Open Source Ecology - User contributions [en]

3D printed beehives

2012-05-21T21:47:57Z

Erlend Nagel: /* Potential disadvantages */

{{Template:Category=Beekeeping}}

==Proposal==
To make beehives and other beekeeping equipment from plastic by [[Digital Fabrication|digital fabrication]] rather than carving them from wood.

==Rationale==
A billion people are undernourished. Most are subsistence farmers with little money. Finding very cheap ways to enable people to grow more food is therefore the best way to combat malnutrition.

Bees increase the productivity of flowering plants by about one-third. They also produce commercially-valuable substances, like wax, and honey, a very energy-rich food. It would be great to spread beekeeping to malnourished subsistence farmers. What are the costs of doing this?

[http://www.bothar.ie/boVineSpring2009-4.html Bóthar] are quoting €50 per hive. [http://oxfamunwrapped.oxfam.org.hk/Product.php?productid=83&lang=eng Oxfam] quote $200, but this includes training. Commercially-available hives from thorne.co.uk cost £100-200GBP. I suspect that the main component of the cost is the labour needed to craft the hives. (I'll inquire with charities promoting bees to confirm this.)

Enter [[Digital Fabrication|digital fabrication]] - I believe that if we print hives with a [[RepRap]] we can reduce the time and labour by a factor of 100. The only cost is materials (polylactic acid), which should be at most a few bucks per hive.

Extending the idea, supplying RepRaps to small farmers would allow them to effortlessly make their own beekeeping equipment and also earn extra income by selling beehives.

==Potential disadvantages==
There is a small chance that bees won't like the plastics used. This is an open question that can only be settled by experiment. They tolerate styrofoam hives without complaint, so I don't anticipate a problem.

Bees will often cover areas in 'propolis', so the specific material the hive is made of is not that crucial to the bee, except for its insulating characteristics and its capacity for absorption of humidity to keep the climate inside of the beehive acceptable, especially in winter. A good design of the hive could avoid heat-loss through drafts while ensuring sufficient ventilation of humid air.

==To do==
#Draw up CAD files based on these (public domain) designs: [http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/apiculture/construction.pdf Langstroth hive design] or [http://www.scottishbeekeepers.org.uk/learning/documents/number%204%20national%20hive.pdf National hive design].
#Try one out on some real live bees.

Bakery Oven

2011-12-22T22:19:28Z

Erlend Nagel: /* Solution Statement */

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[[Image:BakeryOver.png|right|400px]]

==Overview==

The bakery oven is a device for heating various forms of dough into breads and other baked goods.

{{Video}}

==Detailed Description==

The bakery oven provides a seal-contained volume in which various forms of dough can be placed for temperature-controlled and timed heating. The bakery oven accommodates trays for multi-level baking as well as accessibility for opening, cleaning, and performing maintenance.

==Solution Statement==

The bakery oven fulfills the role of expanding the food possibilities attained through grains, being the final step to a fully prepared, edible meal.

[[Image:5b-agricultureeco.png|right|600px|Agriculture]]

The bakery oven completes an agricultural pathway for food that involves the harvesting and use of grain.

{{Product Ecology
|Product={{Bakery Oven}}

|From=
* {{Induction Furnace}}
* {{Torch Table}}

|Uses=
* {{UPS}}
* [[Heat]]
* [[Flour from Grains]]

|Creates=
* [[Bread]]
* [[Heat]]

|Enables=
* [[Food]]
* [[Dairy]]

|Components=
* Frame
* Electrical Circuit
* Heating Element
}}

will need a mill too like: [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Open_Source_Flour_Mill link small mills]

==Status==
The '''Bakery Oven''' is currently in the [[Bakery_Oven/Research_Development|research phase of product development]].

==See Also==
*[[Bakery]]
*[[Grain Thresher]]

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Bakery Oven

2011-12-22T22:04:03Z

Erlend Nagel: /* Solution Statement */

{{GVCS Header}}

[[Image:BakeryOver.png|right|400px]]

==Overview==

The bakery oven is a device for heating various forms of dough into breads and other baked goods.

{{Video}}

==Detailed Description==

The bakery oven provides a seal-contained volume in which various forms of dough can be placed for temperature-controlled and timed heating. The bakery oven accommodates trays for multi-level baking as well as accessibility for opening, cleaning, and performing maintenance.

==Solution Statement==

The bakery oven fulfills the role of expanding the food possibilities attained through grains, being the final step to a fully prepared, edible meal.

