due to an upgrade to my printer's nozzle from 0.4mm to 1.0mm. There is a minimal loss of detail on the prints. The frame corners now take 3.5 hours instead of 11 hours. (Print settings used: 1.2mm line width, 0.4mm layer height)

=Mon Mar 4, 2024=

I purchased a cheap rotary tool with 1.5" cutoff blades to use for finishing the rebar cuts for printer 1. The cuts took approximately 8-9 minutes with the rotary tool I was using. Also, the ergonomics were not great as my wrist began to be sore after the third cut through 1/2" rebar using just the rotary tool. The cutoff wheels did generate varying levels of sparks depending on the angle of the cut, the pressure, the surface being cut, etc. The noise levels were definitely higher, but it was again reported that the sound was no greater than that of a vacuum cleaner from the next room. Overall, the rotary tool with a cutoff wheel is much preferred to hand sawing as it saves on manual labor and isn't too loud for my needs.

''Notes:''

* Two of the four remaining pieces are currently printing. Two plain corners take around 22 hours to print at my current settings on an Ender 3 V2.

* The hacksaw cuts provided more smooth and straight cuts, where the cutoff wheel made for a much more varied surface. To compensate I just ground such ends to as flat as I could with the cutting wheel.

* The variances in cut lengths were within ~1.5mm or 1/16" (with one outlier that was 2mm too long).

=Sun Mar 3, 2024=

Work today was on cutting rebar for the first printer frame. It took 9.5 - 10.5 minutes to cut through a piece of 1/2" rebar with a hack saw (fresh blade, 24 teeth/inch). Time increased slightly as time went on. Please note that the cuts were made with consideration for the amount of noise being made; I live in an apartment with neighbors above, below, and to the side of me who could have potentially heard my work. It didn't cause too much noise as reported by a person in the next room over.

The amount of time taken per cut is too high to be efficient/effective for future printer builds. There are 12 cuts per printer at approximately 10 minutes per cut for a total of 120 minutes/2 man hours of continuous cutting. Reflecting on that fact, I put in an order for a rotary tool at Menards. My hope is that the metal cutoff wheels that come with the kit will be sufficient to cut through the rods and rebar for much faster productivity.

''Notes taken while performing work:''
* Buy metallic sharpie for marking cuts (The standard black sharpies blend in without bright light.)
* Ensure rebar is properly secured for cutting with either clamps or a vice.
* A carbide/diamond grit blade may cut faster and with less jumping.
* Don't break your vise by over-tightening. (I broke a small cast iron vise I bought from Menards.)
* Buy a level to help ensure vertical cut straightness. (May not be necessary if your vise has a clamp for round objects.)
* Buy sandpaper/grinder for burrs. (This note will be covered by the rotary tool's grinding tips).
* '''Mark your cuts with 1-2mm extra space for the width of the blade/cut.'''
* The rebar can get hot if cut quickly. Wear gloves or be cautious of this fact to prevent burns.
* Remember to loosen tension on hack saw after use.
* Investigate source of issue in frame connector corners that causes misalignment of step screw & nut.
* Always cut in the same groove. Switching to a new groove in the metal causes dimension inaccuracies.
* Measure twice, cut small groove, measure to edge of groove, adjust and repeat until perfect.

Alexa Log

2024-08-15T05:54:48Z

Alexa:

{{RightTOC}}

<html><iframe width="600" height="280" src="https://osedev.org/wiki/Alexa"></iframe></html>

==Thu Aug 15, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]

==Fri June 21, 2024==
I'm back with updates!

I have been working on the printer in my spare time all month long, gradually performing upgrades and ironing out issues. I will do my best to compile the technical aspects of my notes for this past month at [[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]. I have yet to begin more structured/formal data collection on the printer, but I have a shortlist of things I will be testing for:

* Max Temps (Deg. C/ Deg. F)
* Max movement of all axes (mm)
* Input shaping settings (frequencies, damping factors, etc. - usually unique to each machine but this will be a ballpark for others)
* Pressure Advance (K-factor, also ballpark)
* Axis backlash for all axes (mm)
* Build time (hours, minutes)
* Max speeds (mm/s)
* Max acceleration (mm/s^2)
* Max jerk (mm/s^3)
* Max volumetric flowrate (mm^3/s) (filament specific, but again ballpark)
* Bed leveling mesh data (mesh output) (need to ensure that the printers don't have wildly warped beds - need to test limits of warp somehow)
* Bed max lift before belt skipping (g or kg)
* Total machine cost (BOM, labor, packaging, etc.)
* Filament used in machine's printed parts (g)
* Count of each part (for BOM)
* Printing results/Start success (failure rate, %) (min. 2 Sigma prior to any sales)
* "Benchy" test print included with each printer
* Skew (mm/m)
* Overhang performance (angle)
* Warping and delamination (test print)
* Noise (dB)

I have also ordered and received most of the parts for the next printer build of v23.12. I will be using some different BOM part choices from the first build. A few of the 'new' parts are updated 3D printed parts. I will be uploading those files at [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]].

==Mon May 20, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]
==Thu May 9, 2024==
Since Saturday I have been working on the 3D printer. I have probably spent over 40 hours on the project this week, but I will have to check all of my notes and upload the grand total. I will be updating the printer data and build information at [[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]. This has been a blast!

==Sat May 4, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Pictures and Video]] I worked on the universal controller assembly first as that is the module that likely needs to come first for the sake of testing all of the other components.

==Fri May 3, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Pictures and Video]]

==Thu May 2, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Pictures and Video]]. I posted recent pics and videos to the Open Source Ecology Workshops Facebook group. The results have been good so far :)

==Sun Apr 28, 2024==
Interview Questions

==Thu Apr 4, 2024==
I have been working on enterprise development for the past few weeks. I now have an LLC set up and a website up and running with demo content [https://www.opensourcemfg.com/]. I have been mapping out processes in the business on a flow chart to plan for what standard operating procedures I need to write. I am currently stuck on my ability to purchase more parts to continue prototyping work, at least for the time being, so I have been working on other things. I have also focused on printing additional products for photographing. I have been adding to my listings on Etsy.

==Wed Mar 13, 2024==
[[Input Shaping]]

==Mon Mar 11, 2024==
My Ender 3 V2 printer broke on Tuesday/Wednesday when I was upgrading the nozzle from 0.4mm to 1.0mm - I stripped the heater block threads. I purchased a replacement part online that arrived on Saturday. I repaired the printer and finished the upgrades. The print time for a universal frame rebar corner connector dropped from 11.5 hours to 4.5 hours with the new nozzle. The print quality also improved. Currently I am printing all of the motor pieces, carriages, and carriage closures for the printer. The whole job is estimated to take 27.5 hours.

Work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide.

==Mon Mar 4, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]

==Sun Mar 3, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection]]. I had the assistance of a friend for note taking and discussing process improvements during my work today. We both worked on [[D3D Pro v23.12]] for 4.5 hours.

==Tue Feb 27, 2024==
Work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide. Currently still in section 1 (sourcing).

==Mon Feb 19, 2024==
Work on updating the [[D3D Pro v23.12 BOM]] for the switch to the 12" bed, plus adding the tools and supplies (zip ties, ferrules, electrical tape, etc.) that were not included as details in the CAD. I also realized that I made a mistake in the naming of the machine. If I wanted to go for a 12" bed the machine should have been named D3D Pro 2 v23.12 as the Pro 2 is the 12" bed.

==Sun Feb 18, 2024==
Today I worked on setting up a Magento ecommerce website on AWS for my business. It can be viewed here: [https://opensourcemfg.com]. I went for the name Open Source Manufacturing as it nicely sums up the work I'll be doing in my future microfactory.

==Sat Feb 17, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide

==Fri Feb 16, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide

==Thu Feb 15, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 Build Instructions]] Kit Sourcing and Preparation Guide

I met with [[User:Strangeloops]] to discuss OSE, the GVCS, the D3D Pro v23.12 3D Printer and what I could use help on in the project. They are going to look into the firmware and software for the beagleplay board.

==Tue Feb 13, 2024==
Resizing [[D3D Pro v23.12]] to accommodate a 12" bed.

==Fri Feb 9, 2024==
I worked for a few hours tonight drafting a business plan with the help of a friend. I have more work to do in market research and analysis and expanding on the other sections. I also worked on BOM research. The printer's total cost came out slightly under what I had expected, which is nice. :)

==Wed Feb 7, 2024==
The CAD work is coming along nicely. Universal Controller is in place, Z axes are in place, etc. I'm finishing up the bed and then all of the major components and fasteners will be done. Then I have to determine if it will be worth my while to do wiring in the CAD file itself. I like how it was done in the CAD for the Lyman filament extruder. In that file the wire plug locations are marked with color coded cylinders that indicated which wire went to where. On the other hand though, it's time I could spend on other documentation. Once the CAD is finished I am planning to break every part out into it's own separate file and upload it to the parts library on the wiki.

Evening

I worked more on the [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]] today. I caught some spelling errors and generated new parts including the thermistors, heater cartridge, PEI Sheet, 2-sided tape, 1/2" conduit (which for some reason seems to not be 1/2" in any dimension), and the halogen light bulbs and holders (which I did my best to look up online but may be inaccurate to some degree). The assembly is nearing completion. There are currently around 350 individual parts in the part tree and that does not include wires, a few missing screws, or zip ties.

==Mon Feb 5, 2024==
I have been messaging back and forth on discord with an individual who wants to contribute to open source projects. They are looking into firmware options for the upgraded [[D3D Pro v23.12]]. I am looking forward to hearing their thoughts on whether the additional features like gcode preprocessing and advanced bed mesh calculations will be worth the switch.

I realized that I am going to need to redesign the '4D printed' Universal Controller mount board. It is not compatible with the new rebar frame and it needs extra space for the BeagleBone computer. I settled on the BeaglePlay as it has built-in wifi and is around $100. It is also fully open source [https://certification.oshwa.org/us002174.html]. You could probably fire up OSE linux on it if you wanted. :)

==Sun Feb 4, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12]].

==Sat Feb 3, 2024==
Continue work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]]. Getting a lot done. Top axes are in place. Frame is in place. Extruder is in place. I must say, I've really been enjoying the FreeCAD 0.16 workflow. It feels more like I'm assembling a big 3D puzzle when doing placement-based versus when I do constraint-based assemblies and I spend hours fighting to get the constraints near perfect (which is much less fun). I had to hunt around a little bit on the wiki to piece together the CAD library that I have been using. I broke down the [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]] page into subsections for each module and their individual parts. I am planning to complete the CAD work ASAP |am grateful for all of the countless hours of prior development work that went into this project already. It has made my small additions possible.

There is a small business network in my town that provides startup assistance and access to funding opportunities that I am considering joining for the sake of the workshop business I am starting.

==Fri Feb 2, 2024==
Continuing work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]]. I finished the Universal Frame Assembly. I am going to have to start naming parts with the machine name in the file name. I'm starting to overlap names I used on [[D3D Mega v23.05]].

==Wed Jan 31, 2024==
[[D3D Pro v23.12 3D CAD]]. [[D3D Pro v23.12 Requirements + Value Proposition]].

