UltraLog Project Plan
Scale Design
Scale design is currently being carried out by myself and a
colleague using my own purpose built Delphi program to generate
the numerical data before loading it into AutoCAD (I was
astounded to discover that the software generated some 12,800
tick marks for all the scales combined). Each scale is validated
on completion against an existing high end slide rule to ensure
correctness. The whole design when completed will by validated
independently by several slide rule experts before proceeding to
print.
Production Methods
The design calls for a plastic slide rule with adjustable metal
end braces. The parts will be produced by a CNC machining shop
and possibly assembled by them. Printing will probably be carried
out at a specialist plastic print shop. The exact method of
printing is under continuous discussion at the moment. There is
also a possiblity that all the work will be done under one roof
by a shop experienced in slide rule production. Discussions with
them are ongoing.
Opinions vary as to the order of production stages - experienced
slide rule manufacturers favour printing all the scales first on
one large blank and then cutting it to separate the slide from
the stators before machining and assembling them. To their
opinion this will ensure accuracy of fit and will reduce printing
costs and complexity. Owners of modern machine and print shops
prefer however to complete all the machining first and then print
on separate parts before assembling them. They say that this will
prevent damage to printed surfaces and will achieve the same
accuracy of fit by using modern equipment and methods.
Handling Money
All deposits and payments coming in from buyers and going out to
manufacturers and service providers will be handled by a
reputable solicitors firm for a fee that will be included in the
price paid by buyers.
Project Management
All key design and production stages will be validated and
supervised by a qualified and experienced production engineer
with experience of the plastic industry. Again his fees will be
included in the price paid by buyers. Payments to manufacturers
and service providers will be carried out only with his approval
after satisfying himself that the goods and services were
delivered as agreed.
Time Scales
Everyone currently involved with this project does so at their
free time over evenings and weekends and in addition to their
daytime job. There is a lot of preparatory work to be done and my
cautious estimate is that we are looking at a few months before
asking people to commit and pay and going ahead with production.
In the meanwhile promotion of the idea will continue so as to
build the largest possible buyers base.