Processes & Process Areas

Overview

Processes are specific recipes or procedures with defined parameters that can be performed on resources. Each process contains step-by-step instructions and exact settings (time, temperature, power, flow rates, etc.) needed to complete an operation.

Process Areas are simple taxonomies that group resources by category (e.g., Electronics, Textiles, Woodworking, Packaging, Wet Processing).

Key Concepts:

• Processes are recipes with specific parameters and steps
• Process Areas organize resources into logical categories
• Multiple processes can be performed on a single resource
• Parameters ensure consistent, repeatable results

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Processes

Overview

A process is a documented recipe or procedure that defines exactly how to perform an operation on a resource. It includes specific parameters, settings, and steps required for consistent results.

Viewing Processes

Navigate to Resources → Processes to view all defined processes.

Empty processes page

Page Elements:

• Search Bar - Filter processes by name
• Filter Icon - Advanced filtering options
• Create Process Button - Add new process recipes

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Creating a Process

Step 1: Fill in Process Details

Name (Required)

• Enter a descriptive name for the process/recipe
• Be specific about what the process accomplishes
• Examples:
  • Aluminum Anodizing - Type II
  • PLA 3D Print - Standard Quality
  • PCB Etching - Copper
  • Fabric Dyeing - Cotton Blue
  • CNC Milling - Aluminum Finishing

Parameters Click Add row to define each process parameter with exact values:

Common Parameter Types:

Time-Based:

• time: 30 min
• cure time: 2 hours
• dwell time: 45 sec

Temperature:

• temp: 365 ºC
• preheat temp: 180 ºC
• cool down temp: 25 ºC

Power/Energy:

• power: 150 W
• voltage: 220 V
• current: 5 A
• laser power: 40%

Material Quantities:

• Liquid 1: 50 mL
• Liquid 2: 15 mL
• powder weight: 25 g
• filament: PLA 1.75mm

Speed/Rate:

• feed rate: 100 mm/min
• spindle speed: 3000 RPM
• flow rate: 5 L/min

Pressure:

• chamber pressure: 5 PSI
• vacuum: 0.1 Torr

Concentration:

• HCl concentration: 15%
• solution ratio: 3:1

Distance/Dimension:

• layer height: 0.2 mm
• cut depth: 2 mm
• infill: 20%

Example Process Parameters:

3D Printing - PLA Standard:

temp: 210 ºC
bed temp: 60 ºC
print speed: 60 mm/s
layer height: 0.2 mm
infill: 20%
time: 3 hours

Chemical Etching - PCB:

Ferric Chloride: 500 mL
temp: 45 ºC
agitation: continuous
time: 15 min
rinse water: 2 L

CNC Milling - Aluminum:

spindle speed: 3000 RPM
feed rate: 100 mm/min
cut depth: 2 mm
coolant flow: 5 L/min
tool: 6mm end mill

Description

• Provide step-by-step instructions for the process
• Include safety warnings and PPE requirements
• Note any prerequisites or preparation steps
• Add troubleshooting tips
• Supports rich text formatting (Bold, Italic, Links, Images)

Description Example:

## Safety Requirements
- Wear safety glasses and gloves
- Ensure proper ventilation
- Keep fire extinguisher nearby

## Preparation
1. Clean resource surface
2. Prepare materials according to parameters
3. Verify all settings before starting

## Procedure
1. Preheat to specified temperature
2. Load material into chamber
3. Set parameters as listed
4. Monitor first 5 minutes closely
5. Allow full cool-down before removing

## Post-Processing
- Inspect for quality
- Clean resource after use
- Log any issues

Step 2: Save

Choose:

• Create Process - Save and return to list
• Create & Add Another - Save and create another process
• Cancel - Discard changes

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Managing Processes

Edit Process:

1. Click on process name or pencil icon
2. Modify parameters or description
3. Click Update Process

Delete Process:

1. Select process checkbox
2. Click trash icon
3. Confirm deletion

View Details:

• Click eye icon to view complete process recipe
• See all parameters and instructions

Version Control Tip: When updating a process, consider creating a new version (e.g., "Aluminum Anodizing v2") rather than modifying the original if parameters change significantly.

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Process Areas

Overview

Process Areas are simple categories that organize resources by type or department. They help users quickly find resources related to specific types of work.

Viewing Process Areas

Navigate to Resources → Process Areas to view all areas.

