Resources

The resources for the replication of the physical part of the RepMat library are available at this OSF Repository. They mainly support: the definition of the organization and taxonomy, the fabrication of the physical structures, and the use of the physical part of the library.

Do you want to contribute with your samples? Check this link!

RepMat.

Organization and Taxonomy

The organization, or taxonomy, of the physical parts of the library is based on the selection of variables and parameters. Each part of the physical library corresponds to a structure and a coordinate system:

• The Recyclate library is defined by a two-variable system, resulting in a line.
• The Materials library is defined by a three-variable system and a cubic 3D structure.
• The Product library is defined by a four-variable system and a tetrahedral 3D structure.

In each case, the user can set the variables to explore and the specific parameters, defining the list of samples to fabricate for each set. The OSF repository contains the taxonomy templates of the Materials library and Product library sections, guiding the user in defining the variables, the coordinate system, and the specific samples to be fabricated.

Click on the image to zoom in.

Click on the image to zoom in.

RepMat.

Physical structures replication

The physical structures of the Library can be used and customized for the divulgative and experimental use. Only one structure is needed for the experimental use, while more than one structure can be fabricated to showcase different sets of samples. Three different versions have been developed by considering accessible technologies and materials to facilitate the replication of the library:

• The Lasercutting version is made of 3D printed joints, lasercut flat parts, and bolts. It can be made with PMMA (plexiglas 3 mm) sheets and PLA filaments (also recycled ones). Plywood can be used as an alternative material.
• The Hand tooling version is made of 3D printed joints, flat parts obtained with hand tooling, and bolts. It can be made with PMMA (plexiglas, 3 mm) sheets and PLA filaments (also recycled ones). Plywood can be used as an alternative material.
• The Cutting version is made of flat parts obtained with cutters, avoiding the use of bolts, glue, and other digital fabrication tools. It can be made with plywood sheets (3 mm).

The position of the samples is not fixed, and the QR codes (labels) can be removed or added to removable placers. Some colored marks can be added to highlight the taxonomy and variable position, such as colored tapes, colored joints, or labels. The OSF repository contains the 3D models of the different structures, which means the assemblies and the single STEP and STL files, allowing to be fabricated according to the users’ needs.

Recyclate library (single version).

Lasercutting version.

Hand tooling version.

Cutting version. Cut-outs

Lasercutting version.

Hand tooling version.

Cutting version. Cut-outs

RepMat.

Labeling and use templates

The use of the different physical structures and set of samples can be facilitated by highlighting the variable system and connecting the samples to the virtual library thanks to two labeling systems:

• The Comparison templates help to compare and evaluate the samples by showing the variables and the variation of the parameters on the structures. They can be used as a whiteboard, naming the variables and parameters with a marker.
• The Labeling templates help to connect the virtual and physical library by associating a label with a QR code to each sample. QR codes can be inserted in the templates before printing them.

The users can set their own variables and parameters by writing them on the transparent labels, as well as adding the QR codes with additional textual data and virtual content. The OSF repository contains the PDF templates to be printed to facilitate the use of the physical structures and set of samples, showing the organization of the variables and linking the physical samples to the virtual library.