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148 changes: 148 additions & 0 deletions docs/guides/guidelines-machines.md
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# Machines How-to guidelines

By sharing a machine How-to you’re contributing to develop the largest, decentralised, open source library of recycling machines. Big up on that 🤙

When it comes to machines How-to, the most important thing is to provide a complete download file with all the necessary files to replicate the machine. We understand that most of the work for your how-to will go in designing your machine and documenting it thoroughly, so a short 3-4 step how-to will be enough! If you want to add more steps for giving some tips and tricks regarding the machine manufacturing process it’s very valuable.

Regarding the documentation, we see CAD + a bill of material + schematic (if electric components) as the **minimum requirement** to share a machine how-to. This being said, it helps a lot if you can provide additional part and assembly drawings, laser cut files, manuals or any other relevant information to replicate this machine.

## Main requirements for these how-tos are:

- Getting the files (at least at a minimum).
- Describe the content you are providing
For example:
*In this folder you will find:*
*- 3D CAD (.step and .f3d)*
*- Laser cut files (.dxf)*
*- Blueprints (.pdf)*
*- Schematics*
*- BOM*
*... and more :)*
- List of skills required (welding, soldering, etc..)
- List of machinery required for manufacturing (welder, drill, grinder etc..).
- Proof of the machine having been built.
- Proof of the machine working/outcome (tested).

For the machine files, here’s what to remember:

## Download files folder structure
!(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XvFsGTYaeWwieMNPBtCrSgEmQJ3ttnWI/view?usp=drive_link)

- Including the original format for 3D files is good but should always come together with a **STEP** file so that people can open it in different 3D Modelling softwares.
- For laser cut files, **.DXF** generally works best and if there’s any engraving, make sure to include that information in your steps.
- Blueprints individual **.PDF** for parts and assembly drawings.
- Bill of materials (if needed) is best in **.PDF** or **excel** format.
- Schematics in **PDF.**
- Any image format (JPEG, PNG)
- You can always include in the “Others” folders things like: instruction manuals, pictures, renders, add-ons, etc.
- Bundle all your files into **one .zip file.** Or a public link to make it easier to share around :)


# Steps structure:
## How to title:
Ex. “Solar powered injection machine” (just the name of what it is, keep it simple).
!(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mxbO3aGBfAarraoIhBJs9PkALNI38imz/view?usp=drive_link)
*DO NOT USE PRECIOUS PLASTIC’S OFFICIAL MACHINE MODELS NUMBERING SYSTEM.

## How to cover:
### Text:
- Explain what machine it is.
*Tip: check “information about naming” for more details below.
- Explain what this machine is for and specify if it's an upgrade or based on an existing design, if so, which one and what are the main improvements.
- Add any other important or interesting information about the product/mould.

### Cover picture:
!(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AO54TFE9ilZqS_dU7TMonlPbGLUSpFhy/view?usp=drive_link)
It can be a render or a picture of the built machine in front of a clean background (or as clean as possible).

### Step #1 - Title: Download.
#### Text:
Describe the content you are providing
For example:
In this folder you will find:
- 3D CAD (.step and .f3d)
- Laser cut files (.dxf)
- Blueprints (.pdf)
- Schematics
- BOM
... and more :)

#### Picture:
!(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pQR6ow-ls58OlTHYJZybGdopaPdScHBf/view?usp=drive_link)
Picture can be a render or a blueprint sample.


### Step #2 - Title: Build it.
#### Text:
Now describe the needed skills to build this machine. Here is a non-exhaustive list that you could include if applicable:
- General metalworking (cutting, drilling)
- Welding
- Turning (machining on a lathe)
- Milling (machining on a mill)
- General woodworking (cutting, drilling)
- General electrical work (wiring safety switch, temperature controllers…)
- Motor electrical work (wiring motor, contactor, overload protection…)
- Programming (arduino, VFD…)
- Advanced assembly work (require specific tools, measurement instruments and tolerances knowledge to align and assemble)
- Pneumatic
- Hydraulic
-

⚙️List the machinery you used for the built (Optional but useful):
- Grinder, chop saw, MIG/MAG, TIG, drill press
- Lathe, mill (precise if manual or CNC)
- Table saw, router, planner
-

#### Picture:
!(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nWWo2izcJn5Xe0ehSHFJ4ZpzkIBwl3Wa/view?usp=drive_link)
Picture should be of the machine built, **not** a render.