==Sun Jan 14, 2024==
I've had lots of fun working on the working doc from Friday's log. I have gotten to a point where I have an early prototype CAD model and I've shared my work (early and often as always). [[File:Universal Frame Rebar Connector.FCStd]]

==Fri Jan 12, 2024==
I spent a little while playing with the Angle Frame Corner generator that is part of the [[3D Printer Workbench]] in FreeCAD. I may attempt to expose more variables from the connector macro vs restarting from scratch to design a new frame corner for 1/2" rebar. If just a few more things were exposed as variables I would be able to generate a 1/2" square slot for the rebar to be inserted into. Then it's just a matter of tightening down the set screw and you're square.

{{Hint|Start a [[Working Doc]] and you can paste this text in there and continue to update with pictures. I'd like to see pictures.-MJ}}

<html><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQJGjvT_RImILXAkqd6a0fL103VUeAeYOpJmNLADXsCtNyqZ54SHsb6FdzmFyus6jdDdgJcFJRMCUMu/embed?start=false&loop=false&delayms=60000" frameborder="0" width="960" height="569" allowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true"></iframe></html>

[https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1FVPihIJHFriQ9S9soaE_G7H4oCvzvejftOcpkz_REfw/edit?usp=sharing edit]

==Wed Jan 10, 2024==
At work I have been spending a lot of time looking into Semantic MediaWiki. The extension effectively lets a person use a wiki as a low/no code relational database. It would be great to use for data collection or running a business single source of truth. I may use it to track business operations and keep myself organized personally as it's very customizable. I'm honestly surprised that it's not in use on the OSE wiki, but it does add complexity and has an additional learning curve, so maybe not too surprised. I've also been considering that a wiki would be the perfect place to store notes and information as I continue my path of life-long learning.

Recently read the Lecture Notes on Teaching General Semantics by Lance Strate, Ph.D. available at the [https://www.generalsemantics.org/Teaching-Materials General Semantics website]. I was particularly inspired by the section on Idealization  and  Operationalism. Idealization causes frustration because it makes people believe that things like 'love', 'success', etc. are unattainable because they idealize them. When something is put on a pedestal, untouchable, it becomes unattainable because there are no concrete steps to get there. Operationalism, conversely, means you define something by the steps it takes to get there. If you want to "change the world", what will be changed and what are your steps to get there? Similar to the working principles around SMART goals.

I have also recently decided that I'd like to apply the general semantics principles/life principles that I have been pondering lately to my organization ability. I have struggled a lot in the past to stay organized and on top of everything (whether at work or home), and I'd like to learn and develop organization as a skill. In its simplest form, organization is just having a place for everything, and everything in its place. The steps to get there would be to make places for every thing that I want to take time to organize, and put it there; whether that means a physical location for an object, or a place for data to live.

==Mon Jan 8, 2024==
The new year didn't exactly start as planned, but I'm back. I'm going to continue work on [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]], move on to finishing my critical path and set a realistic workshop date.

An interesting development in my life - a friend of mine is starting out a new small venture making hair care/beard care products at my encouragement. He has a lot of experience from another business he ran making those same products. I want to help him start his business with the most basic tools to get the job done while still allowing for industrial productivity. He should be able to produce his products in a simple double boiler on a gas, electric, or induction stove. I can manufacture all of his packaging on my 3D Printer, and we can use my printer and Cricut machine to produce waterproof/oilproof labels. We can use my 3d printer to make pouring /filling jigs for bottles and chap stick tubes. We are working on manufacturing everything in-house as much as possible. This business will be [[antifragile]] - the multipurpose machines that we're using can be put to use in many other ways in the business, and for the most part we already own everything we need personally, so there's not really any chance of 'going out of business'... just the possibility of having a few hundred dollars of hair care products to use at the house.

Also, I have convinced him to share all of his documentation openly and collaboratively, from standard operating procedures to recipes to data collection. He agrees with me that having free access to that information is better for the world, and helps solve the pressing world issues that we have talked about wanting to solve. Hopefully soon there will be a handful of additional products available for the [[Open Source Everything Store]], and some free cash for more open source work. :)

I read through most of The Homebrew Industrial Revolution: A Low-Overhead Manifesto by Kevin A. Carson. Great book that mentions OSE. I really liked the author's discussions about how precision machining and making parts to higher tolerances, alongside the freeing potential of electricity and the electric motor, bring home or workshop based manufacturing to the same quality as products produced by mass manufacturing. The book has a lot of similar themes to OSE's guiding philosophies.

==Thu Dec 28, 2023==
[[SH4 Documentation Proposal‎]] Typos. [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]] expanding upon full timeline of work.

==Tue Dec 26, 2023==
Expanded on [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]]. I am attempting to break the assembly steps down today. That way when I get to the later assembly and build manual documentation steps I will be more prepared. The old [[3D Printer Manual]] is helping me get the general order of operations down, even with many steps being different in later versions.

==Sun Dec 24, 2023==
Added to Saturday's timeline, and then moved it to [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]]. I am working to expand my to-do list down to every detail that I feel I can reasonably capture. Once completed I will have a list of tasks that is detailed enough to enable swarm-based workflows. The one I'm looking forward to the most is the [[Kit Certification]] and build manual documentation steps. I plan to have me and two others work together to document the build manual. One person builds and explains the steps of the printer build they take as they work. Another person takes up close photos of before, during, and after each step. The third person transcribes the steps into a work document.

I have started to break down the documentation that I will create for handouts at [[D3D Pro v23.12 Development Timeline]].

==Sat Dec 23, 2023==

Timeline to workshop ready point:

(Does not include marketing/workshop stuff, just kit documentation prep)

* Create and finalize LOD500 cad
** Model frame for 1/2" rebar
*** Model corner connectors / Y axis holders 8hrs
*** Model Z axis top and bottom holders 4hrs
** Model heated bed components and assemble
*** Buy halogen bulbs and holders to take measurements .5hr
*** Model halogen holder and bulb 1hr
*** Model heated bed tubes .5hr
*** Model heated bed sheet metal (including holes) .5hr
*** Model heated bed carbon fiber blankets .5hr
*** Assemble heated bed in CAD 2hr
** Assemble extruder in CAD from available prior work 4hrs
** Assemble control panel in CAD from available prior work 4hrs
** Assemble axes from available prior work - Done

* Generate BOM from CAD - Instant in FreeCAD 21
** Find multiple vendors for each part 12hrs

* Source and order all of the first kit supplies
** Order parts from multiple sources to vet quality/compatibility

* Prep the first kit
** Print 3d printed components - 48+ hrs
** Cut rods and rebar to size - 1.5hr
** Cut lengths of belt - 15min
** Cut lengths of pipe for bed - 30min
** Cut plates for bed (if necessary) - 15min
** Cut aluminum heatsink to size - 10min
** Machine aluminum heatsink on drill press - 15min
** Test all electrical components (motors, endstops, RAMPS+Mega, bed heater, etc) 30min
*** Motors all spin
*** Endstops trigger properly and are correct type for failing safely
*** Bed Heater - lighting up
*** Hotend and thermistors - Heat up and measure temp
** Heat gun the control panel print as in [[4D Printing]] 5min

* Build the first kit
** Build Universal Frame
**# Gather all materials 1min
**# Build two squares from the corners and rebar 10min
**#* Use jig to square (wooden dowel cut to length of connector distance)
**#* Be mindful of corner direction
**#* Tighten fasteners
**# Add 4 vertical rebar pieces into one of the square's corners 2min
**#* Tighten fasteners
**# Put second square onto the top 2min
**#* Turn frame onto its side
**#* Use jig to square
**#* Tighten fasteners
**# Done!
** Build Universal Axes
*** X Axis with rods jutting past the sides
*** Y Axes with unique carriages
*** Z Axes with shorter rods
** Build Universal Extruder
** Build Heated Bed
*** Primarily assembled using high temp epoxy
** Build Universal Controller
*** Tin all wires
*** Attach all components to panel
*** Follow prior art wiring plans
** Build filament holder

* Perform [[Kit Certification]]

* Assemble another printer, taking pictures of every step and recording the steps taken in order.

* Create documentation for printer, following wiki development template
** Kit Prep Manual
*** Safety, workspace layouts, kit prep expected effort timeline
*** Sourcing section - notes on finding local substitutes
*** Metal Cutting Section
*** Aluminum Heatsink Prep Section
*** Steps for partial preassembly
*** Packaging for workshop
*** Packaging for shipment
** Build Manual
*** Universal Frame Section
*** Universal Axis Section
**** X, Y, and Z are separate
*** Universal Extruder Section
*** Fast Heated Bed Section
*** Universal Controller Section
*** Final Assembly Section
*** Wiring and testing Section
*** Troubleshooting Section

* Have an assistant assemble a kit from documentation alone to test for weaknesses
** Revise documentation as necessary for clarity, ease of assembly, turnkey-ness

* Prep the workshop kits
** Print 3d printed components
** Order parts
** Cut rods and rebar to size
** Cut lengths of belt
** Cut lengths of pipe for bed
** Cut plates for bed (if necessary)
** Cut aluminum heatsink to size
** Machine aluminum heatsink on drill press
** Test all electrical components (motors, endstops, RAMPS+Mega, bed heater, etc) for all kits
** Gather together kits per BOM
** Label parts as labeled in the documentation (aiming for eventually offering language agnostic assembly instructions)
** Package kits in separate crates/boxes for easy transport to event
** Print out documentation binder - 1 per kit
** Prepare OSE Linux Live USBs - 1 per kit

*Work in progress*

==Sun Dec 17, 2023==
[[D3D Pro v23.12]]. Started work on CAD Assembly. It's moving very quickly due to prior work on D3D Mega v23.05.

==Sat Dec 16, 2023==
Worked a little bit on my critical path at [[User:Alexa]]. I am reworking it to have a more realistic timeframe.

==Fri Dec 15, 2023==
LOD 500 CAD To-Do Breakdown:
* Model halogen holder and bulb
* Model heated bed tubes
* Model heated bed sheet metal (including holes)
* Model heated bed carbon fiber blankets
* Assemble heated bed in CAD
* Assemble extruder in CAD from available prior work
* Assemble control panel in CAD from available prior work
* Resize rods on universal axes from v23.05
* Resize angle iron in v23.05 frame

I do not yet know how to best model the wires/wiring connections for the CAD. I would really appreciate direction on where I can learn to do this if anyone reading knows.

Contingency plan for any prolonged delays to workshop is to build an online shop after completion of full product documentation. An ecommerce website is still a potentially viable distributive enterprise, even if it does not have the same local impact that a workshop would. I would still prefer to do the workshop first to prove the workshop model is viable before investing time into learning how to sell and market effectively on an ecommerce store. In any case, the store is an inevitability just like the workshop - just a matter of timing.

