Today is the deadline for Open Hardware Summit 2011 talk, breakout, and demo proposals. We’re publishing ours for feedback, and maybe to inspire your last minute entry.
A last minute proposal to discuss the practical aspects of low-volume (20-500units) open hardware manufacturing. Who is doing it, what are the arrangements, what is the process like.
Please shout if you’d like to be involved, or know any other small volume hardware people who might like to be on a panel.
The proposal follows the format given at the MakerBot link above:
Type of submission: breakout session
Title: Getting your stuff made: open hardware for the (not so) masses
Bio: Ian builds a new open hardware project every month at DangerousPrototypes.com. Copies of the projects are available from Seeed Studio’s open hardware manufacturing service.
Importance: If the open hardware community is going to grow and thrive, talented people who don’t etch PCBs or solder surface mount parts need a way to get hardware. At the same time, many hackers don’t want to go into the manufacturing and mail order business. Manufacturing a project is a must. It’s the only way to put it in the hands of firmware, software, and documentation developers who make a sizable and unique contribution to open hardware when given the opportunity.
Description of breakout: One the most common questions we get is how to go from prototype to manufactured project. The goal of this breakout session is to share experience with micro-volume (20-500unit) open hardware manufacturing.
First a review of how open hardware is being produced right now with a few notable examples: contract manufacturing, licensing, DIY assembly, and full outsourcing. We’ll look at a package of materials used to manufacture a project, and discuss best practices for handling the unique problems of super small-scale hardware production. (Hopefully) several perspectives will be included, from full outsourcing to the garage assembly line.
Dangerous Prototypes – All manufacturing and sales handled by Seeed Studio.
Gadget Factory – Experienced with contract manufacturing, and DIY assembly lines.
???????? – your suggestions, or whomever else we can rustle up :)
The program will end with Q&A, and breakout group discussion of barriers to getting a small open hardware project manufactured. What you hacking? Would you ever want to manufacture it?
I work for a company that provides engineering services alongside its sister company that provides contract PCB assembly services. Companies already exist to provide small-volume manufacturing. The Open Hardware and the small-volume manufacturing world just have not had much of an introduction, and there is much both worlds can learn from each other.
I plan on attending the OSHW summit again this year and would be happy to contribute to this discussion.
Cool! That’s 3 of us :) Can you please email me your contact at ian@ this site?