### Step 3: Run, create and sell :)
#### Text:
- Explain how the machine should be operated.
- Explain what product you obtain with the machine.
- Give the relevant input / output of the machine (type of plastic, thickness, productivity, electric consumption…).
- Link relevant how-tos.
- Invite to sell and or buy in the Bazar.

#### Picture:
!(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LgBR8dAPInoHTXJFYuFsvUZ2m31FPV5C/view?usp=drive_link)
Picture of the machine running and/ or of the product obtained


### Step 4: Share back and feedback
#### Text:
If you have feedback on the machine design or build process, share it with the community in the comments. Constructive feedback can help improve the quality of the machines and tools available on the platform.

If you have expertise in a particular area of machine building or plastic recycling, share it with the community. This can be in the form of tutorials, guides, or best practices. By sharing your knowledge, you can help others learn and grow in their plastic recycling journey.

Join discussions on the Community Platform on the Questions module and share your thoughts and opinions on machine building and plastic recycling. This is a great way to connect with other community members and learn from their experiences.

By sharing back and providing feedback, you can help strengthen the Precious Plastic community and contribute to its mission of reducing plastic waste. So, don't be afraid to speak up and share your thoughts with the community!

# Tips on naming your machine:
- Machines developed directly by the Precious Plastic core team are documented with specific names (Shredder, Extruder PRO, Sheet-press…) that are sometimes shortened to few letters as a simplification. Then to keep track of changes, our machines are numbered with 2 digits. The first one symbolises a significant change in the design or the concept, while the second is to symbolise small changes and/or optimisations :
**For example:** We designed the Sheet-press 2.0 (SPR - 2.0) based on the V4 Sheet-press design (SPR - 1.0). We considered the changes made there significant (We increased the total dimensions of the machine from 1,2 m to 1,5m and disassembly ability), therefore we increased the first digit value.
Then we improved out design slowly, with small iterations:
- SPR 2.1 Integrated spacer in the side frame.
- SPR 2.2 Integrated lifting point for manufacturing and assembly.
- And lately SPR 2.3 integrated CE required guards.

While we highly recommend you to use a similar system to be able to track your change, this is not mandatory.

However, we ask you to use a **different name** when you release a machine, and **not an iteration of our numbering system**. This is to avoid confusion as it is very likely that multiple people will develop their own version simultaneously, sometimes with different advantages that are difficult to evaluate.
For example, your machine name can:
- Include the specificity of the design (Hand crank Shredder, Solar Injection machine…)
- Include the country / region where you built it (Shredder India, extruder Texas…)
- Include your workspace name (Shredder PRO LRF, Injection sustainable studio…)
- Include an adaptation of the design (Shredder 2.1 imperial …)

## Check some good machine how-tos for some inspiration:
- [SPR - 2.3](https://community.preciousplastic.com/how-to/spr---23)
- [SHR - 2.3](https://community.preciousplastic.com/how-to/shr---33-)
- [INJ - 2.1](https://community.preciousplastic.com/how-to/inj---21-)
- [EXTPRO - 1.2 ](https://community.preciousplastic.com/how-to/extpro---12)



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# Mould How-to guidelines

By sharing a mould How-to you’re contributing to develop the largest, decentralised, open source library of recycling machines. Big up on that 🤙

When it comes to moulds How to, the most important thing is to provide a complete download file with all the necessary files to replicate the moulds. We understand that most of the work for your how-to will go in designing your product and documenting it thoroughly, so a short 3-4 step how-to will be enough! If you want to add more steps for giving some tips and tricks regarding the mould manufacturing process it’s very valuable.