Process Areas listing page

Table Columns:

• NAME - Process area category
• RESOURCES - Number of resources in this area

Common Process Areas:

Area	Typical Resources	Example Processes
Electronics	Soldering stations, oscilloscopes, power supplies	PCB assembly, circuit testing
Textiles	Sewing machines, embroidery, fabric cutters	Garment construction, dyeing
Woodworking	Table saws, lathes, sanders, routers	Furniture making, finishing
Packaging	Heat sealers, labelers, shrink wrap	Product packaging, sealing
Wet Processing	Etching tanks, chemical baths, cleaning	Chemical etching, cleaning, coating
3D Printing	FDM printers, resin printers, filament dryers	PLA printing, resin printing
Machining	Mills, lathes, grinders	Metal cutting, drilling, turning
Laser Cutting	CO2 lasers, fiber lasers	Acrylic cutting, metal engraving
Clean Room	Lithography, deposition, etching	Semiconductor processing
Ceramics	Kilns, pottery wheels, glaze stations	Firing, glazing

Actions:

• 👁 View area details
• ✏ Edit area
• 🗑 Delete area

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Creating a Process Area

Step 1: Fill in Area Details

Name (Required)

• Enter a category name that groups similar resources
• Use department names, material types, or work categories
• Keep names simple and recognizable

Good Examples:

• Electronics
• Woodworking
• Textiles
• Wet Processing
• 3D Printing
• Metalworking
• Packaging
• Ceramics
• Plastics
• Clean Room

Slug

• URL-friendly identifier (auto-generated from name)
• Used in web addresses
• Example: electronics, wet-processing, 3d-printing

Description

• Brief overview of what types of resources belong in this area
• List example resources
• Note any special access requirements
• Supports rich text formatting

Description Example:

The Electronics area includes all resources for electronic circuit design,
assembly, and testing. This includes soldering stations, oscilloscopes,
power supplies, and testing equipment.

Access requires basic electronics safety training.

Step 2: Save

Choose:

• Create Process Area - Save and return to list
• Create & Add Another - Save and create another area
• Cancel - Discard changes

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Managing Process Areas

Edit Process Area:

1. Click on area name or pencil icon
2. Modify name, slug, or description
3. Click Update Process Area

Delete Process Area:

1. Select area checkbox
2. Click trash icon
3. Confirm deletion

⚠️ Warning: Deleting a process area removes the category assignment from all associated resources.

View Associated Resources:

• Click eye icon to see all resources in this area
• Check resource count in RESOURCES column

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How Processes and Resources Work Together

Process-Resource Relationship

A resource can have multiple processes defined for it:

Example: CNC Mill Resource

Resource: CNC Mill XYZ-3000

Associated Processes:
├── Aluminum Milling - Rough Cut
│   └── spindle speed: 2500 RPM, feed rate: 150 mm/min
├── Aluminum Milling - Finish Cut
│   └── spindle speed: 3500 RPM, feed rate: 80 mm/min
├── Steel Milling - Standard
│   └── spindle speed: 2000 RPM, feed rate: 100 mm/min
└── Plastic Milling - Acrylic
    └── spindle speed: 4000 RPM, feed rate: 200 mm/min

Each process provides exact parameters for different operations on the same resource.

Process-Specific Training

Training may be required for specific processes. Users must complete process training before they can use that process on a resource.

Training Requirements:

Resource: CNC Mill XYZ-3000
├── Standard Training: "CNC Mill Basic Operation" (required for all processes)
└── Process-Specific Training:
    ├── "Aluminum Milling Certification" → Required for aluminum processes
    ├── "Steel Milling Certification" → Required for steel processes
    └── "Advanced Finishing" → Required for finish cut processes

Access Control:

• User must complete standard resource training first
• Additional training required for specific processes
• User can only select processes they are trained for
• Ensures safety and quality for specialized operations

Example:

User: John Smith
Completed Training:
✓ CNC Mill Basic Operation
✓ Aluminum Milling Certification

Available Processes:
✓ Aluminum Milling - Rough Cut
✓ Aluminum Milling - Finish Cut
✗ Steel Milling - Standard (requires Steel Milling Certification)
✗ Plastic Milling - Acrylic (requires Plastics Training)

Workflow Example

Scenario: User wants to mill aluminum part

1. Select Resource: CNC Mill XYZ-3000 (in Machining area)
2. Verify Training: User has completed:
   • CNC Mill Basic Operation ✓
   • Aluminum Milling Certification ✓
3. Choose Process: "Aluminum Milling - Finish Cut" (now available)
4. View Parameters:
   • spindle speed: 3500 RPM
   • feed rate: 80 mm/min
   • cut depth: 1 mm
   • coolant: flood cooling
   • tool: 6mm carbide end mill
5. Follow Instructions: Step-by-step procedure from process description
6. Complete Operation: Using exact parameters for consistent results

Example: Complete Process Setup

Facility: University Makerspace

Process Areas:

1. Electronics
2. 3D Printing
3. Laser Cutting
4. Woodworking
5. Textiles

Example: Laser Cutting Area

Resources:

• Laser Cutter - Model A (100W CO2)
• Laser Cutter - Model B (60W CO2)

Processes for Model A:

1. Acrylic 3mm - Cut

power: 80%
speed: 10 mm/s
passes: 1
air assist: on
focus height: 0 mm

2. Acrylic 3mm - Engrave

power: 30%
speed: 300 mm/s
passes: 1
air assist: off
focus height: 0 mm

3. Plywood 6mm - Cut

power: 100%
speed: 5 mm/s
passes: 2
air assist: on
focus height: 0 mm

Result: Users select the appropriate process based on their material and operation, ensuring consistent results and reducing errors.

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