Hello everyone,
Students are having all sorts of fun and discovery with the CAD software and 3D printers in A-120. There is never a dull moment (nor a moment of peace for yours truly), but that is a good thing.
In the engineering department, our student Jonny is designing a new way for his model rocket to land. Instead of deploying a parachute, his system will open the rocket body like flower petals, then the rocket will (hopefully) slowly descend to the ground. His CAD skills and design are amazing!
In the Chemistry department, our very own Dusty Ball solved a problem with the sinks splashing water. These faucets have aerators installed to prevent algae from growing in its bent neck. These aerators introduce air into the water, resulting in serious splashing:
Dusty designed a sleeve that is inserted into the vinyl tubing that attaches to the spigot. This sleeve creates a vortex flow as the water passes through, disrupting the water from ejecting all in one direction:
When the sleeve is inserted and the water turned on full-tilt, it now flows gently into the sink, but still with full volume:
This device improves the water flow in 10 of our Chemistry Room sinks now!
Another new development is the arrival of our third 3D printer! Thanks to the Romich Foundation for the grant that paid for this. Welcome to our new MakerBot, the latest generation from the company:
This printer supports network and wireless printing, a built-in camera for monitoring prints from afar, a no-service-necessary gantry, and prints with PLA plastic. This allows very fine parts to be printed (and the prints smell like maple syrup, too!). We are all excited about this addition to our printer family.
In 3D printing news, see how 3D printing of stem cells combat complications of osteoarthritis:
http://www.gizmag.com/3d-printing-stem-cells-cartilage/31827
Stop-by A-120 to experience the excitement!
Tom