Rapid-Prototyping Ocean Critters

Bio-inspired small mechanisms built to demonstrate various rapid-prototyping techniques.

Cuddles the Anglerfish

Processes: Sheet metal fabrication, waterjet cutting, cam design

Team project, Olin College of Engineering (Mechanical Prototyping).

This demonstration piece shows the use of 2D fabrication to rapidly create 3D models. Cross sections from a Solidworks model were used to generate profiles for waterjet cutting, and the fish was assembled with minor bending and riveting. Interiorly, a servo motor drives cables and cams to animate three separate motions in the fins, tail, and jaw.

One-Print Hermit

Processes: 3-d Printing, Fibergrass

Team project, Olin College of Engineering (Mechanical Prototyping).

This demonstration piece shows the use of 3D printing to dramatically decrease prototyping time. The entire mechanism - including gears - was made in a single print, using support material later dissolved in a lye bath.