Introduction: Mobile Fablab for Cargo Bike (with Vélo M2 Frame)

By Vélo M²
About: The cargo bike is a great alternative for the car in congested cities; with our stackable modules we give sustainable initiatives endless possibilities. Vélo M² (pronounced Vélo em carree) is a multi modula…

IMPORTANT
If you want to make this Mobile Fablab, you first have to start with our Basic Multi Modular Frames. If you like building our frames, you will love inventing new possibilities with. It is like lego, but with wood and on cargo bikes!

If you want to be self-sustainable have a look at our Energy Modules (COMING SOON)
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This tutorial will explain you the basic logic of our frame system and the endless possibilities it gives.
With the mobile fablab we propose you can 3D print on a small scale, CNC and possibly lasercut and more thanks to the open source technology of Fabtotum. The little extra is that you can project your work in progress with the small pico-beamer.

SKILLS NEEDED

Laser Cutting
Basic Woodworking
Programming Electronics (for the 3D Printer / CNC)

REQUIREMENTS

One person
Laser Cutter with at least a 70 on 50 cm dimension

LEVEL

Intermediate

TIME

Total time estimate: Afternoon work
- Cutting and sanding the extra mid-plates for the insides: 45 min
- Testing and re-sanding the mid-plates for a perfect fit: 15 min
- Wiring the electronics and cables: 20 min
- Testing and calibrating the Fabtotum: 1h30 min - 2h

INPUT

Sheet of Plywood for the mid-plates

* Water-resistant
* 9mm Dimensions
* A 450 x 650 on 450 Basic Multi Modular Frame

Fabtotum 390 x 390 on 390 (or other 3D printers of the same size)
Multi-Socket (x4)
Old Laptop that can run 123D Autodesk
extra: a PICO Beamer

OUTPUT

One 450 x 650 on 450 mm Mobile Fablab for Cargo Bikes

Step 1: Preparing the Inside of the Frame

After building a 450mm model you can start by lasercutting the following mid-plates.

2x mid_plate_1_45.dxf
3x mid_plate_1_15.dxf

When lasercut, you need to test if they fit into the grooves. If not you will have to sand them carefully till they fit without to much friction.

Attachments

Step 2: Fitting the Electronics and Protecting Them With Mousse

Now that you have 2x mid_plate_1_45.dxf that fit in the case you have to protect them with mouse.

1. Put the Fabtotum in the fitting compartiment and do the same for the computer.
2. Measure the space in between, fill the sides up with mousse till it holds both components. Don't make it to high so you can still take it out of the box.

Step 3: Connecting the Cables and Finalizing the Fablab

This is the most fun part of this build. It shows how you can easily reuse all the parts of different cases to make a stand or an add on structure to a module.

1. Manage the cables through the grooves of the midplates and gather everything in between the FabTotum and computer.
2. Use a mid_plate_1_15.dxf to make the small intersections by cutting them on the right lenght
3. When all the cables are connected, hide them under 2x mid_plate_1_15.dxf
4. You can use the 2x mid_plate_1_15.dxf and one small intersection to make an add on structure where you can put your pico Beamer.
5. Use the lit of the box to position your Fabtotum and computer. You are ready to have your mobile Fablab