Build Optimization

OSE's promise includes Extreme Manufacturing - rapid builds of complex machines in a distributed, open source, social production-based microfactory. FOrmerly, effectiveness and efficiency were possible only in centralized factories. The significance is that OSE is bringing such production back to communities to build model resilient communities of tomorrow.

Some of the techniques that OSE uses to achieve rapid builds and easy serviceability in the context of an Open Source Microfactory are as follows. One can take any existing OSE design and redesign according to these specific guidelines.

1. Parts count reduction - technology should be as simple as possible, but no simpler. By design - simplify to achieve elegance without sacrificing performance. Avoid frills and keep the essentials, so that maintenance is easy and product lifetime is unlimited. To opimize this - review your FreeCAD design and look for ways to eliminate parts that are not needed or redesign for a more effective way to build. Look for ways that multiple functions can be achieved from one component or structure.
2. Use common stock materials - If something is a COTS material - use it instead of trying to build it yourself.
3. Unique parts count reduction - use redundant parts. Avoid using a specialized part when a part already in use can provide the function - while keeping within performance specifications. Examine
4. Use digital fabrication whenever possible - Note that digital fabrication can get you 3D shapes faser than manual work, because digital fabrication does the measurement for you. In principle, a human can do anything that a machine builds - but it will simply take so much longer because humans don't have a built-in measuring system such as a stepper motor, for example. For example, it is easier to cut the CEB press from flat steel, then weld into a 3D shape - rather than starting with 3D stock steel such as tubing or angle - becuase the digital version does all the holes and features for you. It is more time consuming to mark material than to cut it with a CNC torch table.
5. Make frames from 6 flats - resist the temptation to use angle for space frames for machines. Read more at D3D Frame.
6. Use electronics with easy connectors - shields for Arduino, pin headers, and connectors make connection easy. Avoid having to solder, tin wire ends, and put on crimps. Use IDC Connectors such as Wire_Connectors#MTA_Connectors connectors for 0.1" pins whenever possible for quickness of connection.
7. Reduce the number of discrete wires. Use wire bundles such as Cat 5 Cables with 4 or 12 pairs for running bundles of wires in CNC equipment.
8. Use parts that meet the OSE Product Ecology - use parts that are found in other GVCS machines to reduce overall parts count.
9. Consider material efficiency - Because Ecology is in our name - we care about the environment and therefore about avoiding waste. The products of one process are feedstocks for another - in a closed loop fashion. For example, use nested frames as in D3D_v19.06#Production_Engineering, and then melt down the metal in an Induction Furnace to reuse the metal.