[[Image:5b-agricultureeco.png|right|600px|Agriculture]]

The bakery oven completes an agricultural pathway for food that involves the harvesting and use of grain.

{{Product Ecology
|Product={{Bakery Oven}}

|From=
* {{Induction Furnace}}
* {{Torch Table}}

|Uses=
* {{UPS}}
* [[Heat]]
* [[Flour from Grains]]

|Creates=
* [[Bread]]
* [[Heat]]

|Enables=
* [[Food]]
* [[Dairy]]

|Components=
* Frame
* Electrical Circuit
* Heating Element
}}

will need a mill too like: [http://www.frischmahlen.de/en/mills/ link small mills]

==Status==
The '''Bakery Oven''' is currently in the [[Bakery_Oven/Research_Development|research phase of product development]].

==See Also==
*[[Bakery]]
*[[Grain Thresher]]

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Ironworker/Research Development

2011-11-13T20:54:55Z

Erlend Nagel: /* Overview */

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=Overview=
We are currently in the design stages of the shear prototype. There's quite a few things we need to know before the design can continue. Please answer any of the following questions if you can:
*What is the necessary force to shear 1" thick x 12" wide metal?

according to: [web.mit.edu/2.810/ts_temp/sheetmetal.ppt] :
F = 0.7 T L (UTS)

T = sheet thickness
L = total length sheered
UTS = Ultimate Tensile Strength of material (so I think it depends on the kind of metal)

=Concepts=

*120 ton for up to 1.5" holes in 1" metal
*Can be based on the existing [[Holepuncher Prototype I]] design
*Shear for 8-12" of 1" steel
*Angle cutter for up to 6x6 angle
*DIY shear blade - made from hardening of mild steel, at $40 in materials
*May involve [[Induction Furnace]] for hardening

'''From SMJ Tsakok'''

Adding a metal shear element to [[Ironworker Prototype I]]:

[[Image:holepuncher1.jpg|500px]]

[[Image:holepuncher2.jpg|300px]]

Solidworks model:

[[File:holepunhersolidwks.tar.gz]]

Current Concept design:
[[Image:currentironworkerconcept.jpg|600px]]

=Research=
==Other Research==
Small (<50 ton) ironworker from [http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_436253_436253 Northern Tool]:
[[Image:ntironworker.gif]]

*http://www.docstoc.com/docs/16819551/The-Marvels-of-Hydraulic-Ironworker-Bending-Machine-and-Punching-Machine
*http://www.articlelarder.co.cc/?p=292
* this has the original article by Issac Wang

'''The Marvels of Hydraulic Ironworker, Bending Machine and Punching Machine'''

Ironworker machines can shear, punch holes and notch In steel plates. These machines generate force using hydraulic systems or mechanical leverage. Modern systems make use of hydraulic rams that are powered by heavy alternating current electric motors.

Incidentally, the hydraulic ironworker is an engineering marvel. It is not to be mistaken for a single machine. It is the amalgamation of 5 machines clubbed into a single engineering wonder. It comprises of a punching machine, a plate shear, a section shear, a punch and shear machine and a coper-notcher.

Irrespective of the size of any fabricator’s workshop, an ironworker forms the backbone. It is a versatile machine. It is an important tool in a metal workers shop. Very often, a cheap hydraulic ironworker is constructed. This leads to erosion of the die and the punch on the front rims. Higher quality machines are a must because they ensure durability and productivity. It ensures tooling longevity and helps you capitalize on the machine's total tonnage.

Selecting a right hydraulic ironworker from an OEM/ODM manufacturer for your application can be taxing job. There are some key pointers like versatility and safety features that you need to keep In mind. Consider its quality and capacity as well. The material thickness is another important aspect to be
considered. It indicates whether you should use a trim press or an ironworker. An ironworker is capable of punching plate up to 1 inch. Usually, trim presses are used on sheet material 1/4 in. and thinner. ironworker machines are opted for shorter production runs and those applications for which tolerances are not too critical.

Ironworker machines are usually rated by tonnage at the punch station. it is essential to ascertain the maximum material thickness so that you can establish the tonnage range required for your punching application. You need to also examine the product and the steel rack that you need to fabricate. Make sure you determine the maximum hole diameter that needs to be punched. Don’t forget to focus on the maximum width and thickness of the angle, channel and rod to be bent or sheared.