'''It's the day after the workshop and it was a horrible disaster. What went wrong and how could it have been stopped beforehand?'''
* No tickets were sold so the event could not take place.
* Could be mitigated by buying kits only after ticket sales so there's no money lost except for the venue deposit?
* A solid marketing plan drawn up by an expert and executed to the letter.
* A clear market has been defined as part of the above plan

* The website got DDOSed/Crashed/Too Slow
* Host on large national provider and use cloudflare for DDOS protection
* Use the hosting provider's version of wordpress to ensure automatic updates occur

* The kits were unfinished due to lack of time
* Clear proofs of build time from inexperienced assembler doing a time lapse like in [[Kit Certification]]
* Step by step instructions with clear pictures for each step. Proper warnings and safety information included.
* Clearly labeling each part by letter as in [[Language Agnostic Instructionals]]

* The printers do not function
* Test all motors and electronics prior to finishing kit assembly
* Have a quality control checklist + BOM to review each kit with prior to event
* Have a spare printer worth of parts available

==Thu Dec 14, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Conceptual Design]]. Added additional notes on top cover of high temp heated chamber.

==Tue Dec 12, 2023==
I took a big step in my day job today. I transitioned to posting all of the work that I perform onto an internally hosted wiki for all to see. I have been missing the mark at times without a system for storing my work and the wiki was the perfect place to build in accountability, transparency, and capture all of the details. My hope is that this will increase my capacity to work more collaboratively with my peers as I have been learning to do through OSE.

==Sun Dec 10, 2023==
===Onboarding Assessment===
====Tactical====

'''1. How much time do you have to commit to the development of your chosen project?'''

I can sustainably commit to 8-12 hours per week of development time. I have a 40 hour per week job Tuesday through Saturday, I am a board member for a local nonprofit (which takes up at least a few hours per month), and I provide for and tend to my household, which takes up the rest of my time.

'''2. How long could you sustain your development effort prior to revenue?''' For example, in the worst case scenario of innumerable unforeseen events which prevented you from reaching the point of revenue generation, if it took way longer than was ever reasonably predicted - could you sustain your effort as long as it takes or would you have to pivot? We should have clarity on this question because it can help us match the expected preparation/development tasks to the available time. Please start on this question by thinking about a task list for preparing for a first workshop in as much detail as possible, as part of this question.

Because I am working another full time job I should be able to continue my development efforts without regard to incoming revenue. The development work can be completed with access to a single printer, so once that has been purchased, the overhead costs should be zero or near zero. Ultimately, pursuing sustainable and appropriate open source hardware projects is shaping up to be my life's work so it can take as long as it needs to.

Kits
* Create development pages on wiki
* Create and finalize LOD500 cad
* Generate BOM from CAD
* Source and order all of the kit supplies - Need to discuss best methods to fund purchase
* Cut rods and angle iron to size
* cut lengths of belt
* cut lengths of pipe for bed
* cut plates for bed (if necessary)
* machine aluminum heatsink on drill press
* print 3d printed components
* Perform Kit Certification
* Assemble the printer a second time, taking pictures of every step and recording the steps taken in order.
* Create documentation for printer assembly (Combine with data from kit certification for accurate assembly time estimate)
* Have an assistant assemble a kit from documentation alone to test for weaknesses (bonus points for an assistant who knows nothing about 3d printers) (Potentially optional step)
* Test all electrical components (motors, endstops, RAMPS+Mega, bed heater, etc) for all kits
* Assemble kits per BOM
* Label parts as labeled in the documentation (aiming for eventually offering language agnostic assembly instructions)
* Package kits in separate crates/boxes for easy transport to event
* Print out documentation binder - 1 per kit
* Prepare OSE Linux Live USBs - 1 per kit

Presentation
* Create presentation that talks about unique features and benefits of the D3D Printer
* Include modularity (and what that even means to someone)
* Lifetime design vs planned obsolescence
* Open source hardware
* Distributive enterprise

Venue
* Shop around to obtain rates from venues for a full day workshop
* Pay deposit
* Pay balance due
* Arrive early day of for setup

Food
* Choose a local restaurant for supplying lunch and or catering trays
* Place an advance order for the food to be prepped
* Pick up day of or before
* Alternatively, just buy catering trays from Sam's Club

Marketing materials
* Create and implement templates for social media posts (FB, insta, etc.), flyers
* Distribute flyers in local businesses
* Have venue partner share event on their social media accounts
* Share event in local and surrounding community Facebook groups
* Schedule social media posts for weeks and days leading to event.
* Create website for event and product (lean on work for presentation for content)

Business plan
* If outside funding is required, a business plan will need to be written

Budget
* A budget will need to be written to estimate expenses and potential earnings.
* Ticket Revenue
* Venue cost
* Kits cost
* Marketing cost
* Website costs

'''3. What do you see as the potential of the modular, Construction Set Approach for building things?'''

I see the modular construction set approach to building things as the most important method for creating modern appropriate technology. Many open source hardware projects exist in isolation at present. If those projects were designed to be interoperable and have intercompatible parts they would be easier to design and build while being more appropriate and more valuable. It's my view that the only way that a transition to an open source economy of abundance is possible is with access to a modular construction set of manufacturing tools. The integrated performance (including social, environmental, and technological aspects) of modular construction sets, will better internalize the costs of production as opposed to creating more pollution, forcing people to take jobs that are not their right livelihood, or reinventing prior art for each project. Because modern mass production is focused on point performance of products, there is a lot more value that can be captured for the producer and end user when this approach is used.

Modular construction sets have the potential to enable low overhead distributed production of life sustaining essentials, tools, and machines all the way up to clean rooms and space ships.

'''4. How would you propose to implement 'lifetime design'?''' Discuss some of the key, specific features of your project that would express the 'lifetime design' philosophy. Think about what it would take to offer a 'lifetime design warranty' - point to some details of how you envision that this could this be implemented in a sustainable way?

The D3D Printer has multiple lifetime design elements. The chief design element is the plastic/steel construction of the machine, which combines the complex geometries of 3D printed plastic with the strength of steel. This makes for an extremely rugged design that is unlikely to need much if any maintenance. The parts that wear out fastest on the printer are the linear bearings and the belts, both of which are 3D printable. Other components like the halogen heating bulbs in the bed, the stepper motors, the extruder heater cores and thermistors, the endstops, etc. are all low cost, common-off-the-shelf components that can be easily sourced by the end user. The user will always have the option to service their own machines, even if the company that produced the kit or machine goes out of business.

A lifetime design warranty could consist of a few separate elements.
* Access to the full CAD, documentation, design files, etc. for easy user servicing and repair of the machine
* Offer replacements for all parts in cases where the machine was used under normal operating conditions for a 3D Printer, and the part was still within its useful lifetime. Require that the defective or damaged part be sent in for possible repair. End user pays shipping.
* Base the lifetime amount calculations on industry standard lifetimes of the part. 10,000 hours for stepper motors, for example.
* Anything outside of normal operating lifetimes won't be covered.
* The cost of maintaining a lifetime design warranty will decrease over time as replacement parts are manufactured in-house on digital fabrication machines.

'''5. Why did you choose to pursue the OSE product as opposed to the numerous other options out there?''' Clarify what you see as the value and unique value proposition of our work, compared to other options. Why did you choose to pursue the OSE product as opposed to the numerous other options out there?

I chose to pursue working with OSE for the sake of the appropriateness of their work. The OSE Specifications align perfectly with my personal principles of the free sharing of knowledge, the growth and development of myself as an individual, and adding to the pool of human knowledge via time-binding. I also want to self-provide to enable my own buy-out-at-the-bottom financial independence. I ultimately want to spend my life doing personally meaningful work, and OSE is aligned with my goals on this perfectly.

OSE's most valuable practice is releasing all of their work under open licenses, based on universal guiding principles. The work done by OSE is always in furthering the ends of their vision, not just for the marketing gimmick that some companies engage in when they release their goods as 'open source'. OSE puts their money where their mouth is, so to speak.

I chose to pursue the D3D printer first as it is the machine that is most accessible to me, while also being one of those most ready for a product release from the GVCS. I can build the D3D printers entirely in my second bedroom in my apartment if necessary. I need very low overhead to produce the machines and sell them on a website, which is great because I am at the start of my career and I have very little capital available to me to start the business off. Other organizations' open source machines are available for me to replicate, but none of them have the low part count, modular, lifetime design of the D3D printer.

'''6. What are your revenue goals for the first stage and afterwards?''' Once you have obtained a 'sustainable enterprise' - what revenue and net revenue would you like that to be for you? Provide your goals and the time within which you would like to achieve these goals. How would you see that growing in the years to come?

Once I have obtained a 'sustainable enterprise' I am looking to make as much as I am currently with my day job, approx $30K net per year (which would be approx $100K gross revenue at 30% profit). I want the enterprise to become my full time work, so at the bare minimum I have to be able to sustain myself at my current standard of living. I want to be able to do this work full time within three years or less. After achieving the point of transition to full time work my goal is to increase revenues until I make at least $50K/year net ($167K gross) within five years and for the rest of my life. When combined with other methods of high tech self providing, this is a very sustainable income.

'''7. How do you envision implementing the collaborative and swarm-based development and production aspects of OSE in your project?'''

I am planning to continue uploading all of my work on my projects on the OSE wiki. I am open to working collaboratively with anyone inside or outside of OSE to get my first workshop done successfully. I have also studied how OSE collaborates on the wiki and on cloud based documents, so I can teach others how to best work with me on the project. I also have family members and friends who have expressed interest in helping me on the project if I give them enough direction on where to help, so I will be leaning on them to assist me with the kit production, marketing, and documentation work.

Kit production especially can be broken down into numerous parallel tasks. Picking and packing the materials for 12-24 3D printers can be done component by component by any number of individuals. Photography work can be done from multiple angles by multiple people for a much faster pace and higher quality in recording the steps for documentation.

====Inspiration====

'''1.Describe how you would like your company to look and behave once you have attained the status of Distributive Enterprise.''' Such as - what are you and your team doing, whom are you serving, what products do you have, how is your enterprise growing and providing unique value, what is your day-to-day, what are your prospects for the future), what are you thinking and feeling?

In the near term, while the business is smaller, my team and I would be spending around half the week making 3D printers as well as goods for the Open Source Everything Store (3D Printed Products, Useful 3D Prints, especially metal plastic composite construction), and the other half doing additional documentation work, creating new products for the Open Source Everything Store according to OSE specifications, prototyping new digital fabrication machines (D3D Torch/router table, laser cutter, D3D Circuit Mill, filament extruder, 3D Scanner), etc. We would be serving mostly the national market for our products online, and doing local craft shows to connect with more local customers. By this point there would be extra money to invest into prototyping and pursuing even more development. I would also have access to many more tools (multiple printers, power tools, welders, etc.) that will increase the amount and quality of machines and goods I can produce. All of the general use machinery available to me will enable flexability throughout changing market conditions. The future looks bright. According to my goals, this would be about three years out from now when I move to this being my full time work.

In the long term, I want my business to grow and evolve until I own and operate a microfactory and farm that serves my neighboorhood. This could include a food co-op, tool/equipment sharing, fabrication services, furnature manufacturing, OSE machine replication, educational classes and workshops, and a large catalogue of Open Source Everything Store products. I want to get as close to fully independent closed loop economy as possible to provide the best opportunities that I can for my family, friends, and neighbors. My day-to-day would be spent building machines, tending to orchards and greenhouses, designing new things, and otherwise contributing to humanity's progress via time-binding. The surrounding community would be more prosperous due to the existance of the microfactory campus. I am feeling fulfilled, at the peak of self-actualization, and I have a long life of contributions to make ahead of me.

