Lazarus Forge — Components Taxonomy > Purpose: Define what a Forge must have to operate safely and truthfully (Critical), versus what amplifies capability, efficiency, or autonomy (Useful). This document supports v0–v3 navigation, procurement planning, and honest self‑assessment. --- Definitions Critical Components Absence prevents safe operation, learning, or truthful output. Without these, the system is not a Lazarus Forge. Useful Components Increase throughput, resilience, autonomy, or scope. Absence does not invalidate the Forge, only limits it. ## Bootstrap Doctrine ### Purpose The Bootstrap Doctrine defines how a Lazarus Forge may begin operation **before** ideal components, refined materials, or industrial precision are available. It formalizes imperfect beginnings as a valid and expected state. --- ### Core Principle > **A component is sufficient if it allows the Forge loop to close. > A component is critical if its absence permits silent failure.** Perfection is not required. **Closure is.** --- ### Tier −1: Bootstrap / Seed Components Bootstrap components are not optimized, durable, or efficient. They exist solely to **enable the first self-improving loop**. Typical sources include: - Salvaged tools and appliances - Discarded electronics - Improvised mechanical assemblies - Manually operated systems Common examples: - High-torque DC motors or steppers (printers, tools) - Bearings, gears, rails, and fasteners from scrap - Repurposed power supplies, UPS units, or battery packs - Microcontrollers or single-board computers - Basic sensors (temperature, current, limit switches) These components are **expected to fail** and **expected to be replaced**. Failure is not a defect — **silence is**. --- ### Proxy Components & Downgrade Paths For every “ideal” component listed in this document, a Forge may begin with: - Lower-precision analogs - Manual or semi-manual processes - Open-loop control where closed-loop is unavailable - Human-in-the-loop verification Examples: - Laser metal deposition → MIG/TIG wire deposition - Inert gas chamber → sealed glove-box or purge bag - Automated handling → manual fixtures with jigs - Inline metrology → destructive testing and observation Each proxy exists to be **measured, understood, and replaced**, not immortalized. --- ### Graduation Rule A component graduates from bootstrap status when the Forge can: 1. Detect its degradation or failure 2. Repair or replace it using internal capabilities 3. Improve its successor based on logged performance Once graduated, it becomes a normal *Critical* or *Useful* component. --- ### Energy Awareness (Minimal v0 Rule) At bootstrap stage: - Exact efficiency is not required - **Energy visibility is** If energy draw cannot be observed or estimated, the Forge does not yet understand the component. --- ### Relationship to GECK The GECK defines the **minimum viable seed** required to initiate this doctrine. Components listed here represent: - One possible implementation path - Not a mandate - Not an assumption of industrial access Over time, GECK becomes primary; this document becomes reference. --- I. Critical Components (Non‑Negotiable) 1. Material Intake & Reduction Scrap reduction tools (cutting, crushing, shredding) Powderization method (mill / atomization / equivalent) Particle size classification (sieves or classifiers) Inert handling capability (argon or nitrogen) Why critical: Without controlled feedstock, artifacts inherit unknown failure. --- 2. Atmosphere Control Controlled build chamber (O₂ monitoring) Inert gas supply and purge capability Sealed powder handling containers Why critical: Oxidation is silent corruption, especially for steel and titanium. --- 3. Metal Additive Manufacturing Core Metal AM system with open parameter access Stable laser / energy source Repeatable motion system Why critical: Closed systems block learning and invalidate lineage. --- 4. Thermal Processing Heat treatment furnace (material‑appropriate range) Controlled cooldown / quench capability Thermal logging (thermocouples + record) Why critical: Printed ≠ finished. Thermal history is part of the artifact. --- 5. Metrology & Verification Dimensional measurement (scanner + hand tools) Mass measurement (precision scale) Surface inspection (optical microscopy) Basic mechanical verification (hardness or proxy) Why critical: Discernment depends on detecting almost right. --- 6. Artifact Memory & Data Spine Local compute capable of long‑term storage Artifact ID system (physical ↔ digital binding) Versioned parameter records Failure retention (never auto‑delete) Why critical: Without memory, resurrection collapses into repetition. --- 7. Human Override & Discernment Interface Manual abort and override controls Parameter bounds with operator authority Failure annotation capability Why critical: Early discernment is human‑taught, not inferred. --- II. Useful Components (Capability Multipliers) A. Automation & Handling Robotic arms or gantries Interchangeable end‑effectors Automated powder recycling loops Value: Consistency, reduced exposure, extended runtimes. --- B. Advanced Sensing Melt‑pool monitoring Acoustic or vibration sensing In‑process optical inspection Value: Early anomaly detection and richer learning signals. --- C. Material Characterization XRF / LIBS access (in‑house or partner) Particle morphology analysis Contamination detection Value: Faster material progression and safer alloy exploration. --- D. Energy Infrastructure Energy storage (UPS / batteries) Waste‑heat recovery Power quality conditioning Value: Process stability and off‑grid potential. --- E. Network & Collaboration Layer Secure data sharing between Forges Anonymized failure signature exchange Reputation and capability signaling Value: Distributed learning without centralization. --- F. Environmental Hardening (v2+) Vacuum‑tolerant components Radiation‑tolerant electronics Extreme thermal cycling design Value: Enables remote, orbital, and lunar deployment. --- III. Version Mapping (Quick Reference) v0: Sections I.1–I.7 minimally satisfied (single material) v1: Steel‑class materials + closed‑loop recycling v2: Multi‑material + unattended operation + networking v3: In‑situ resource processing + off‑world operation --- IV. Operating Principle > A component is critical if its absence allows silent failure. Everything else is useful. --- V. Notes for Builders Start with fewer materials, not fewer measurements Preserve failures aggressively Sell artifacts, not promises Promote honestly by capability age, not hype --- This document is intended to evolve. Amend only with demonstrated capability.