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> requires a specific CNC operator to build panels (supply chain ouch!) Unsure what this means. The CNC files are open source, and there are millions of CNC ma

by SamBam 4y ago

> requires a specific CNC operator to build panels (supply chain ouch!) Unsure what this means. The CNC files are open source, and there are millions of CNC machines in the world. What specific CNC operator? In general, I'd say your comments are valid for a random homeowner that decides they want to try this out. If you think in terms of a contractor who wanted to start specializing in this in their region, it seems quite doable. They could have their own engineer that has seen many of these, and a stable source of plywood/OSB and access to a CNC shop.

emilfihlman 4y ago
They mean that it requires a cnc operator, and that it's not usually required in building houses, which is a pretty huge added cost.
- kitd 4y ago
  From which you can subtract the cost of the brick/cement/block manufacturer.
  - throwaway4aday 4y ago
    Wouldn't that be equivalent to the plywood manufacturer? This still adds an additional processing step where you take a mass produced construction material and make a specialized product out of it which you then use to build the house instead of just going straight from material to construction.
forgetfreeman 4y ago
I think it may be worth pointing out that this system as demonstrated exacerbates the two largest problems contractors face: materials costs and sourcing labor. The specialized manufacturing requirements for modules makes sourcing materials from traditional suppliers functionally impossible, adds additional (highly specialized) manufacturing overhead, and drives up the cost of materials. The wildly non-standard construction methods mean subcontractors will have to train on using the system, and projects will start from a functional zero-prior-experience knowledge base, which invites a diversity of headaches and potential safety issues. On an unrelated note, insurers are likely to be deeply skeptical of unproven construction methods in general, and plywood-heavy construction methods in particular given their propensity to fail catastrophically from even relatively minor moisture-related insults. Insurance premiums are likely to reflect that.

by SamBam 4y ago

emilfihlman 4y ago

They mean that it requires a cnc operator, and that it's not usually required in building houses, which is a pretty huge added cost.

kitd 4y ago
From which you can subtract the cost of the brick/cement/block manufacturer.
- throwaway4aday 4y ago
  Wouldn't that be equivalent to the plywood manufacturer? This still adds an additional processing step where you take a mass produced construction material and make a specialized product out of it which you then use to build the house instead of just going straight from material to construction.

forgetfreeman 4y ago

I think it may be worth pointing out that this system as demonstrated exacerbates the two largest problems contractors face: materials costs and sourcing labor. The specialized manufacturing requirements for modules makes sourcing materials from traditional suppliers functionally impossible, adds additional (highly specialized) manufacturing overhead, and drives up the cost of materials. The wildly non-standard construction methods mean subcontractors will have to train on using the system, and projects will start from a functional zero-prior-experience knowledge base, which invites a diversity of headaches and potential safety issues. On an unrelated note, insurers are likely to be deeply skeptical of unproven construction methods in general, and plywood-heavy construction methods in particular given their propensity to fail catastrophically from even relatively minor moisture-related insults. Insurance premiums are likely to reflect that.