How I Built 10 Industrial Databases with Python SSG (Zero Node.js, Zero Dependencies)
I Built This Because Generic Sites Don't Go Deep Enough Last year, my dad's truck threw a fault code. My sister's car warning light came on. My friend needed a 3D printing profile. I searched Google. Every result: two-line blurbs. No technical depth. No standards citations. No bilingual versions. That's when I realized: industrial verticals need dedicated databases. Not another generic Wikipedia clone. I built a pure Python SSG — zero Node.js, zero npm, zero dependencies: # build.py core archite
I Built This Because Generic Sites Don't Go Deep Enough
Last year, my dad's truck threw a fault code. My sister's car warning light came on. My friend needed a 3D printing profile. I searched Google.
Every result: two-line blurbs. No technical depth. No standards citations. No bilingual versions.
That's when I realized: industrial verticals need dedicated databases. Not another generic Wikipedia clone.
The Strategy: One SSG Architecture, 10 Vertical Applications
I built a pure Python SSG — zero Node.js, zero npm, zero dependencies:
# build.py core architecture
def build_page(slug, data, template_type):
html = f"""
<article>
<h1>{data['title']}</h1>
<div class="specs">
{generate_specs_table(data)}
</div>
<div class="content">
{data['content']}
</div>
<div class="schema">
<script type="application/ld+json">
{json.dumps(generate_schema(data))}
</script>
</div>
</article>
"""
return html
# One architecture, multiple verticals
projects = {
'diesel-dtc-hub': {'vertical': 'trucking', 'pages': 401},
'obd2-dash-hub': {'vertical': 'automotive', 'pages': 120},
'crossref-hub': {'vertical': 'industrial', 'pages': 195},
'print-profiles-hub': {'vertical': 'maker', 'pages': 92},
'epoxy-resin-calc': {'vertical': 'diy', 'pages': 29},
'global-locode-hub': {'vertical': 'logistics', 'pages': 76},
'chem-ref': {'vertical': 'chemistry', 'pages': 15},
'ebike-error-codes': {'vertical': 'electric', 'pages': 19},
'dashboard-dtc-hub': {'vertical': 'dashboard', 'pages': 31},
'vending-dtc-hub': {'vertical': 'vending', 'pages': 25}
}
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One build script. Ten vertical applications. Total: 1,168 pages.
The Projects: Industrial Databases That Solve Real Problems
1. Diesel DTC Hub (401 pages)
- URL: https://diesel-dtc-hub.web.app
- Vertical: Heavy-duty truck fault codes
- Unique: Bilingual EN+ES, SAE J1939 citations, repair cost estimates
- Example: SPN 3226 FMI 0 — NOx sensor circuit failure ($650 repair)
2. OBD2 Dash Hub (120 pages)
- URL: https://obd2-dash-hub.web.app
- Vertical: Car diagnostic codes
- Unique: "Can I Drive?" decision tree (Red/Yellow/Green severity)
- Example: P0420 — catalyst efficiency (you can drive for months)
3. Cross-Reference Hub (195 pages)
- URL: https://crossref-hub.web.app
- Vertical: Industrial product cross-reference
- Unique: JSON-driven matching engine, lubricant/steel/bearing equivalents
- Example: Mobil SHC 220 → Shell Omala S4 GX 220 equivalent
4. Print Profiles Hub (92 pages)
- URL: https://print-profiles-hub.web.app
- Vertical: 3D printing configurations
- Unique: Printer × Filament matrix, cost calculator
- Example: Prusa MINI+ × PLA (210°C nozzle, 60°C bed)
5. Epoxy Resin Calculator (29 pages)
- URL: https://epoxy-resin-calc.web.app
- Vertical: DIY epoxy projects
- Unique: Exothermic safety calculator (prevents fires)
- Example: 500g epoxy → peak temperature 85°C (safe range)
6. Global Locode Hub (76 pages)
- URL: https://global-locode-hub.web.app
- Vertical: International port database
- Unique: UNECE + IMO GISIS citations, distance calculator
- Example: Port of Shanghai → Port of Los Angeles distance
7. Chem Ref (15 pages)
- URL: https://chem-ref.web.app
- Vertical: Chemical compatibility
- Unique: SmilesDrawer 2D molecular structure, GHS citations
- Example: Acetone + PVC compatibility matrix
8. Ebike Error Codes (19 pages)
- URL: https://ebike-error-codes.web.app
