Development Roadmap

File:ReplimatOpenConstructionSystem.pdf 12.14.2016 Timothy Schmidt

Overview

The Replimat Open Construction System is a practical self-replicating construction system. ROCS encompases a small number of component parts reused in many different ways to construct >60 everyday tools - including several of the tools necessary to fabricate more ROCS components from raw materials.

A high degree of self-replication is achieved by carefully choosing a small number of very versatile components, and reusing those components throughout the system. Many replimat components can simply be cut to form two smaller components without creating waste. And all Replimat components are designed for disassembly, and cradle-to-cradle reusability. All component parts can not yet be replicated, though this document details a development plan to increase the number which can be. Replimat components are constructed, wherever possible, from waste plastic, unprocessed trees or reclaimed lumber, stainless steel, aluminum, or other durable, reusable, renewable, recycled and recyclable materials.

Replimat components form a durable, repurposable, mult-use carbon sink for the waste streams of other processes.

Licensing

All replimat components and documentation are available under the AGPLv3+ (https://www.gnu.org/licenses/agpl-3.0.en.html ​ ) or TAPR OHL v1.0 (https://www.tapr.org/TAPR_Open_Hardware_License_v1.0.txt) licenses. These licenses require derivative works to be released to all parties under identical terms.

Milestones

• First full physical implementation
• Automated frame factory development ongoing
• First full CAD implementation
• Incremental reduction of vitamins components

Hardware (ferromagnetic stainless steel)

Rationale

(Now favoring 316 surgical steel... more research happening) Stainless steel is a temperamental alloy. Difficult to work and produce, components made from this material can cost three times as much as a similar component in hardened steel. I believe the cost to be justified, due to the critical nature of the nuts and bolts in so many other parts of the system, and stainless steel’s extreme durability under virtually all conditions.

Offsetting the increased cost of stainless steel, the standardization on 12 total nut and bolt components across the entire system enables bulk purchasing, reduces storage and shipping requirements, simplifies inventory management, billing, and reclamation and reuse.

Stainless steels are available in magnetic, and non-magnetic varieties. The magnetic varieties tend to be less expensive, and the magnetic properties of the nut and bolt hardware are required for the operation of several components in the system - notably the solenoid pump / motor.

Current components

M3xXX, M3xYY, M3xZZ bolts, M3 lock nut, M3 washer
M8x50, M8x90, M8x130 bolts, M8 lock nut, M8 washer
M25xXX, M25xYY, M25xZZ bolts, M25 lock nut, M25 washer
1000mmx40mmx40mmx3mm bar stock - coroplast might be good enough
6mm stainless steel BBs

Life cycle

Long bolts can be cut to form shorter bolts and abrasive pellets for the ball mill. Stripped, bent, or abraded nuts or bolts degrade to abrasive pellets for the ball mill.

Frame

Rationale

The modular frames in this system are constructed using only one component, repeated and assembled in a variety of configurations, with the stainless steel hardware. These frames assemble quickly, intuitively, and squarely in all dimensions and on uneven surfaces, under water, or in zero gravity. Frame members are easily manufactured from renewable and widely available raw materials such as trees, square steel, aluminum, and other metal tube, even bamboo and recycled thermoplastics. Aluminum frame members retain perfect interchangeability and reusability after years of intense sun exposure, submersion in water, etc. Wood frame members retain near-perfect interchangeability and reusability across lifetimes when stored in a home, or other controlled environment. Unlike Isaacs or Jergensen frames, Replimat uses only lengths that are multiples of 200mm, equivalent to approximately 8 inches or 5 holes. Plus two and three-hole members. This allows Replimat frames to be measured easily by sight in millimeters, inches, and holes simultaneously.

Current components

1000mmx40mmx40mm (39.37inx1.57inx1.57in) 25 hole frame Stainless steel hardware

Interoperability:

1000mm frame lengths can be cut to 200mm, 400mm, 600mm, and 800mm lengths without waste.

Development targets:

Self-reproducing frame drilling machine

Sheet (coroplast)

Rationale:

All-purpose sheet-stock. Waterproof, resists mold and decay even when submerged in water for prolonged durations, insulating, foldable, impact and tear resistant, cuts with a knife. Useful for making boxes, shingles, buckets, backpacks, kayaks, sinks, sluices, rulers, drill guides and templates, and even some structural elements.

Current components:

https://www.wensco.com/CatSearch/251/corrugated-plastic

Development targets:

Coroplast single-sheet casting machine to interoperate with the plastic shredder and plastic press components. (provides: fresnel lens, coroplast, single-side coro, flat sheet stock. Consumes: recycled plastic, fiber, mycofoam, epoxies, etc) White / Black single sheet coro for heat insulation / absorption

References:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahExsx-hBsE

Cord (550lb test nylon paracord, stainless steel cable?)

Rationale:

Simplified selection of knots - holding, sliding,

Current components:

Commercially available 550 paracord (https://www.amazon.com/SurvivorCord-SAFETY-ORANGE-Paracord-Conductive-Patent-Pending/dp/B01DAPFYMA​ )

Development targets:

Printable automatic cord braiding machine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9tgjUBpmLA

Electric fan

Rationale:

Electric fans are incredibly prolific devices. Used to cool electronics, motors, and evaporators, as well as people, livestock, greenhouses, and more. ROCS’ fundamental component for moving air.

Toilet

Rationale:

Everybody poops.

Development targets:

Research regulation on portable toilets, composting toilets Modular composting toilet

Hose clamp (printable), hose barb, and 25mm tube

Development targets

• nut/bolt tightened version

V-wheels

Development targets:

• Develop gridbeamish three-bearing blade guide
• Light (LED with spectrum suitable for vision + plant growth)

Bench grinder

Development targets

• Printable grinder form for casting

Portable Power

Current components:

• Coroplast box
• Solar panels
• Recycled LiPo batteries
• Charge controller
• Bicycle tires

Development targets

Coroplast solar panel (transparent or translucent coroplast, solar cells, salvaged wire, solder, silicone epoxy) Universal Controller battery charger

Tractor (lifetrak lite: fork pallet loader, farm tractor)

References:

• http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/LifeTrac

Printable valves

Current components:

• 6mm stainless steel ball (BB)
• Printed spring?

Saw stand

Rationale:

This tool is a necessary aid to anyone planing, ripping, or otherwise processing long wood, metal, or plastic raw materials.

Current components:

• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VEOPEC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Modular Cookware

Current components:

• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AX3FI4G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
• https://www.amazon.com/Ball-Jar-Wide-Mouth-Bands/dp/B00B80TJLW/ref=pd_sim_79_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00B80TJLW&pd_rd_r=3AMCN85SQHPCZ32M2EBF&pd_rd_w=c2M0T&pd_rd_wg=k8FKF&refRID=3AMCN85SQHPCZ32M2EBF&th=1
• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0190ZUNEI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Plastics Recycling Center

Rationale:

https://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/lib/different-types-of-plastic.htm

Current components:

• plastic shredder v0.1
• filament extruder v0.1
• injection molder v0.1

• Press v0.1
• https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1468596
• https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:677144

Development targets:

• Re-frame in gridbeam
• Ensure that each machine is supported by the Universal Controller
• Large-format coro, fresnel lens, multifocal concentrating solar fresnel, etc press

References

• https://preciousplastic.com/en/

Robot arm

Current components:

• https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1652309
• https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:280263

References

4. Popular Mechanics Sept 1923 6. Elkinsdiy.com

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