Deep Dives
Historical design explorations that informed the Architecture Decision Records
Note
These are historical explorations from the early design phase. With the project’s maturation to a two-donor, three-frame-path model (ADR-025, ADR-026), some content is partially outdated but preserved for context. For current decisions, see the ADRs.
Contents
| Document | Topic | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Decision Guide | Overview of key design space | Partially outdated |
| Frame & Assembly | M10 frame design, squaring, MDF | Relevant |
| X-Y Axis System | X-Y motion, smooth rods | Relevant |
| Motor Mounts & Vibration | Motor mounting, vibration damping | Relevant |
| X-Gantry Design | X-gantry architecture | Partially outdated |
| PSU Configurations | Power supply options | Outdated |
| Extruder Decision | Pitan selection, single-drive | Relevant |
Recommended Reading Order
For understanding Amalgam architecture:
- Read the ADRs first — start with ADR-000 (Philosophy), ADR-025 (Multi-Frame), ADR-026 (Fitness)
- Return to relevant deep dives for deeper context:
- Frame design — tractor_01
- Motion system — tractor_02
- Vibration damping — tractor_03
- Extruder — tractor_06
What Changed?
The pivot from “Tier 0/1/2/3” to Two Donors + Three Paths (ADR-025, ADR-026) simplified many of these explorations:
- Scaffold path (M10 + smooth rods) — primary, well-established
- Mill/Lathe paths — zero-waste donor alternatives
- Donor fitness tiers — explicit constraints on bed size and Z-height