Microfactories are computer-controlled miniature manufacturing plants. They are almost always designed to produce one type of product; raw material is inserted into one end, and a finished product extruded from the other. The actual shape, size and construction of the product is determined by using a Computer-Aided Design Field or a sketch pen.
In general, there are three kinds of microfactories. All types are about the size of an old-fashioned stand-up photocopy machine. Polymer extrusion t y p e s use a flexible two-sided molding base that is computer- controlled; the shape of the mold is manipulated by a CAD Field. Preprogrammed nanopolymers (the same ones used in netrunning battles) are injected into the mold, where the nano reshapes itself from an amorphous silver goo into whatever the mold and programming have specified. PE Microfacs are used for heavy duty applications like machines,
auto parts, or building fixtures. PE is less effective for lightweight or highly detailed objects, and as the characteristic silver color must be painted over, it is rarely used for personal consumer goods.
auto parts, or building fixtures. PE is less effective for lightweight or highly detailed objects, and as the characteristic silver color must be painted over, it is rarely used for personal consumer goods.
Nano-Plastic Structural Ovens use a high temperature version of an extrusion mold to shape nanomolecular dust into shapes. Magnetic fields suspend any metal parts in place, while the dust is baked into the shape required by the mold. N P S O ’s are usually used for anything where light, cheap plastic forming is a must; personal electronics, small weapons, knicknacks, etc. Lathes and parts-makers are advanced versions of the autolathes developed in the late 1990s. They shape blocks of metal or plastic to CAD specifications, using monomolecular bladecutting assemblies to cut away the required shape. Usually used for heavy duty applications, like firing actions for weapons. Assemblers put together objects out of bins of preassembled parts, or cut and heat-seam clothes from bolts of cloth. These are the most common type of Microfac; many are integrated into Vendits and other point of purchase locations.
Microfactories are ubiquitous in UCEX; they have, to a large extent, replaced inventory stocks in many stores. Nowadays, you select what you want from a holographic display of the item, then go to the checkout counter or Vendit salespad and have it made up on the spot. New designs for products are sold as templates for the microfac, rather than as material objects, making distribution of a new release almost instantaneous. To operate a microfactory requires at least a +3 Information Systems skill. Microfactories are extremely expensive; starting prices for simple assemblers are around $50,000ºº to $100,000ºº, plus nanodust/polymer costs.