'''2. What do you consider to be Pressing World Issues in today's world?''' Describe how you are or how you would like to contribute to solving them. Discuss your goals for 'making a better world' in as much detail as you like.

The United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals are the shortlist of pressing world issues that I believe need to be solved.The SDGs are primarily focused on ending material scarcity (poverty, food access, clean water/sanitation access, industry/infrastructure improvement, good health/wellbeing, reduced inequalities, affordable clean energy, sustainable cities/communities, and decent work/economic growth). They also include the need for education, stewardship toward life and nature, and improved governance.

I am going to contribute to solving these issues by working openly and collaboratively toward creating an open source economy of abundance. The best place to do that currently is OSE. I plan to continue to contribute to the appropriate technologies of the GVCS until completion, as well as contributing to the Open Source Everything Store. My hope is that freely releasing economically significant information will create meaningful livelihoods for people everywhere and help to reduce the issues that stem from material scarcity.

I also want to make a better world for myself in my own personal sphere. I want to use myself as a testbed for sustainable business development to prove the model. If I can go from making barely enough to cover my expenses to flourishing and saving for the future from this process then the world will be just that much better for me and anyone who follows this path. It would also prove that distributive enterprise replication can work and contribute to the eventual conversion of the material economy to an open source paradigm. Those who come after me down this path will (if all goes as planned) be able to provide for themselves and their loved ones and that helps to make the world a better place for everyone. The more people who are engaged in productive and collaborative works instead of crime, corruption, or other unethical behavior, the better.

'''3. OSE follows the principles of Good to Great. The core message is that anyone has a choice to develop the discipline to become great, because there is so much good work needed to be done. And in order to solve difficult problems, one needs great capacity. General acceptance of what is already 'good' keeps the world in a state of immense societal/industrial inertia - ie, stuck without adapting to the times. But, becoming great is not easy, and most people do not choose this route. What are your thoughts on being good vs great?'''

I watched the book summary from the Good to Great page for more context, and I have decided that I will read the book in its entirety.

The path to greatness outlined in Good to Great is making disciplined decisions/steps toward your goal. The apt metaphor of a flywheel is used to illustrate how achieving greatness is a series of small additions to the total momentum in a single direction. This theme of continually building upon the same base over and over again is seen in nature, in the concept of time binding, in the principles that lead to the OSE Specifications and GVCS, and in most of the good self improvement/personal growth literature that I have read. The path to greatness as outlined also requires discipline in relationships with others, and discipline of thought. Specifically, in being a supercollaborative individual who is chasing their own passions and focusing on the objective truth without losing sight of or faith in their end goal.

I believe that greatness is an achieveable state for many people given the above roadmap. For me specifically, I firmly believe that I can become great at running an enterprise with enough sustained effort. The way I could best cultivate it is to keep an open dialogue with those around me about my progress, struggles, goals, and visions for the future. When I make a quiet promise to myself it is sometimes not enough to keep me from missing the mark, but when I have people around me who keep me accountable to my goals I can keep moving in the right direction.

'''4. Take a look at the 4 Zones of Possibility. Discuss what these are for you, with respect to your specific OSE involvement, and in your life in general.'''

These are my answers as of 12/10/2023, but I believe items could move between the 4 zones in the future pending material changes to my circumstances.

1. Define what you know that you can do.
I have moderate physical strength and dexterity, so I can meet most of the physical demands of daily life. I can provide for my family by laboring with my mind or my hands. I can use computers effectively. For OSE I know I can readily contribute to documentation and development work including FreeCAD modeling as I have been doing that on my D3D Mega v23.05 project. In life in general I know that I can physically perform most of the tasks that an average healthy person can.

2. What you think you can do.
I think that I am smart enough to be able to learn new subjects and continue on a path of lifelong learning. I think I am an effective communicator of ideas, at least in one on one conversations. I think that I can learn enough to be able to successfully execute the 3D printer workshop. It may also be possible for me to fly out and be involved in some in person events at OSE. I think that I have the skills necessary to replicate the previously designed machines. I also think that I could have what it takes to contribute to OSE as a developer. I also received an associates degree in business so I can handle most business related math and know some basic aspects of business law and entrepreneurship (though I may be somewhat rusty).

3. What you think is probably too much
It would probably be a financial burden on me to start anything too capital intensive, as I'm working on a tight budget. I have yet to dive into completely learning any programming languages so I will need practice before doing any edits to code on projects. The science, physics, and engineering education that I have is what I learned in high school, so there are a lot of holes in my knowledge of these areas. Raising money for my venture effectively would be difficult for me as I currently don't know where is best to start looking. I feel that doing my workshop alone would likely be exceptionally difficult.

4. What you know you can't do.
I can't/won't do anything that will violate my principles, so unethical practices are out of the question. Outside of that, I'm open to trying to learn how to do anything. I can't relocate anytime soon as I have too much that is dear to me where I live.

'''5. Take a look at the Edge of Knowledge concept. Is there any way you can contribute to the 1000 hour curriculum?'''

I can definitely contribute in the 3D Printing and Open Source Everything Store segments of the 1000 hour curriculum. Those are the topics that I have the most knowledge of among those listed. I have also studied some about radio equipment as I work toward earning a ham radio license so I may be able to summarize simple topics in that field as well. Outside of that I don't have much of a specialization. I am very interested in learning the 1000 hour curriculum someday once completed!

'''6. Take a look at the concept of Level 6 Leadership. Have you ever considered or would you be interested in considering becoming a Level 6 Leader?'''

I am interested in becoming a Level 6 Leader. The material reason for starting my enterprise may be to earn money, but my goal is to add to the commons for all to benefit from. Everything that I do I can share freely with others without harming myself. I want to add to the momentum of the open hardware movement to liberate people (including myself) to be free to chase their passions and live personally meaningful lives. I believe that continuing to create open source alternatives to the conventional closed economy is the shortest route to achieving that end.

'''7. At the end of your life, what would you consider as goals achieved of a life worth living, by whichever metric you consider important?'''

I would have lived by my principles my entire life. I would have spent ample time with my loved ones. I would have added significant contributions to the pool of human knowledge. I would have learned something every day until the day I died. I would have made enough time to contemplate in silence and peace. I would have made the world a better place than when I found it. I would have given a boost to the next generations of humanity.

==Fri Dec 8, 2023==
After an email exchange with Marcin, I am planning to push back the date of my workshop to 4-5 months from now. I'm thinking end of April/beginning of May for the event now. I have a lot of work ahead of me for the project but I'm excited to get started. :))

==Tue Dec 5, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]. - See Github link for most recent work. The CAD is coming along nicely now. I have four modules to finish - heated chamber, extruder, controller, heated bed. I am having an issue with my axes in the assembly - They each have a small square artifact that's visible and I don't know how to remove it. I think it has something to do with the belt peg model though because it didn't appear when I deleted that part from the assembly, but that's mostly a hunch. If anyone's here reading my log I'd love help on fixing the problem.

Also, I wanted to note that I've been building this assembly in the A2Plus assembly workbench in FreeCAD v0.21.1 as I could not for the life of me get Assembly2 to work in FreeCAD 0.16. I'm using OSE linux as my daily driver.

I've been putting work into consolidating the wiki's 3D printer documentation under the D3D Mega v23.05 project. My hope is that my eventual completion of the documentation including LOD 500 CAD will give others a launching point from which they can start distributive enterprises based on the D3D system.

I am planning to run a one day 3D printer workshop based on the D3D Pro V20.07. The tenative date and location is February 4th, 2024 in Port Huron, MI. I understand that I am free to run an independent workshop, but I am very interested in collaborating and continuing to contribute my work back into OSE's wiki. Following the workshop (or sooner, if my work on documentation procceds as planned) I am also planning to sell kits for D3D Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, Universal, and the v23.05 Mega that I have been documenting. My long term goal is to be able to sustain my household from the income from this venture.

I am starting to get the word out now for the event. When I get a little spare cash I'm going to put a deposit down on the space so I can get out marketing materials and a website for the event.

My current roadblocks are my 40 hour job and my lack of startup capital, which also means a lack of a D3D Printer to practice on until I get my first ticket order for the event.

==Mon Dec 4, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD ]]. - See Github link for most recent work

==Sun Dec 3, 2023==
I have been inspired by the thought capture method of a "captain's log" seen on [[Eric Lotze Log]] so I will be documenting some of my thoughts on my work, projects, etc. here in my work log as I am so moved.

==Fri Dec 1, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Industry Standards]].

==Wed Nov 29, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD ]]. - See Github link for most recent work

==Tue Nov 28, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD ]].

==Mon Nov 27, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Module Breakdown]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD ]]. ‎[[D3D Mega v23.05]]. [[User:Alexa]] Critical Path.

==Sun Nov 26, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Module Breakdown]].

==Wed Nov 22, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Module Breakdown]].

==Sat Nov 18, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]].

==Fri Nov 17, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]. Reviewed some of [[FreeCAD 101]] in preparation for earning a [[FreeCAD Badge]] and taking the [[Developer Test]].

==Wed Nov 8, 2023==
[[OSE as a Secular Religion‎‎]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Calculations‎]].

==Mon Oct 10, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Conceptual Design]].

==Mon Oct 9, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Conceptual Design]].

==Tue Sept 26, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]] - Nearly finished. Just need to fill out the Interfaces section some more.

==Sat Sept 23, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Future Work]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Calculations]].

==Sat Sept 16, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Calculations]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Industry Standards]].

==Fri Sept 15, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 BOM]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]

==Tue Aug 29, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Industry Standards]]

==Fri July 14, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Production Engineering]]

==Sun July 9, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 Unique Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Calculations]].

==Sat July 8, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]

==Wed July 5, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]

==Mon May 22, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05 3D CAD]]

==Sun May 21, 2023==
[[D3D Mega v23.05]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Requirements + Value Proposition]]. [[Heated Build Chamber Patents]]. [[D3D Mega v23.05 Conceptual Design]].

D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection

2024-08-15T05:54:09Z

Alexa: Update what I have done since previous work

{{RightTOC}}
=Link to Photo Album=
*Print log - notebook notes [https://photos.app.goo.gl/LnU1T7qW8MeoRAC49]

=Thu Aug 15, 2024=
Issues that have been solved since last update:
* The filament stripping issue has been resolved - the concern was NOT the assembly of the hotend. The resolution was turning down the voltage of the extruder stepper motor as it was overheating. The overheating stepper motor was causing the heatsink to heat up to a temperature that softened PLA filament too early. That was causing a clog, which resulted in stripped filament as the most obvious side effect.
* With the first physical build of the D3D Pro there was not enough length on the X axis to fully probe the 300mmx300mm (11.8"x11.8") bed. There was about 25mm/1" of bed area that the Z probe (the induction sensor) could not reach. This was resolved by rebuilding the frame with longer rebar and axes with longer rods and belts. The remaining parts will be used in future builds of smaller printer.
* During the rebuild mentioned above, the rod lengths were all standardized to 600mm/23.6" to reduce the amount of cuts and keep the axes as identical as possible.
* The rebar members of the frame are all now 450mm/17.7".
* Input shaping was tuned on the machine with the following results:
** X freq = 40.5mm | 25.25Hz
** Y freq = 34.0mm | 17Hz
** X damp = 0.35
** Y damp = 0.30
* I designed a new control panel that is larger and has more holes to be more part agnostic. I am also working on an electrical box for all of the electronics and wiring to keep a clean look and prevent possible shorts and shocks.

