Methods

Sintering

Sintering of metallic powders

Most, if not all, metals can be sintered. This applies especially to pure metals produced in vacuum which suffer no surface contamination. Sintering under atmospheric pressure requires the use of a protective gas, quite often endothermic gas.[4]Sintering, with subsequent reworking, can produce a great range of material properties. Changes in density, alloying, or heat treatments can alter the physical characteristics of various products. For instance, the Young's Modulus En of sinterediron powders remains insensitive to sintering time, alloying, or particle size in the original powder, but depends upon the density of the final product:

Pasted from <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sintering>

Plastics sintering

Plastic materials are formed by sintering for applications that require materials of specific porosity. Sintered plastic porous components are used in filtration and to control fluid and gas flows. Sintered plastics are used in applications requiring wicking properties, such as marking pen nibs. Sintered ultra high molecular weight polyethylene materials are used as ski and snowboard base materials. The porous texture allows wax to be retained within the structure of the base material, thus providing a more durable wax coating.

Hydrothermal synthesis

Hydrothermal synthesis includes the various techniques of crystallizing substances from high-temperature aqueous solutionsat high vapor pressures

A large number of compounds belonging to practically all classes have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions: elements, simple and complex oxides, tungstates, molybdates, carbonates, silicates, germanates etc. Hydrothermal synthesis is commonly used to grow synthetic quartz, gems and other single crystals with commercial value. Some of the crystals that have been efficiently grown are emeralds, rubies, quartz, alexandrite and others. The method has proved to be extremely efficient both in the search for new compounds with specific physical properties and in the systematic physicochemical investigation of intricate multicomponent systems at elevated temperatures and pressures.

Materials

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioplastic

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoplastic

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soda-lime_glass

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poly(methyl_methacrylate)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycarbonate

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-density_polyethylene

Bot Concepts

Cubits -

A multi-functional cube that can be dropped conveniently and inconspicuously to carry out passive monitoring, command-control linkage, or as supply caches.

Features and uses:
 

• Modular design in several sizes: 1x" - 6x"

• Multi-function passive sensors with on board memory, RFID, and small processor to format and store data streams.

• WiFi radios with on board controllers to create ad-hoc networks along routes built by scout drones; extending the range of workers and haulers beyond an immediate control network.

• Solar-charging, self-righting battery packs that can be discarded to charge, and picked up with simple manipulators or positioning magnets.
• Linkable storage or processing power - like a modular hive mind.
• Rapidly deploy-able defense networks; laser fences, proximity alarms, small payloads (explosives, chemical barriers, etc.), supply way-stations for other bot types to exploit.

Orbits -

They roll, they float, they pass through critters. Completely passive . These very tiny devices simply report their location when encountered by a listening station, or active sensor. Their purpose is to gather high volumes of environmental data at a very low cost.
 

They include small pebble sized granules with little more than an RFID  chip and a hardened rubberized shell, to larger fist-sized nodules that can include a GPS transceiver.

Entomorphs -

Like insects; they have jointed exoskeletons actuated by a variety of electromechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuation. These guys are fully functional units, and possess a fairly comprehensive suite  of on-board sensors to aid in navigation and exploration.  They are generally built to be self-reliant with native code that integrates all sensor and navigation data allowing them to explore freely and return to a home territory.

Workshop Safety

Caution

We work with chemicals which are toxic, flammable, and caustic.We work with electricity - typically in very small doses, but sometimes with enough current to kill. We work with sharp things, and heavy things. Safety is a concern. These are some guidelines for a fun and safe experience.

Flammables: No smoking of course, but have you considered your test circuit may arc? Keep flammables outside and in the open. Besides the risk of starting a major fire, sparks can ignite gasses and produce a highly exothermic reaction! Uncontrolled explosions in confined places are no fun. Please don't blow it.

Toxics: Always, always, always wash your hands after working with solvents, fixatives, or any other compound with a skull-and-crossbones indicator.Obviously do not ingest or inhale. Less obvious risks: Over-spray, fumes, or residue. MOST solder is lead-free now, but pay attention to the specific bale. DO NOT use lead-based solder without a fume-extractor in close proximity.

Some solvents used for etching circuitry are readily absorbed through the skin. Use latex gloves when handling these sorts of chemicals.

Some metals other than lead can be toxic - copper, silver, or tin for example are found in wire and solder compounds. Although a morbid dose is unlikely with only a few exposures, over time inhaling or ingesting these metals can lead to significant health issues.

Metals such as Lithium or Cadmium found in batteries can not only be toxic, but volatile. ALL METALS IN GROUP 1 OF THE PERIODIC TABLE PRODUCE STRONG EXOTHERMIC REACTIONS WITH H2O! This can be quite a blast - literally. Although sodium bombs are fun when controlled, accidentally setting one off on a workbench or lab table is not.

Caustics: Battery acid, some solvent, and etching compounds are typically caustic, meaning they will breakdown organic matter readily.Sulfuric (battery) acid is usually encountered in a dilute form, and is not likely to produce more than an unpleasant rash on the skin, it will eat through cloths. Concentrated forms can be deadly. The solution (:chuckle:) for skin contact with caustics is immediate and thorough rinsing.

Electricity: Most applications will be dealing with Voltages around 6-9 volts at the most. These are not sufficient to kill, however capacitors can store a deadly charge. Although voltage in-and-of itself is not a deadly it is a component of current which DOES have a lethal limit..EVEN AT LOW VOLTAGE components can be destroyed.

Always switch OFF or DISCONNECT your power-source before changing components, or changing a board configuration.

Hots: Soldering irons get hot, so do saw-blades and batteries. These are not typically life-threatening, but are no fun none-the-less. There is a good chance that anything which produces friction also generates heat. Be aware of what you are about to touch. Avoid burns.

Heavies: When moving heavy objects (60+ lbs.) consider asking assistance - "Team Lift".Wear gloves and heavy shoes - preferably with steel-toe