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​Ramping Up Production

A project log for paprika

a sub-$50 PAPR using fab tools

dmytroDmytro 07/13/2020 at 22:460 Comments

During the last month we've been receiving components and finalizing the technology.

We've decided to use two Ncr18650b batteries in parallel along with a controller that handles charging, steps up the voltage and protects the battery from overdischarge. A separate controller shows the remaining charge on an LCD display, and a power switch. 

We've tested 4 different high-power blower fans and chose the smallest one. With our setup it gives 60 liters of air per minute (2.1 CFM) which is more than enough for breathing and accidental leakage.

The fan runs for 8 hours on a single charge.

As for the hood, we've added internal parts that limit the space around the face, providing more pressure. Initially we tried to sew the parts together, but welding polyethylene with a modified soldering iron worked much better. 

This is the final look of the hood

With this simple rig, an oven and a shop vac we've iterated on a vacuum mold and eventually decided to make the first production run in-house.

We've assembled and tested the electronics for the first batch of 30 units

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