Rapid Prototyping

Rapid Prototyping, or 3D printing as it is more commonly called, has barely begun to tap its full potential. SPC Mechanical Engineering student Azher Hamid demonstrated  one avenue for this developing technology in his research, “3D Printing Multi-Rotors/Drones.”

Azher is finishing the final course for his A.A. this summer, and while he would like to continue studying aerospace engineering, he doesn’t think the field is broad enough to support his particular long term career goals.

Project Sentinel

Azher has been working in the engineering field since before his freshman year in East Lake High School’s Engineering magnet program. While there, he became a member of the competitive FIRST robotics team, winning numerous team competitions throughout his high school experience. It was clear right away that engineering fascinated him. While studying engineering technology here at SPC, he became curious about the potential of 3D printing in robotics and the closely-related field of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Multi-Rotors/Drones). This curiosity led to Project Sentinel, which aimed to examine the potential for printing and assembling drones on demand.

Phase 1

The first step was to find the methods and solutions for successfully printing a lightweight frame.  Phase 1 yielded a successful quadcopter that was flyable and light enough for flight, but had several structural flaws at the joint of the armature that could not withstand rough landings. Azher had to re-engineer the rotor design.

Phase 2

The next step was to apply the lessons learned and improve the outcome. Azhers new design employed an epoxy coated rod in a hollow tube connected to the housing that held the propeller and motor. This engineering change improved the strength significantly; static tests showed the new design could support 40 lbs of steel.

Conclusion

Azhers findings reinforce the practicality of 3D printing drones as well as many other on demand resources. The potential the technology carries for applications in 21st century engineering, manufacturing, and building seems limited only by the creativity of the engineer. Learn more about the Engineering and Manufacturing program at St. Petersburg College.