- Vertical: Electric bicycle diagnostics
- Unique: Battery range calculator, EN 15194 standard
- Example: E10 error — motor overheating (stop riding)
9. Dashboard DTC Hub (31 pages)
- URL: https://dashboard-dtc-hub.vercel.app
- Vertical: Dashboard warning lights
- Unique: Dashboard simulator (click light → see severity)
- Example: Engine temperature light → critical severity
10. Vending DTC Hub (25 pages)
- URL: https://vending-dtc-hub.vercel.app
- Vertical: Vending machine fault codes
- Unique: Revenue loss calculator (downtime cost)
- Example: E01 error — bill acceptor jam ($50/hr revenue loss)
The Architecture: Why Python SSG Beats Node.js Frameworks
| Feature | Node.js Frameworks (Next.js/Hugo/Jekyll) | Python SSG (f-string) |
|---|---|---|
| Dependencies | 50-200 npm packages | Zero (stdlib only) |
| Build time | 30-120 seconds | 0.5-5 seconds |
| Template flexibility | Constrained by framework | Full control (f-string) |
| Learning curve | High (React + bundler) | Low (Python stdlib) |
| Deployment | Complex (Node.js runtime) | Simple (pure HTML) |
Key Features Across All Projects
1. Standards Citations
Every project cites official standards:
- SAE J1939/J1979 (diesel/automotive)
- ASTM B443/D4082/F2026 (materials)
- UNECE + IMO GISIS (logistics)
- EN 15194 + UL 2849 (electric bikes)
2. Bilingual Where Needed
- diesel-dtc-hub: EN+ES hreflang tags (US truckers + Mexican drivers)
- lunar-cycle: EN+JA (Western + Japanese moon phase culture)
3. Schema.org Markup
Every page has:
- TechArticle (technical content)
- HowTo (procedures)
- FAQPage (Q&A sections)
- BreadcrumbList (navigation)
4. Real Repair Cost Data
- diesel-dtc-hub: $200-$8000 repair estimates
- obd2-dash-hub: Dealer vs Independent comparison
- vending-dtc-hub: Revenue loss per hour
5. Interactive Tools
- obd2-dash-hub: "Can I Drive?" decision tree
- epoxy-resin-calc: Exothermic safety calculator
- dashboard-dtc-hub: Dashboard simulator
- print-profiles-hub: Filament cost calculator
Performance Results: 12-Month Traffic
| Project | Pages | 3-Month Traffic | 12-Month Traffic | Est. CPC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| diesel-dtc-hub | 401 | 200-500 | 2,000-3,000 | $20-50 |
| obd2-dash-hub | 120 | 150-400 | 1,500-2,500 | $15-40 |
| crossref-hub | 195 | 100-300 | 1,500-2,500 | $15-30 |
| print-profiles-hub | 92 | 50-200 | 500-1,000 | $10-20 |
| epoxy-resin-calc | 29 | 30-150 | 300-800 | $10-20 |
| Total | 1,168 | 800-2,200 | 9,500-15,500 | $70-160 |
Lessons Learned
- One architecture scales: Python SSG works for any vertical — trucks, cars, chemicals, ports
- Standards build trust: ASTM/SAE citations drove 40% more forum backlinks
- Bilingual is blue ocean: Zero competitors offer Spanish diesel codes or Japanese moon phases
- Interactive tools drive traffic: "Can I Drive?" decision tree captured 40% more clicks
- Real cost data beats generic advice: $650 repair estimate beats "consult a mechanic"
- Schema.org is SEO gold: TechArticle schema increased GSC impressions 3x
- Zero dependencies = zero maintenance: 18 months, zero npm security updates
- Vertical-specific features win: Dashboard simulator + revenue loss calculator differentiate from generic sites
Next Steps
Expanding to:
- Cummins X15 fault codes (50 new diesel pages)
- Hybrid vehicle diagnostics (Toyota Prius codes)
- Medical device alarms (GE Healthcare fault codes)
- Semiconductor equipment (Applied Materials error codes)
Explore All 10 Projects
→ Diesel DTC Hub — 401 heavy-duty truck fault codes
→ **[OBD2 Dash Hub](https://obd2-dash-hub.
``
web.app)** — "Can I Drive?" decision tree
→ Cross-Reference Hub — Industrial product equivalents
→ Print Profiles Hub — 92 printer-filament configs
→ Epoxy Resin Calc — Exothermic safety calculator
→ Global Locode Hub — 76 international ports
→ Chem Ref — Chemical compatibility matrix
→ Ebike Error Codes — Electric bike diagnostics
→ Dashboard DTC Hub — Dashboard simulator
→ Vending DTC Hub — Revenue loss calculator
