Post by sgraber on Oct 2, 2014 14:20:02 GMT -5
Mobile Open-Source Solar-Powered 3-D Printers for Distributed Manufacturing in Off-Grid Communities
Abstract: Manufacturing in areas of the developing world that lack electricity severely restricts the
technical sophistication of what is produced. More than a billion people with no access to electricity
still have access to some imported higher-technologies; however, these often lack customization and
often appropriateness for their community. Open source appropriate technology (OSAT) can overcome
this challenge, but one of the key impediments to the more rapid development and distribution
of OSAT is the lack of means of production beyond a specific technical complexity. This study
designs and demonstrates the technical viability of two open-source mobile digital manufacturing
facilities powered with solar photovoltaics, and capable of printing customizable OSAT in any community
with access to sunlight. The first, designed for community use, such as in schools or makerspaces,
is semi-mobile and capable of nearly continuous 3-D printing using RepRap technology,
while also powering multiple computers. The second design, which can be completely packed into a
standard suitcase, allows for specialist travel from community to community to provide the ability to
custom manufacture OSAT as needed, anywhere. These designs not only bring the possibility of
complex manufacturing and replacement part fabrication to isolated rural communities lacking
access to the electric grid, but they also offer the opportunity to leap-frog the entire conventional
manufacturing supply chain, while radically reducing both the cost and the environmental impact of
products for developing communities.
www.academia.edu/8603622/Mobile_Open-Source_Solar-Powered_3-D_Printers_for_Distributed_Manufacturing_in_Off-Grid_Communities
Abstract: Manufacturing in areas of the developing world that lack electricity severely restricts the
technical sophistication of what is produced. More than a billion people with no access to electricity
still have access to some imported higher-technologies; however, these often lack customization and
often appropriateness for their community. Open source appropriate technology (OSAT) can overcome
this challenge, but one of the key impediments to the more rapid development and distribution
of OSAT is the lack of means of production beyond a specific technical complexity. This study
designs and demonstrates the technical viability of two open-source mobile digital manufacturing
facilities powered with solar photovoltaics, and capable of printing customizable OSAT in any community
with access to sunlight. The first, designed for community use, such as in schools or makerspaces,
is semi-mobile and capable of nearly continuous 3-D printing using RepRap technology,
while also powering multiple computers. The second design, which can be completely packed into a
standard suitcase, allows for specialist travel from community to community to provide the ability to
custom manufacture OSAT as needed, anywhere. These designs not only bring the possibility of
complex manufacturing and replacement part fabrication to isolated rural communities lacking
access to the electric grid, but they also offer the opportunity to leap-frog the entire conventional
manufacturing supply chain, while radically reducing both the cost and the environmental impact of
products for developing communities.
www.academia.edu/8603622/Mobile_Open-Source_Solar-Powered_3-D_Printers_for_Distributed_Manufacturing_in_Off-Grid_Communities