You can also look out for a bending machine and options like larger press brake bending attachments. These machines are capable of using a larger variety of tooling as compared to those with built-in stations, however, you need time to switch from one operation to the other.

when choosing an ironworker from an OEM_ODM manufacturer or exporter, 'safety' should be your top most concern. Addressing safety issues is extremely Important. While there are many OEM/ODM manufacturers in the business, especially In Taiwan, you an make sure that you select the hydraulic ironworker and bending machine that meets ANSI B 11-5 standards.

It is necessary no examine the guarding as well. Make sure it is adjustable and it complies with the ANSI standard. Be careful of hydraulic ironworker and punching machine with automatic urethane hold-downs The Blade is dangerous and it can hurt you in the process. ‘Adjustable Stroke Control’ another feature to look out for. This ensures safety as well as productivity. It minimizes machine movements and reduces the number of pinch points. It also increases your productions and strokes per minute. It is a crucial factor in bending and special tool applications. The upstroke and downstroke need to be adjusted.

Thanks to ironworkers, punching holes of different sizes and shapes has never been so easy. From cutting to notching, from shearing to bending bars, you can do it all!

'''Examples'''

http://www.edwardsironworkers.com/60ton.html

'''Hole Punch Dies'''
(see [Hole Punch Dies])

*Manual machine and hole punch set, $400 - [http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.winstonandallan.co.uk/images/punches.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.winstonandallan.co.uk/punches_dies.html&usg=__pvD1WwKJz0omobjFeaUhcHcjdX8=&h=332&w=380&sz=137&hl=en&start=1&sig2=TqCh2xgzC3MLgCvh-MAF4w&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=WrTGy5AB4mTvGM:&tbnh=107&tbnw=123&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmetal%2Bpunch%2Bdies%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dcom.ubuntu:en-US:unofficial%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1&ei=tg8QS8CLKemQnAfYva2ABA]
*Grainger self-centering hole dies - [http://www.grainger.com/1/1/47946-the-big-tru-punch-40200-large-punch-die-set.html]

'''Companies'''
*Edwards - [http://www.southern-tool.com/store/edwards_120t_ironworker.html]
*Cleveland Punch and Die - [http://www.clevelandpunch.com/]
*Metalpro - cheap ironworkers - http://www.metalprocorp.com/viewProduct.jsp?id=24
*'''Fabtec''' - metal workers and parts - [http://www.fabtec.ca/IronWorkers.html]

'''Standard Metal Punch Units'''
*Complete unit? [http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=metal+punch+die&oe=utf-8&rls=com.ubuntu:en-US:unofficial&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=15786624341372548420&ei=QRgQS9bRA4_DngeL8oDUAw&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CCgQ8wIwBA#ps-sellers] Yes, but only sheet metal.

'''Hand Punch'''
*[http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.bii1.com/images/ironworkers/HP-160main.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.bii1.com/ironworkers/ironworkers-punching.php&usg=__t3N-K2XZgbHyH_hJqdnl8uZYBhg=&h=160&w=160&sz=8&hl=en&start=2&sig2=vUqIH8cuo5ZDv8Kn47f3VQ&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=sV7IlhX8kAL9NM:&tbnh=98&tbnw=98&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmanual%2Bironworker%2Bmachine%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dcom.ubuntu:en-US:unofficial%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1&ei=sx4gS_SEC4jPlAfo1N3oBQ]
*Raileigh shears, punches, ironworkers catalogue - [http://www.bii1.com/catalogue.php]
[[Image:shears.png|thumb|Manual shears from Reileigh catalogue - feature 2 heavy blades just like in a paper cutter.]]

'''Parts'''
*Parts for Buffalo Ironworker - blades - [http://www.americanpunchco.com/machine_tooling/buffalo_ironworkers.htm]
*Punch stems and mounting nuts - [http://www.americanpunchco.com/punch_stems_coupling_nuts.htm]

'''Operating Tips'''
*Metal punching tips - [http://www.americanpunchco.com/punch_tips.htm]
*Tonnage calculator for punches - [http://www.americanpunchco.com/punch_die_setup_tips.htm]

'''Metal Punch Fabrication Strategy'''

Using s punch stem and coupling nut [http://www.americanpunchco.com/punch_stems_coupling_nuts.htm], combined with a punch and die standard [http://www.americanpunchco.com/punch_die_standards.htm] - we are ready to put together a metal punching assembly, provided that

==See Also==
*[[Hole Puncher Die]]
*[[Hole Puncher Calculations]]
*[[120 Ton Hole Puncher]]
*[http://blog.opensourceecology.org/2010/07/open-source-150-ton-hole-puncher/ Blog Announcement]

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