Store designs as modular procedures built by describing materials, and techniques that transform them sequentially into some final material configuration. Since these materials, techniques, or tools can be saved for use later, posting new procedures is simple and fast.

All procedures on Alchematter is fully Open Source Hardware, which makes it possible for users to quickly copy materials, techniques, and tool definitions into their own profiles for use in new procedures. Alchematter will start with a powerful web interface, but over time we plan to roll out new interfaces to the database to help users access descriptions through other devices like SMS enabled phones. We want to ensure that anyone, anywhere has the most possible designs from which to draw the solution to their local problem.

Alchematter’s modularity makes it easy to change one piece of a design to make something new. Or to grab an entire branch of a procedure (say, how to make a glue, or mill a board) and graft it into a new one. Or even to squish together two existing procedures: Powerwheels + Car Battery + Lathe Motor = Amazing!!

Even with easy description and modular remixing, there are still some materials, techniques, and tools which aren’t available to makers. Some are too big and expensive (like injection molding machines). Some are too toxic to want to work with (like vinyl chloride monomer). And some — like a CNC crochet machine — just don’t exist yet. Alchematter gives makers the opportunity to propose hypothetical pieces of procedures: Maybe a new tool, or material, or a simpler technique. Once exposed, these opportunities are much more likely to be worked on, and even solved, by other makers.