Fab Lab

The Theory

The underlying theory in a nutshell.

We theorize that a robust, flexible fabrication, open source, multipurpose production technology Fab Lab can be produced and marketed at a price ticket of $5-10k. This assumes OSE Spec, neocommercializable, crowdfunded, voluneer-developed, at-cost production, commons facility- based product.

Existing Problems

-in the real world that relate to this theory, a brief description.

Proposed Way

- to apply the theory to those existing problems, the context or pre-requisites for this solution

To test this hypothesis, we are building one Fab Lab, starting with components.

• Open Source XYZ Torch Table design almost complete
  • Usable for industrial duty acetylene torch cutting and plasma cutting
  • Must be adapted for router use
• Micro-scale XYZ table in development
• Instructubles produced a sheet-metal cutting CNC laser for $15k
  • Using laser engraver tubes, 300W, say 6 of them, $300 each, plus building an open source power supply, should produce an industrial duty laser for $5000
• Multimachine is easily upgradeable to CNC control, for general lathe/mill/drill work
  • Price ticket for Multimachine without CNC is $200-500
  • Spindle is heart of multimachine
• Add a plastic extruder
• Add metal casting equipment
• Potentially add a 3D printer

Related Existing Work

- that verifies feasability with context summary of links to those references

Related Existing Data

- or facts that support theory

Existing constraints

- and barriers to deploying

Related Existing Work that Argues Against

- theory (or summary and link to a place where this already exists)

Facts and Data

- that support arguments against theory

Brief Summary

- about how this is related to Open Source Ecology (Relevance to OSE) core values

Links

- to partner site references