Complete Rocket Integration Minus Pyrotechnics, or CRIMP, is the procedure to assemble the rocket. It was created and implemented for Project Therion and implemented each year after. This usually does not require actual crimping of wires.

What happens?

All the subsystems are put together in a launch-ready configuration (without pyros, for safety) in lab. This can get a bit messy, especially the first time. It can easily turn into "just put the rocket together so we can go to bed," especially when things aren't finished and can't be finished. It usually takes 3 CRIMPs to actually put the rocket together for various reasons. 

CRIMP also serves to teach people how to put the rocket together by subsystem, and decreases the integration time of the rocket.

Requirements

All the parts for each subsystem should be ready for assembly. No holes needing to be drilled, no extraneous screws to go grab. All the parts are in lab, ready to put in the rocket. (Except the pyrotechnics)

Ideally, the team members going to the launch and responsible for assembling the rocket will be at CRIMP. 

A good music playlist is a necessity.

Ideal CRIMP Procedure

CRIMP starts with a clean table. The only things that go on the table are things that are required to build the rocket (incl. checklists). Start a timer, then assemble the rocket. Use the assembly checklists to put the rocket together, and edit as you go.

Once the rocket is complete, take some pictures, disassemble the rocket, and pack everything on the table in an orderly fashion. Pack each subsystem separately. (Label film canisters/centrifuge tubes for screws and nuts. )

Realistic CRIMPs

The above never happens. Here are some ways CRIMP usually goes. 

"This doesn't fit together"

This is normal. It's not good, but it's very normal. 

Figure out an alternate solution to assemble the rocket. Determine if this solution is flight-worthy. Ask subteam leads/exec for help.

"Do we really need a checklist?"

Yes.  

If there is no checklist, each subteam assembles their own subsystem in series so everyone can understand how to put it together.  

Once the checklist and 1st round of assembly are complete, take some pictures, disassemble the rocket, and reassemble it while doing tasks in parallel according to the master and subteam checklists that were just written. 

Success Criteria

A successful CRIMP results in:

• A rocket that fits together (only pyrotechnics required)
• A refined assembly checklist 
• A team prepared to put the rocket together at the launch site
• An approximate integration time of the rocket, which will inform launch operations

A successful CRIMP leads to:

• Ground Testing
• Vacuum Testing
• A happy team