=Sat June 22, 2024=
Current issues:
* The filament is still stripping very frequently. This has a few potential causes and solutions:
# Too much tension on the tensioner arm of the extruder. Potential solution - loosen the screw that holds the tensioner arm in place to reduce the pressure on the filament.
# Misaligned drive gear. Potential solution - remove tensioner arm and spring, realign the drive gear to be directly above the heatbreak opening.
# Improperly assembled hotend leading to friction in the filament path. Potential solution - reassemble the hotend, ensuring that there is NO space between the heatbreak and nozzle. If filament gets in between the heatbreak and nozzle it will result in clogs which lead to filament stripping.
# Heat creep in the hotend leading to clogs. Potential solution - Ensure the hotend cooling fan is blowing away from the printer to draw the heat away instead of creating static pressure that holds the heat in place. Use thermal paste to increase the heat conductivity between the heatsink block and fins/(Mk 7/Mk 8 heatsink).
# Actually look at the pictures of previous builds to determine how the hotend is assembled... I just realized that I made a mistake in assembly that is likely leading to the issues I have been dealing with this entire time... I screwed the heatbreak in incorrectly by making the top hole flush with the top of the heatsink aluminum block and screwing the short nut on at the bottom of the aluminum block. This is likely what was causing my issue. See here for a picture of what the correct assembly looks like: [[:File:Universalgearless.png | Picture]]

The printer needs the following changes/upgrades for the sake of improving consistency in printing:
* Y2 Axis max position endstop. This will ensure that the axis is square without skipping the belts at Y max.
* Galvanized rods should be used in place of plain steel rods due to corrosion. Galvanized will align more with the principle of lifetime design.
* The bed should have four long nuts welded to the top plate vs the single nut called for in the current design. Having four nuts creates more stability in the bed.

Work notes:
* Do not use a diamond grit blade to cut sheet metal if using a circular saw - use the disposable ones. The sheet metal will rip the grit right off of the sawblade.
* A file, belt sander, rotary tool with a diamond grit sanding disc, or other similar power tool should be used to clean the edges of the rebar, rods, and sheet metal as the burrs can be sharp!
* Ensure that you are using appropriate clamps for holding the welds in place. The clamps must be able to withstand high temperatures from the welding process. Stick to metal clamps. Don't start a fire like I did. (Don't worry, it was a small one!)
* The long nuts that are welded to the bed are galvanized. It has been recommended to me that the galvanized portions should be stripped/sanded off of the long nuts to prevent nickel exposure. It is only necessary to do this in the portions that will be welded. This is critically important for safety!
* A jig/template should be made from 12"x12" cardstock to mark the location of the holes to be drilled and the welds to be made for the bed.
* Test the strength of the welds by using an impact driver to screw a screw all of the way into the long nut. If it's too weak it will break then, which is better than breaking when it's in the hands of the end user.
* If the screws you're using are too long for the long nuts in the bed, add a few regular nuts to the screw for spacing. Washers could also be used, but why add new unique parts to the machine if not necessary?
* When assembling the Universal Axis, use at least four set screws to secure the rods on the motor side. Two can be too little holding force.
* Do no have the axis attached to the rebar clamps when aligning the Z axes' rebar clamps on the frame. It overcomplicates the process.
* Use a jig or measuring tape to ensure that there is consistent placement for the rebar clamps. If the clamps are misaligned they will cause problems with Z travel.
*

=Mon May 20, 2024=
I have been awfully busy with the printer for the past two weeks!

The bad news first:
* The print quality is, at the moment, able to produce functional parts. There are a lot of small surface imperfections, some stringing, some sections that are underextruding, causing weak points in the print.
* If the print head crashes into any overextrusion or blobs on the print it can very easily skip the belts and lose its position. I have lost some prints to this issue due to the subsequent layer shifts.
* It is very easy for the Y axis to get out of alignment. It basically happens every time the stepper motors are turned off.
** Side note: The solution to this is running the Y axis into the end of the printer until the belts on both Y axes skip. You then know that they are square to one another, assuming that the ends are square to each other. The critical component there is making sure that the frame is assembled square. Marlin does have skew correction available as well if your frame is slightly skew, causing a consistent (non-square) angle in the X axis. If the skew is not consistent from print to print then you likely have some other issue.
* The extruder main component that holds the stepper motor and gets screwed into the X axis carriage did not fit properly during assembly and I had to chop off the back lip with pliers. This worked for the most part, but it is causing the print head to be angled slightly. It is also somewhat loose and is able to be wiggled back and forth with relatively little pressure.

My current plan to fix the bad news:
# Reprint the extruder main component, scaled up slightly in the needed direction for a temporary fix. (hopefully a 2% increase won't make the screw holes too far apart)
# Redesign the component in CAD for a proper fit and add this to the CAD assembly.
# Implement axis squaring g-code at the start of every print.
# Going over the printer and tightening every screw
# Reprinting any components that are bent, weak, or otherwise had printing imperfections
# Continuing to tune the printer profiles in my slicer

The GOOD news!: The printer is functioning! It has a solid motion system, a high throughput extruder, a robust frame, and it is overall functioning exactly as it is supposed to. It has precision high enough to make very nice looking prints once I get the printer profile tuned. The current torture test I am running on the printer is a 300mm tall anime character statue. Aside from some extrusion issues and the state of the first layer it looks nearly perfect.

Notes:

* I have not yet implemented g-code to do this axis squaring.
* The bed was not stable enough with the standard Z axis carriages so I redesigned the carriages to be about twice as wide, and the bed is showing much more stability. This upgrade also thickened the part of the carriage that would break if you over tightened the screws and now allows for the use of oversized rods. The original design would not allow for bed holding rods that were too long as they were exactly in line with the rods that were used for motion.
* The 16 gauge steel sheet that I am using for the top of the bed warps rather easily and is making it difficult to get a consistent first layer. It is warped a total of approximately 6mm from the highest to lowest points according to Octoprint. The unified bed leveling can compensate for most of the issue, but it requires fine tuning to get a consistent first layer, which is not great considering how turn-key the machine needs to be.
* The two 500w halogen bulbs run in series for bed heating are somewhat slow to heat the larger bed size. I need to put two more lights in parallel to get heating that will work quickly enough to be able to call the bed "Fast". I want a target of room temp to operating temp in less than 60 seconds.
* Using a thicker first layer leads to more consistent results across the bed surface!
* Bubbles underneath the PEI sheet may be contributing to first layer inconsistencies. Make sure to apply with NO bubbles!
* The bed holders have been melting under higher bed temperatures. This is because the halogen bulbs create a hot spot very near to where the bed holders sit. The bed thermistor is inside of one of the conduit tubes on the bed, which heats much slower than the bed surface directly beside the halogen bulbs. The temperature eventually stabilizes across the bed given enough time, but not before the bed holders melt. Two things have been done to counteract this:
# A layer of heat-resistant carbon fiber felt is placed between the bottom of the bed surface and the contact point of the bed holders.
# The bed holders were moved closer to the edges with the upgraded Z carriage that was mentioned above.

* So far the bed holders have not melted under normal use with PLA, but higher temperatures have not been tested after the upgrades. I will report back when more information is available.
* I assembled the Y axis backwards due to my choice to use the Y min endstop instead of making it into Y maximum as suggested by the other versions of the D3D Printer. In the mean time I have tested adding more autoparallel clamps to the Y axis rods and mounting Y min in the correct location. I aligned the two Y minimum locations by measuring the distance from the idler side to the clamps and making sure that amount matched on each side. Ultimately, I think that I will switch to using the Y maximum endstop soon and reporting back. The Y minimum endstop adds complexity where there need not be any.
* The rebar frame makes it easy to clamp a regular desk lamp to the side of the printer for additional lighting.
* The galvanized rods that are currently in use on the X axis seem to provide a smoother surface to glide on that the regular mild steel rods in use on the other axes. Because of this, and the fact that mild steel will rust eventually unless oiled, galvanized rods should be preferred for use on the printer.
* I was advised by an electrician to add a fuse or breaker in-line with the power cable of the printer. The GFCI will provide some protection against shocks, but NOT overcurrent protection. If the printer draws too much power it will currently rely on the circuit breaker in the house to trip instead of safely turning itself off. So far, the printer has not tripped any breakers or caused any heating in the cables used to power it, but safety is still a top priority. This will be accounted for in the next iteration of printer.
* The Universal Gearless Extruder has a tendency to strip 1.75mm filament relatively frequently, especially when there are a lot of short extrusions and retractions all in a row. 2.85mm/3mm filament has not been tested yet. It is possible to reduce the pressure on the filament by using a weaker spring, but this will impact the UGE's claim to fame of having a very high filament feeding force and high performance. Further testing needs to be conducted.
* The split wire loom that is being used for cable management doesn't hold the cables up and out of the way as well as a cable chain might. The X axis split wire loom should be long enough to be attached to the filament holder rod so that the loom is held up and out of the way of the x endstop and the print head.
* The motors can run rather well in series. I currently have the dual Y and dual Z motors running in series, two per stepper driver. Any more than this will require an external stepper motor driver to operate. Note that running motors in series requires modification of the stepper motor cables!
* The stepper motors currently produce a fair amount of noise - more than the fans currently produce. This is likely the result of using the stepper motor drivers that are included with the RAMPS 1.4 kit. Those stepper motor drivers do not have stealth chop/silent mode. I will upgrade these to a better driver in the future to test the amount of noise generated by the steppers. In the mean time I shall enjoy the whirrs and boops.

=Thu May 9, 2024=
The required parts all arrived for the build by Saturday, 4/5/2024. Thus far I have worked for about 40 hours on the build between the assembly of the physical machine, the testing and adjusting of settings, and the upgrading of the firmware, [[Marlin]], to the latest version.

