Kickstarter Script

CNC Torch Table/Router/Plasma Cutter w Oxyhydrogen and Oxyhydrogen

The main point about it is that we have succeeded in developing the world's first, replicable, low-cost open source CNC torch table (I don't know of any others that meet the criteria) that at present costs $800 in parts for a 4'x8' torch table. Comparable machines cost $10k off-the-shelf.

The first fire is shown in this blog post. The goal is a machine comparable to $20k+ machines, after adding z height controls; variable automated gas feed controls; OS stepper motor controllers; OS stepper motors; and integrated toolchain from FreeCAD to toolpath CAM files. The last part is noteworthy - as we found out that we have to go through 4 independent software packages to arrive at torch cutting - on top of modifying the resulting toolpath files to accommodate a proper hole-piercing algorithm.

On top of the above, we are going to opensource an oxyhydrogen generator - which allows one to generate oxyhydrogen cutting gas by electrolyzing water. This displaces the need for acetylene cutting gas, while retaining compatibility with any cutting gas of choice.

To go further into this ecology - we will open source a plasma cutter as well. This will make the torch table compatible not only with 6

The unique part of the torch table is that it is largely self-replicating: one will be able to cut out most parts (tubing and plates) for fabricating a copy of the torch table on the torch table itself. The design is largely bolt-together design-for-disassembly – so one can also scale the table readily to any size, as needed.

Using thicker tubing and plate allows one to create a much more stiff design, such that it can also accommodate a router for cutting wood and other materials. Imagine the product ecology of the toolchain from the open source sawmill to CNC router – for making furniture readily from on-site trees. In the Kickstarter offering, we will produce the above, and in further prototypes, we will include computer vision to recognize matal that is put on the torch table. We will extend the degrees of freedom to five axes, so that routing of molds and CNC welding enter into the digital fabrication repertoire of the Microfactory.

Plasma Cutter

To go further into the torch table product ecology - we will open source a plasma cutter as well. This will make the torch table compatible not only with cutting gases, but also with an open source plasma cutter. Thus, the plasma cutter will be able to cut up to 1” thick metal, and the fuel gas cutter will be able to cut metal up to 7” thick.

Universal Welder

The plasma cutter is part of the Universal Power Supply – a modular power electronics infrastructure-in-a-box that serves as the core of plasma cutters, universal welders, induction furnaces, and other applications.

Our goal in the kickstarter is to build a prototype of a combination welder/plasma cutter as in the Universal Welder Concept – comparable to the Comparable to the Miller Dimension 452 multipurpose welder ($8500) but at 1/10 the cost.

• CNC Circuit Mill/3D Printer
• CNC Multimachine - what is unique - Hydraulic motor drive
• MIG Welder -
• Induction Furnace -
• Metal Rolling -
• Ironworker Machine -
• Laser Cutter -

Summary

The Microfactory provides a range of cutting, welding, melting, forming, precision machining, and precision cutting operations. On top of this, the Microfactory provides the toolchain for computer-assisted fabrication, starting from circuit milling for automation. Together with the other power electronics devices (induction furnace, welder, plasma cutter, laser, oxyhydrogen generator) – a robust production system can be created on the scale of a 3000 square foot facility – capable of producing $80k of value per month. This in turn allows one to create a technology base of advanced civilization – essentially any electromechanical device - wherever scrap metal is available. Components that can be produced by the Microfactory include virgin structural steel derived from scrap metal, hydraulic motors, steam engines, electrical generators, nuts and bolts, microcontrollers, precision machining equipment, and others.