Nanofactory Product Catalog (NPC)
Desktop Nanofac Model-4 specifications
Nano-CatalogDesktop Nanofac
Model-1
The core technology of the Model-1 Nanofac was the Merkle Improved Double Tripod Assembler. It used mechanical rod logic for all computation and control systems, and convergent assembly via robotic manipulators and expanding ridge joints. The total nanofactory volume was about half a cubic meter and weighed 9.4 Kg. The nanofactory could produce 50 grams of product per hour and plug into a standard wall electrical outlet. The Model-1 was based on the work of Eric Drexler and Ralph Merkle. The design was further refined by Chris Phoenix and produced by his company Phoenix Nanotechnologies Inc.
The Model-1 was not "user friendly". It had a touch-screen user interface that was minimal, required an external computer to load data files, and purified feedstock chemical cartridges that were expensive. The way the cartridges were mounted was prone to breakage and it was difficult to tell if the device was working or not.
Here is a link to the paper describing the mechanisms, structures, and processes of the nanofactory.
Design of a Primitive Nanofactory
by Chris PhoenixDirector of Research, Center for Responsible Nanotechnology http://CRNano.org
Desktop Nanofac
Model-2
The core technology of the Model-2 Nanofac was the Quadra-Assembler. Like the Model-1 it used mechanical rod logic for all computation and control systems, and convergent assembly via robotic manipulators and improved tongue and groove joining. The Model-2 nanofactory could produce 100 grams of product per hour, doubling the performance of the Model-1.
The Model-2 was a big improvement over the Model-1 with regard to ease of use. As you can see from the picture the physical design was completely different from the Model-1. The reasons for this were both practical and public relations. It still required expensive feedstock cartridges but they were mounted inside a compartment that protected the mechanism from damage. An external computer connection was also still necessary. The user interface was in the external computer and addressed many of the issues of the Model-1 interface.
Desktop Nanofac
Model-3
The core technology of the Model-3 Nanofac was the Molecular Mill(dx6). It was the first version to use molecular electronic logic for computation and control, but still using convergent assembly like its prior models. The Model-3 nanofactory was same size and weight as the Model-2 but could produce twice the product per hour (200 grams).
The Model-3 incorporated the external computer into the nanofactory and interfaced directly with the broadband internet connection. This was to be its downfall. The feedstock chemicals could be purchased bulk and poured into tanks in the machine alleviating the need for cartridges. Also the purity of the chemicals was no longer a concern thus reducing the cost of operation significantly. The user interface was natural language voice command, no more buttons to push. The Model-3 was recalled only three months after its release because hackers had exploited a known flaw in the off-the-shelf operating system to temporarily bypass all of the security systems and used it to produce the first completely unrestricted nanofactory, the infamous Kpow machine. Thus started the black nano-market which the International Nano-Force has been battling to shut down ever since. When the government told people to turn in their Model-3s there was much resistance because no one wanted to go back to the Model-2. When it was determined that the Model-3 core technology was too tightly integrated with the computer operating system to correct the security flaw, the Model-2A was born.
Desktop Nanofac
Model-2A
The Model-2A had the core technology of the Model-2 and the user conveniences of the Model-3 plus they added an internal library of common use free product files as an additional incentive to turn in the Model-3s. The product throughput were at Model-2 levels but low cost to operate and ease of use made the Model-2A a very popular model, still used by many people who see no reason to upgrade to the current Model-4.
Desktop Nanofac
Model-4
With four times the speed (400 grams per hour) and a third the power requirements of the Model-2A and none of the security problems of the recalled Model-3, the Model-4 Desktop Nanofac® is a state-of-the-art nanofactory. The Model-Four is built around the SIEM Assembler developed in Japan. The Model-4 can draw its feedstock from almost any solution containing the appropriate molecules, although performance may suffer with significantly impure sources. It has a hybrid opto-electronic computer system and wireless broadband internet connection.
Express Nanofac
Model-4E
The Express Nanofac Model-4E is 100 times faster than the Model-4. This is possible by assembling a variety of programmable nanoblocks in advance. The nanofactory continuously assembles a variety of programmable nanoblocks and stores them for future use, then rapidly makes whatever product requested, by a process of programming the stored nanoblocks and joining them to form the finished product.
Nanofactory Product Catalog
E-mail: deering9@mchsi.com send me your suggestions.
Nanofactory image Courtesy of John Burch, Lizard Fire Studios (3D Animation, Game Development).
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