Notes (no particular order):
* All of the axis sub assemblies should be assembled before putting the axis together on the rods.
# Assemble the motor sides first.
## Put a gear on each motor while using a tape measure as a spacer between the motor and the bottom of the gear.
## Attach the motor to the motor side print with the appropriately sized M3 screws.
## Repeat for all motor sides
# Assemble the Idler sides next.
## Gather the two flanged bearings, the M6 screw, M6 nut, and the idler side print.
## Assemble the idler bearings, flanged sides out, with the M6 screw and nut into the idler side.
## Repeat for all idler sides.
# Assemble the carriages last.
## Tape each linear bearing with electrical tape to get a snug fit when slid into the carriage.
## Slide all four linear bearings into the carriage.
## Secure with an m6 bolt and the carriage closure.
* Tightening of the belts should occur when the printer has all of the axes attached and fastened down.
* Overtightening the belts is easy to do, so steps should be taken to avoid that occurring.
* Belt attachment tightening procedure:
# Secure an end of the belt inside of a belt peg using an m6 set screw (10mm).
# Loop the free end through the carriage first. Refer to the CAD for exact proper placement of the belt peg vs belt pinch. Some orientations don't fit!
# Loop through the next side (motor/idler), back through the carriage, through the remaining side (motor/idler), and back through the hold with the belt peg on it.
# While holding the carriage still, pull the free end of the belt with pliers to make the belt tight.
# Slide a belt pinch over both sections of belt near the free end while the tension is still being applied.
# Tighten down belt pinch with a screw and nut.
# Repeat for all axes
* Every available adjustment screw location should have a screw in it, including the autoparallels, the bed holders, the rebar mounts, etc. Note that the CAD does NOT currently reflect this!
* It is possible to put together the printer with uncut rods and then hack saw off the remainder to get the correct size. (I know because I did it on Y1 and Y2)
* The metal used in the heated bed should be burned with a torch before assembly to burn off any residual grease or oil. They may smoke on the first couple of runs if this step is not taken!
* After assembly but before first test run, the halogen lights in the bed should be cleaned off with a clean rag and rubbing alcohol (and then be allowed to dry). This should increase the lifespan of the halogen lights, as contaminants on the surface can cause them to burn out prematurely.
* The BOM currently calls for the incorrect type of stepper motor cable for the RAMPS 1.4 board. The 4 pin connectors were too wide, and the thinner black ones should be purchased and used instead to ensure a proper fit (especially for the dual Z steppers). The dual Z stepper connection on the RAMPS 1.4 board has an extremely tight fit.
* The BOM calls for a BeaglePlay board, but the build currently uses a RaspberryPi 3B.
* It is possible to screw the heatbreak too far into the heatsink, which causes the nozzle to be too far away from the bed.
* The BOM calls for a supervolcano nozzle, but the build uses a standard volcano nozzle and a heatbreak instead, which is preferred as it is faster and easier to change nozzles. The CAD also needs to be updated to reflect this design change.
* Both the extruder hotend and the heated bed need to have their PID heating settings tuned and saved in the firmware. This has not been done yet at time of writing.
* The screws that are used on the rebar mount on the bottom of the Z axis are a little too long and are scratching the table surface below the printer. They need to be covered, shortened, cut off, etc. in some manner to correct for this. Alternatively, the printer could be mounted to a slab of plywood or other board to give it a nice bottom surface.
* The Z axis is belt driven, so when the stepper motors are disabled if the bed is lifted it will crash down to the bottom of the printer. The default rest position for the Z axis should be set to close to the Z MAX so that when it drops it doesn't cause such a loud noise/crush risk.
* If the power is cut to the printer during a print the Z axis will crash down from the full height of the printer, which is a safety risk. This could be mitigated with an uninterruptable power supply/battery, or possibly springs on the Z axis rods (to catch the falling bed). The trouble with the springs is that the bed/Z axes are currently designed to drive into the bottom of the printer to square the dual Z axes to each other. The springs would prevent this squaring operation, which could cause more inconsistent bed leveling. Hopefully this can be compensated for in software?
* The orientation of the actual printer "front" and what the firmware thinks is the "front" are different. This is because the D3D Printer orients the origin (0, 0) in the back left of the printer. It will need to be noted in the firmware code which firmware side maps to which actual side.
* It is easy to make a mistake while plugging everything in on the Universal Controller. Follow the included directions for the boards and components! I had a stepper driver throw out sparks and die because I plugged it in one pin over. I'm lucky it didn't break the entire board.
* The CAD may have the carriages for Y1 and Y2 backwards. This is a TODO item for me after I get the printer running. I believe that the current orientation, if reversed, would allow for more printable space on the printer.

=Mon Mar 25, 2024=
The set screws and nuts arrived, so I took time to assemble the frame. The frame took 34 minutes to assemble at a leisurely pace. The current version of the frame corners made it difficult to fasten down the rebar using an M6 nut and an M6x10mm set screw. The nut would just fall away if you're not careful because there was a lot of extra space between the nut and the rebar. I redesigned the corner by moving the nut closer to the rebar so that the nut cannot fall out of place. This change seems to make the corners easier to work with. Time can be saved if the screws are put into the corners before the rebar, and are then tightened down. Without doing that step the frame has to be rotated to have gravity assist in placing the nut in the correct location. The space that the nut fits into is too tight to fit tools into for the most part so it is much preferred to have the screws and nuts pre-placed.

The print times for parts has been reduced due to an upgrade to my printer's nozzle from 0.4mm to 1.0mm. There is a minimal loss of detail on the prints. The frame corners now take 3.5 hours instead of 11 hours. (Print settings used: 1.2mm line width, 0.4mm layer height)

=Mon Mar 4, 2024=

I purchased a cheap rotary tool with 1.5" cutoff blades to use for finishing the rebar cuts for printer 1. The cuts took approximately 8-9 minutes with the rotary tool I was using. Also, the ergonomics were not great as my wrist began to be sore after the third cut through 1/2" rebar using just the rotary tool. The cutoff wheels did generate varying levels of sparks depending on the angle of the cut, the pressure, the surface being cut, etc. The noise levels were definitely higher, but it was again reported that the sound was no greater than that of a vacuum cleaner from the next room. Overall, the rotary tool with a cutoff wheel is much preferred to hand sawing as it saves on manual labor and isn't too loud for my needs.

''Notes:''

* Two of the four remaining pieces are currently printing. Two plain corners take around 22 hours to print at my current settings on an Ender 3 V2.

* The hacksaw cuts provided more smooth and straight cuts, where the cutoff wheel made for a much more varied surface. To compensate I just ground such ends to as flat as I could with the cutting wheel.

* The variances in cut lengths were within ~1.5mm or 1/16" (with one outlier that was 2mm too long).

=Sun Mar 3, 2024=

Work today was on cutting rebar for the first printer frame. It took 9.5 - 10.5 minutes to cut through a piece of 1/2" rebar with a hack saw (fresh blade, 24 teeth/inch). Time increased slightly as time went on. Please note that the cuts were made with consideration for the amount of noise being made; I live in an apartment with neighbors above, below, and to the side of me who could have potentially heard my work. It didn't cause too much noise as reported by a person in the next room over.

The amount of time taken per cut is too high to be efficient/effective for future printer builds. There are 12 cuts per printer at approximately 10 minutes per cut for a total of 120 minutes/2 man hours of continuous cutting. Reflecting on that fact, I put in an order for a rotary tool at Menards. My hope is that the metal cutoff wheels that come with the kit will be sufficient to cut through the rods and rebar for much faster productivity.

''Notes taken while performing work:''
* Buy metallic sharpie for marking cuts (The standard black sharpies blend in without bright light.)
* Ensure rebar is properly secured for cutting with either clamps or a vice.
* A carbide/diamond grit blade may cut faster and with less jumping.
* Don't break your vise by over-tightening. (I broke a small cast iron vise I bought from Menards.)
* Buy a level to help ensure vertical cut straightness. (May not be necessary if your vise has a clamp for round objects.)
* Buy sandpaper/grinder for burrs. (This note will be covered by the rotary tool's grinding tips).
* '''Mark your cuts with 1-2mm extra space for the width of the blade/cut.'''
* The rebar can get hot if cut quickly. Wear gloves or be cautious of this fact to prevent burns.
* Remember to loosen tension on hack saw after use.
* Investigate source of issue in frame connector corners that causes misalignment of step screw & nut.
* Always cut in the same groove. Switching to a new groove in the metal causes dimension inaccuracies.
* Measure twice, cut small groove, measure to edge of groove, adjust and repeat until perfect.

Template:Log

2024-07-11T03:30:57Z

Alexa:

<noinclude>
= Usage =

See filled example:
<nowiki>{{log | date=2024/01/01 | time=2:30pm | note=This is a note}}</nowiki>

Please note - variable names are case sensitive!
</noinclude>
<onlyinclude>
{{{date}}} | {{{time}}}
* {{{note}}}
</onlyinclude>

D3D Pro v23.12 Data Collection

2024-07-11T03:30:07Z

Alexa:

{{RightTOC}}
=Link to Photo Album=
[https://photos.app.goo.gl/LnU1T7qW8MeoRAC49]

=Sat June 22, 2024=
Current issues:
* The filament is still stripping very frequently. This has a few potential causes and solutions:
# Too much tension on the tensioner arm of the extruder. Potential solution - loosen the screw that holds the tensioner arm in place to reduce the pressure on the filament.
# Misaligned drive gear. Potential solution - remove tensioner arm and spring, realign the drive gear to be directly above the heatbreak opening.
# Improperly assembled hotend leading to friction in the filament path. Potential solution - reassemble the hotend, ensuring that there is NO space between the heatbreak and nozzle. If filament gets in between the heatbreak and nozzle it will result in clogs which lead to filament stripping.
# Heat creep in the hotend leading to clogs. Potential solution - Ensure the hotend cooling fan is blowing away from the printer to draw the heat away instead of creating static pressure that holds the heat in place. Use thermal paste to increase the heat conductivity between the heatsink block and fins/(Mk 7/Mk 8 heatsink).
# Actually look at the pictures of previous builds to determine how the hotend is assembled... I just realized that I made a mistake in assembly that is likely leading to the issues I have been dealing with this entire time... I screwed the heatbreak in incorrectly by making the top hole flush with the top of the heatsink aluminum block and screwing the short nut on at the bottom of the aluminum block. This is likely what was causing my issue. See here for a picture of what the correct assembly looks like: [[:File:Universalgearless.png | Picture]]

The printer needs the following changes/upgrades for the sake of improving consistency in printing:
* Y2 Axis max position endstop. This will ensure that the axis is square without skipping the belts at Y max.
* Galvanized rods should be used in place of plain steel rods due to corrosion. Galvanized will align more with the principle of lifetime design.
* The bed should have four long nuts welded to the top plate vs the single nut called for in the current design. Having four nuts creates more stability in the bed.

Work notes:
* Do not use a diamond grit blade to cut sheet metal if using a circular saw - use the disposable ones. The sheet metal will rip the grit right off of the sawblade.
* A file, belt sander, rotary tool with a diamond grit sanding disc, or other similar power tool should be used to clean the edges of the rebar, rods, and sheet metal as the burrs can be sharp!
* Ensure that you are using appropriate clamps for holding the welds in place. The clamps must be able to withstand high temperatures from the welding process. Stick to metal clamps. Don't start a fire like I did. (Don't worry, it was a small one!)
* The long nuts that are welded to the bed are galvanized. It has been recommended to me that the galvanized portions should be stripped/sanded off of the long nuts to prevent nickel exposure. It is only necessary to do this in the portions that will be welded. This is critically important for safety!
* A jig/template should be made from 12"x12" cardstock to mark the location of the holes to be drilled and the welds to be made for the bed.
* Test the strength of the welds by using an impact driver to screw a screw all of the way into the long nut. If it's too weak it will break then, which is better than breaking when it's in the hands of the end user.
* If the screws you're using are too long for the long nuts in the bed, add a few regular nuts to the screw for spacing. Washers could also be used, but why add new unique parts to the machine if not necessary?
* When assembling the Universal Axis, use at least four set screws to secure the rods on the motor side. Two can be too little holding force.
* Do no have the axis attached to the rebar clamps when aligning the Z axes' rebar clamps on the frame. It overcomplicates the process.
* Use a jig or measuring tape to ensure that there is consistent placement for the rebar clamps. If the clamps are misaligned they will cause problems with Z travel.
*

=Mon May 20, 2024=
I have been awfully busy with the printer for the past two weeks!