For the mould files, here’s what to remember:

## Download files
- Including the original format for 3D files is good but should always come together with a **STEP** file so that people can open it in different 3D Modelling softwares.
- For laser cut files, **.DXF** generally works best and if there’s any engraving, make sure to include that information in your steps.
- Bill of materials (if needed) is best in **PDF** or **excel** format.
- Bundle all your files into **one .zip file**. Or a public link to make it easier to share around. :)
- Make sure they describe the content you are providing so that you can check if that what’s in the zip file.
For example:
In this folder you will find:
1. 3D CAD (.step and .f3d)
2. Laser cut files (.dxf)
3. Blueprints (.pdf)
4. Schematics
5. BOM

## Steps structure
### How to title: “_____ Mould”
Just the name of what it is, keep it simple.
!(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TpHzGOUQeml1z9-PymVvedFxYAwzXCYY/view?usp=drive_link)

### Intro/banner
#### Text:
Explain what product is it and what it is for
Add any other important or interesting information about the product/mould.

#### Cover picture:
The best is to show the mould next to the final product, so people can easily recognize what they can make with it.
!(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FASRP2c1DdRlpXy9E9bM0IcMbKk4GVZF/view?usp=drive_link)

### Step 1 - Title: Download:
#### Text:
- Tell people to make sure the mould design and size is compatible with their machine capacity.
- Recommended Plastic type (it can be more than 1)
- Explain what machine is suitable to use this mould and any specific requirement if applicable (For ex. This mould is suitable for injection machines, ideally arbour-powered machines that can reach at least 75 bars but not more than 100 bars - Using a machine that can go over 100 bars can cause the mould to break).
- Tell people to decide if they want to customise it according to their needs or not, since now is the moment to do so (Like adding engraving, reducing or increasing the amount of cavities, etc.) But, always keeping in mind the capacity of their machine!


#### Step picture:
Can be a render, screenshot of the 3D model or blueprint (basically what people will find in the download zip):
!(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YjXrehveyWorSc4X6GdHwWOcN6BX42J2/view?usp=drive_link)


### Step 2 - Title: Manufacture:
#### Text:
- Now they should prepare to manufacture the mould. They can do this step themselves if they have their own CNC Machine, laser cutter or metal working tools, otherwise they can always contact their local manufacturer..
- Explain the important requirements the manufacturer needs to know before making this mould, such as: Machine/s, material, tooling, surface finish, nozzle type, fixing dimensions, etc.
- If you have any tips & tricks related to the manufacturing or use of this mould to share, now is the time! You can recommend add-ons to the mould (like ejecting pins), ways to demould the product easier, or ways to improve the surface finish of the mould and therefore the product, etc.

#### Step picture (if applicable):
Tools and materials needed layed out or close up to manufactured mould (not a render)
!(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AMYllwuKOHLPtowqAE3pYpObW-FzKO9_/view?usp=drive_link)


### Step 3 - Title: Inject! / Extrude! / Press! (Depending for what machine is the mould for):
#### Text:
- Test the mould with the corresponding plastic type for that product
- Explore the possible applications and colour combinations
- Include any recommendations regarding the injection/ extrusion/ pressing into this mould if necessary (Like preheating, oiling, adding inserts, in the mould).
- If you have this mould or product available for sale, make sure to add the Bazar link!

#### Step picture:
Mould open after injecting, finished product and/or different applications of the same product
!(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U7BGrRb83djG2-g8V9RLb3N2QrDu8fCZ/view?usp=drive_link)

## Check some good mould how-tos for some inspiration:
- [Flower Pot mould](https://community.preciousplastic.com/how-to/flowerpot-mould)
- [Light Switch and socket mould](https://community.preciousplastic.com/how-to/make-a-lightswitch-and-socket)

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