The bad news first:
* The print quality is, at the moment, able to produce functional parts. There are a lot of small surface imperfections, some stringing, some sections that are underextruding, causing weak points in the print.
* If the print head crashes into any overextrusion or blobs on the print it can very easily skip the belts and lose its position. I have lost some prints to this issue due to the subsequent layer shifts.
* It is very easy for the Y axis to get out of alignment. It basically happens every time the stepper motors are turned off.
** Side note: The solution to this is running the Y axis into the end of the printer until the belts on both Y axes skip. You then know that they are square to one another, assuming that the ends are square to each other. The critical component there is making sure that the frame is assembled square. Marlin does have skew correction available as well if your frame is slightly skew, causing a consistent (non-square) angle in the X axis. If the skew is not consistent from print to print then you likely have some other issue.
* The extruder main component that holds the stepper motor and gets screwed into the X axis carriage did not fit properly during assembly and I had to chop off the back lip with pliers. This worked for the most part, but it is causing the print head to be angled slightly. It is also somewhat loose and is able to be wiggled back and forth with relatively little pressure.

My current plan to fix the bad news:
# Reprint the extruder main component, scaled up slightly in the needed direction for a temporary fix. (hopefully a 2% increase won't make the screw holes too far apart)
# Redesign the component in CAD for a proper fit and add this to the CAD assembly.
# Implement axis squaring g-code at the start of every print.
# Going over the printer and tightening every screw
# Reprinting any components that are bent, weak, or otherwise had printing imperfections
# Continuing to tune the printer profiles in my slicer

The GOOD news!: The printer is functioning! It has a solid motion system, a high throughput extruder, a robust frame, and it is overall functioning exactly as it is supposed to. It has precision high enough to make very nice looking prints once I get the printer profile tuned. The current torture test I am running on the printer is a 300mm tall anime character statue. Aside from some extrusion issues and the state of the first layer it looks nearly perfect.

Notes:

* I have not yet implemented g-code to do this axis squaring.
* The bed was not stable enough with the standard Z axis carriages so I redesigned the carriages to be about twice as wide, and the bed is showing much more stability. This upgrade also thickened the part of the carriage that would break if you over tightened the screws and now allows for the use of oversized rods. The original design would not allow for bed holding rods that were too long as they were exactly in line with the rods that were used for motion.
* The 16 gauge steel sheet that I am using for the top of the bed warps rather easily and is making it difficult to get a consistent first layer. It is warped a total of approximately 6mm from the highest to lowest points according to Octoprint. The unified bed leveling can compensate for most of the issue, but it requires fine tuning to get a consistent first layer, which is not great considering how turn-key the machine needs to be.
* The two 500w halogen bulbs run in series for bed heating are somewhat slow to heat the larger bed size. I need to put two more lights in parallel to get heating that will work quickly enough to be able to call the bed "Fast". I want a target of room temp to operating temp in less than 60 seconds.
* Using a thicker first layer leads to more consistent results across the bed surface!
* Bubbles underneath the PEI sheet may be contributing to first layer inconsistencies. Make sure to apply with NO bubbles!
* The bed holders have been melting under higher bed temperatures. This is because the halogen bulbs create a hot spot very near to where the bed holders sit. The bed thermistor is inside of one of the conduit tubes on the bed, which heats much slower than the bed surface directly beside the halogen bulbs. The temperature eventually stabilizes across the bed given enough time, but not before the bed holders melt. Two things have been done to counteract this:
# A layer of heat-resistant carbon fiber felt is placed between the bottom of the bed surface and the contact point of the bed holders.
# The bed holders were moved closer to the edges with the upgraded Z carriage that was mentioned above.

* So far the bed holders have not melted under normal use with PLA, but higher temperatures have not been tested after the upgrades. I will report back when more information is available.
* I assembled the Y axis backwards due to my choice to use the Y min endstop instead of making it into Y maximum as suggested by the other versions of the D3D Printer. In the mean time I have tested adding more autoparallel clamps to the Y axis rods and mounting Y min in the correct location. I aligned the two Y minimum locations by measuring the distance from the idler side to the clamps and making sure that amount matched on each side. Ultimately, I think that I will switch to using the Y maximum endstop soon and reporting back. The Y minimum endstop adds complexity where there need not be any.
* The rebar frame makes it easy to clamp a regular desk lamp to the side of the printer for additional lighting.
* The galvanized rods that are currently in use on the X axis seem to provide a smoother surface to glide on that the regular mild steel rods in use on the other axes. Because of this, and the fact that mild steel will rust eventually unless oiled, galvanized rods should be preferred for use on the printer.
* I was advised by an electrician to add a fuse or breaker in-line with the power cable of the printer. The GFCI will provide some protection against shocks, but NOT overcurrent protection. If the printer draws too much power it will currently rely on the circuit breaker in the house to trip instead of safely turning itself off. So far, the printer has not tripped any breakers or caused any heating in the cables used to power it, but safety is still a top priority. This will be accounted for in the next iteration of printer.
* The Universal Gearless Extruder has a tendency to strip 1.75mm filament relatively frequently, especially when there are a lot of short extrusions and retractions all in a row. 2.85mm/3mm filament has not been tested yet. It is possible to reduce the pressure on the filament by using a weaker spring, but this will impact the UGE's claim to fame of having a very high filament feeding force and high performance. Further testing needs to be conducted.
* The split wire loom that is being used for cable management doesn't hold the cables up and out of the way as well as a cable chain might. The X axis split wire loom should be long enough to be attached to the filament holder rod so that the loom is held up and out of the way of the x endstop and the print head.
* The motors can run rather well in series. I currently have the dual Y and dual Z motors running in series, two per stepper driver. Any more than this will require an external stepper motor driver to operate. Note that running motors in series requires modification of the stepper motor cables!
* The stepper motors currently produce a fair amount of noise - more than the fans currently produce. This is likely the result of using the stepper motor drivers that are included with the RAMPS 1.4 kit. Those stepper motor drivers do not have stealth chop/silent mode. I will upgrade these to a better driver in the future to test the amount of noise generated by the steppers. In the mean time I shall enjoy the whirrs and boops.

=Thu May 9, 2024=
The required parts all arrived for the build by Saturday, 4/5/2024. Thus far I have worked for about 40 hours on the build between the assembly of the physical machine, the testing and adjusting of settings, and the upgrading of the firmware, [[Marlin]], to the latest version.

Notes (no particular order):
* All of the axis sub assemblies should be assembled before putting the axis together on the rods.
# Assemble the motor sides first.
## Put a gear on each motor while using a tape measure as a spacer between the motor and the bottom of the gear.
## Attach the motor to the motor side print with the appropriately sized M3 screws.
## Repeat for all motor sides
# Assemble the Idler sides next.
## Gather the two flanged bearings, the M6 screw, M6 nut, and the idler side print.
## Assemble the idler bearings, flanged sides out, with the M6 screw and nut into the idler side.
## Repeat for all idler sides.
# Assemble the carriages last.
## Tape each linear bearing with electrical tape to get a snug fit when slid into the carriage.
## Slide all four linear bearings into the carriage.
## Secure with an m6 bolt and the carriage closure.
* Tightening of the belts should occur when the printer has all of the axes attached and fastened down.
* Overtightening the belts is easy to do, so steps should be taken to avoid that occurring.
* Belt attachment tightening procedure:
# Secure an end of the belt inside of a belt peg using an m6 set screw (10mm).
# Loop the free end through the carriage first. Refer to the CAD for exact proper placement of the belt peg vs belt pinch. Some orientations don't fit!
# Loop through the next side (motor/idler), back through the carriage, through the remaining side (motor/idler), and back through the hold with the belt peg on it.
# While holding the carriage still, pull the free end of the belt with pliers to make the belt tight.
# Slide a belt pinch over both sections of belt near the free end while the tension is still being applied.
# Tighten down belt pinch with a screw and nut.
# Repeat for all axes
* Every available adjustment screw location should have a screw in it, including the autoparallels, the bed holders, the rebar mounts, etc. Note that the CAD does NOT currently reflect this!
* It is possible to put together the printer with uncut rods and then hack saw off the remainder to get the correct size. (I know because I did it on Y1 and Y2)
* The metal used in the heated bed should be burned with a torch before assembly to burn off any residual grease or oil. They may smoke on the first couple of runs if this step is not taken!
* After assembly but before first test run, the halogen lights in the bed should be cleaned off with a clean rag and rubbing alcohol (and then be allowed to dry). This should increase the lifespan of the halogen lights, as contaminants on the surface can cause them to burn out prematurely.
* The BOM currently calls for the incorrect type of stepper motor cable for the RAMPS 1.4 board. The 4 pin connectors were too wide, and the thinner black ones should be purchased and used instead to ensure a proper fit (especially for the dual Z steppers). The dual Z stepper connection on the RAMPS 1.4 board has an extremely tight fit.
* The BOM calls for a BeaglePlay board, but the build currently uses a RaspberryPi 3B.
* It is possible to screw the heatbreak too far into the heatsink, which causes the nozzle to be too far away from the bed.
* The BOM calls for a supervolcano nozzle, but the build uses a standard volcano nozzle and a heatbreak instead, which is preferred as it is faster and easier to change nozzles. The CAD also needs to be updated to reflect this design change.
* Both the extruder hotend and the heated bed need to have their PID heating settings tuned and saved in the firmware. This has not been done yet at time of writing.
* The screws that are used on the rebar mount on the bottom of the Z axis are a little too long and are scratching the table surface below the printer. They need to be covered, shortened, cut off, etc. in some manner to correct for this. Alternatively, the printer could be mounted to a slab of plywood or other board to give it a nice bottom surface.
* The Z axis is belt driven, so when the stepper motors are disabled if the bed is lifted it will crash down to the bottom of the printer. The default rest position for the Z axis should be set to close to the Z MAX so that when it drops it doesn't cause such a loud noise/crush risk.
* If the power is cut to the printer during a print the Z axis will crash down from the full height of the printer, which is a safety risk. This could be mitigated with an uninterruptable power supply/battery, or possibly springs on the Z axis rods (to catch the falling bed). The trouble with the springs is that the bed/Z axes are currently designed to drive into the bottom of the printer to square the dual Z axes to each other. The springs would prevent this squaring operation, which could cause more inconsistent bed leveling. Hopefully this can be compensated for in software?
* The orientation of the actual printer "front" and what the firmware thinks is the "front" are different. This is because the D3D Printer orients the origin (0, 0) in the back left of the printer. It will need to be noted in the firmware code which firmware side maps to which actual side.
* It is easy to make a mistake while plugging everything in on the Universal Controller. Follow the included directions for the boards and components! I had a stepper driver throw out sparks and die because I plugged it in one pin over. I'm lucky it didn't break the entire board.
* The CAD may have the carriages for Y1 and Y2 backwards. This is a TODO item for me after I get the printer running. I believe that the current orientation, if reversed, would allow for more printable space on the printer.

=Mon Mar 25, 2024=
The set screws and nuts arrived, so I took time to assemble the frame. The frame took 34 minutes to assemble at a leisurely pace. The current version of the frame corners made it difficult to fasten down the rebar using an M6 nut and an M6x10mm set screw. The nut would just fall away if you're not careful because there was a lot of extra space between the nut and the rebar. I redesigned the corner by moving the nut closer to the rebar so that the nut cannot fall out of place. This change seems to make the corners easier to work with. Time can be saved if the screws are put into the corners before the rebar, and are then tightened down. Without doing that step the frame has to be rotated to have gravity assist in placing the nut in the correct location. The space that the nut fits into is too tight to fit tools into for the most part so it is much preferred to have the screws and nuts pre-placed.

The print times for parts has been reduced due to an upgrade to my printer's nozzle from 0.4mm to 1.0mm. There is a minimal loss of detail on the prints. The frame corners now take 3.5 hours instead of 11 hours. (Print settings used: 1.2mm line width, 0.4mm layer height)

=Mon Mar 4, 2024=

I purchased a cheap rotary tool with 1.5" cutoff blades to use for finishing the rebar cuts for printer 1. The cuts took approximately 8-9 minutes with the rotary tool I was using. Also, the ergonomics were not great as my wrist began to be sore after the third cut through 1/2" rebar using just the rotary tool. The cutoff wheels did generate varying levels of sparks depending on the angle of the cut, the pressure, the surface being cut, etc. The noise levels were definitely higher, but it was again reported that the sound was no greater than that of a vacuum cleaner from the next room. Overall, the rotary tool with a cutoff wheel is much preferred to hand sawing as it saves on manual labor and isn't too loud for my needs.

''Notes:''

* Two of the four remaining pieces are currently printing. Two plain corners take around 22 hours to print at my current settings on an Ender 3 V2.

* The hacksaw cuts provided more smooth and straight cuts, where the cutoff wheel made for a much more varied surface. To compensate I just ground such ends to as flat as I could with the cutting wheel.

* The variances in cut lengths were within ~1.5mm or 1/16" (with one outlier that was 2mm too long).

=Sun Mar 3, 2024=

Work today was on cutting rebar for the first printer frame. It took 9.5 - 10.5 minutes to cut through a piece of 1/2" rebar with a hack saw (fresh blade, 24 teeth/inch). Time increased slightly as time went on. Please note that the cuts were made with consideration for the amount of noise being made; I live in an apartment with neighbors above, below, and to the side of me who could have potentially heard my work. It didn't cause too much noise as reported by a person in the next room over.

The amount of time taken per cut is too high to be efficient/effective for future printer builds. There are 12 cuts per printer at approximately 10 minutes per cut for a total of 120 minutes/2 man hours of continuous cutting. Reflecting on that fact, I put in an order for a rotary tool at Menards. My hope is that the metal cutoff wheels that come with the kit will be sufficient to cut through the rods and rebar for much faster productivity.

''Notes taken while performing work:''
* Buy metallic sharpie for marking cuts (The standard black sharpies blend in without bright light.)
* Ensure rebar is properly secured for cutting with either clamps or a vice.
* A carbide/diamond grit blade may cut faster and with less jumping.
* Don't break your vise by over-tightening. (I broke a small cast iron vise I bought from Menards.)
* Buy a level to help ensure vertical cut straightness. (May not be necessary if your vise has a clamp for round objects.)
* Buy sandpaper/grinder for burrs. (This note will be covered by the rotary tool's grinding tips).
* '''Mark your cuts with 1-2mm extra space for the width of the blade/cut.'''
* The rebar can get hot if cut quickly. Wear gloves or be cautious of this fact to prevent burns.
* Remember to loosen tension on hack saw after use.
* Investigate source of issue in frame connector corners that causes misalignment of step screw & nut.
* Always cut in the same groove. Switching to a new groove in the metal causes dimension inaccuracies.
* Measure twice, cut small groove, measure to edge of groove, adjust and repeat until perfect.

Template:Log

2024-07-06T12:34:40Z

Alexa: Undo revision 298296 by Alexa (talk)

<noinclude>
= Usage =

See filled example:
<nowiki>{{log | date=2024/01/01 | time=2:30pm | note=This is a note}}</nowiki>

Please note - variable names are case sensitive!
</noinclude>
<onlyinclude>
==== {{{date}}} | {{{time}}} ====
* {{{note}}}
</onlyinclude>

Template:Log

2024-07-06T12:34:05Z

Alexa:

<noinclude>
= Usage =

See filled example:
<nowiki>{{log | date=2024/01/01 | time=2:30pm | note=This is a note}}</nowiki>

Please note - variable names are case sensitive!
</noinclude>
<onlyinclude>
''' {{{date}}} | {{{time}}} '''
* {{{note}}}
</onlyinclude>

D3D Pro v23.12 Troubleshooting and Repair

2024-07-06T12:33:36Z

Alexa:

{{RightTOC}}
=Print & Maintenance Log=
<nowiki>{{log|date=|time=|note=}}</nowiki>

---

{{log|date=2024/06/26|time=11:23pm|note=Pen Case - Trying old print settings to see if recent changes are the cause of the print failures. Removed large clog at start of print (likely from previous print). Used the top of the extruder stepper motor for leverage when using pliers to remove clogged filament. Failed - underextrusion @ ~25mm up.}}

---

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=11:11pm|note=Failed - '''Lost Z Steps'''}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=11:07pm|note= Pen Case - Homing failed}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=3:29am|note=Pen Case - Failed - underextrusion (?)}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=2:58am|note=Pen Case - good start (?). Paused for filament strip. Am I printing too fast? Good again after pause. Nevermind - failed on filament stripping.}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=2:52am|note=Pen Case - Failed - Z randomly losing steps during initial heatup.}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=2:21am|note=Pen Case - Failed - Z offset too high.}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=2:05am|note=Failed - stripping. '''Recaptured bed mesh'''}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=1:59am|note=Failed - stripping. Adjusted Z offset.}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=1:58am|note=Failed - Y axis skewed.}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=1:55am|note=Failed - X homing. Endstop rotated and was angled too low.}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=1:20am|note=Bj. S. P. 2 - Paused at start for stripped filament. Failure - stripping, bed leveling(?)}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=1:13am|note=Bj. S. P. 2 - 0.2mm layers - Failed - nozzle too close to bed. Forgot to set correct Z offset and save to EEPROM (again).}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=1:11am|note=Bj. S. P. 2 - Moved to 0.2mm layer heights from 0.3mm to reduce throughput. Failed - probing.}}

---

{{log|date=2024/06/24|time=11:49pm|note=Bj. S. P. 2 - Failed - nozzle too close to bed - filament stripped. I forgot to save the previous bed offset; live adjusted Z to compensate and attempt recovery. '''X axis belt clamp is too low - damaging prints.''' Failure - Bed adhesion, underextrusion, filament stripping.}}

{{log|date=2024/06/24|time=11:46pm|note=Blackjack Shoe Plate 2 - probing failed, bed misaligned}}

{{log|date=2024/06/24|time=11:43pm|note=Failure to heat bed - M112 error}}

{{log|date=2024/06/24|time=11:38pm|note=R.T.T.P. - turned off linear advance @ ~10% - Print looking okay at 60% - some underextrusion early on. Print successful! Horizontal artiface appears in a repeating pattern every 7mm. (Primarily cosmetic issue). Printed this model in incorrect orientation}}

{{log|date=2024/06/24|time=11:11pm|note=R.T.T.P. - Paused @ skirt for stripped filament. Failed @ 5-10%. Stripped filament}}

{{log|date=2024/06/24|time=11:08pm|note=R.T.T.P. - Speed too high? Seemingly exceeding max volumetric flow rate. Failed - underextrusion}}

{{log|date=2024/06/24|time=10:45pm|note=Ringing tower test print - Cancelled - Forgot to adjust min. layer time}}

{{log|date=2024/06/24|time=10:24pm|note=Ringing tower test print - Cancelled - Print speeds not high enough - Polymaker PLA Black}}

D3D Pro v23.12 Troubleshooting and Repair

2024-07-06T12:33:21Z

Alexa: Finish through 2024/06/26

{{RightTOC}}
=Print & Maintenance Log=
<nowiki>{{log|date=|time=|note=}}</nowiki>

---

{{log|date=2024/06/26|time=11:23pm|note=Pen Case | Trying old print settings to see if recent changes are the cause of the print failures. Removed large clog at start of print (likely from previous print). Used the top of the extruder stepper motor for leverage when using pliers to remove clogged filament. Failed - underextrusion @ ~25mm up.}}

---

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=11:11pm|note=Failed - '''Lost Z Steps'''}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=11:07pm|note= Pen Case - Homing failed}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=3:29am|note=Pen Case - Failed - underextrusion (?)}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=2:58am|note=Pen Case - good start (?). Paused for filament strip. Am I printing too fast? Good again after pause. Nevermind - failed on filament stripping.}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=2:52am|note=Pen Case - Failed - Z randomly losing steps during initial heatup.}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=2:21am|note=Pen Case - Failed - Z offset too high.}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=2:05am|note=Failed - stripping. '''Recaptured bed mesh'''}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=1:59am|note=Failed - stripping. Adjusted Z offset.}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=1:58am|note=Failed - Y axis skewed.}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=1:55am|note=Failed - X homing. Endstop rotated and was angled too low.}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=1:20am|note=Bj. S. P. 2 - Paused at start for stripped filament. Failure - stripping, bed leveling(?)}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=1:13am|note=Bj. S. P. 2 - 0.2mm layers - Failed - nozzle too close to bed. Forgot to set correct Z offset and save to EEPROM (again).}}

{{log|date=2024/06/25|time=1:11am|note=Bj. S. P. 2 - Moved to 0.2mm layer heights from 0.3mm to reduce throughput. Failed - probing.}}

---

{{log|date=2024/06/24|time=11:49pm|note=Bj. S. P. 2 - Failed - nozzle too close to bed - filament stripped. I forgot to save the previous bed offset; live adjusted Z to compensate and attempt recovery. '''X axis belt clamp is too low - damaging prints.''' Failure - Bed adhesion, underextrusion, filament stripping.}}

{{log|date=2024/06/24|time=11:46pm|note=Blackjack Shoe Plate 2 - probing failed, bed misaligned}}

{{log|date=2024/06/24|time=11:43pm|note=Failure to heat bed - M112 error}}

{{log|date=2024/06/24|time=11:38pm|note=R.T.T.P. - turned off linear advance @ ~10% - Print looking okay at 60% - some underextrusion early on. Print successful! Horizontal artiface appears in a repeating pattern every 7mm. (Primarily cosmetic issue). Printed this model in incorrect orientation}}

{{log|date=2024/06/24|time=11:11pm|note=R.T.T.P. - Paused @ skirt for stripped filament. Failed @ 5-10%. Stripped filament}}

{{log|date=2024/06/24|time=11:08pm|note=R.T.T.P. - Speed too high? Seemingly exceeding max volumetric flow rate. Failed - underextrusion}}

{{log|date=2024/06/24|time=10:45pm|note=Ringing tower test print - Cancelled - Forgot to adjust min. layer time}}

{{log|date=2024/06/24|time=10:24pm|note=Ringing tower test print - Cancelled - Print speeds not high enough - Polymaker PLA Black}}