Hacker of the Month, Matt Schmotzer, goes over the method and inspiration for the way he designs, 3D prints and assembles scale fashions of curler coasters.
Posted on January 19, 2018
by
Chris Morgan
Our February Hacker of the Month is Matt Schmotzer, who hails from Gross Pointe Park in Michigan. Matt at the moment works for Ford Motor Firm on turbocharged inline four-cylinder engines. Whereas his work sounds spectacular, it pales compared to his newest 3D printing passion construct; a fully-functioning, to-scale duplicate of the Invertigo curler coaster at Kings Island Amusement Park in Ohio.
Matt together with his superb 3D printed Invertigo mannequin
Matt was launched to 3D printing throughout his senior 12 months of undergraduate research when his crew was tasked with designing and 3D printing a toy with a restricted quantity of SLA resin. After that, he was hooked, and saved up sufficient cash in 2013 to buy his personal MakerBot Replicator 2. From then on, he has been printing virtually continuously, in addition to rising his printer farm to eight 3D printers!
To finish the Invertigo mission, he used the next printers for particular components:
LulzBot TAZ 5(x2), LulzBot TAZ 6 – Used to 3D print monitor segments
Flashforge Finder(x2) – Used to 3D print help construction & trains
MendleMax 1.5 – Used to 3D print help construction
SolidWorks rendering of the Invertigo mannequin
Relying on the mission, Matt will use something from PLA or ABS or PETG. As an engineer, he wanted a strong 3D modeling program, and has been utilizing SolidWorks 2018 to 3D design his fashions. For ending work, he goes primarily with sanding, sanding and extra sanding – the chemical compounds are typically a ache to take care of, however he does use an alcohol tub for Form2 components in SLA post-processing.
Observe sections post-paint able to be assembled
The explanation behind the fascination with 3D printing?
“I’ve all the time had an curiosity in curler coasters since I used to be younger. Again then I might make 3D fashions of coasters with balsa wooden and plastic tubing from Dwelling Depot. Sadly creating the fashions was extra of an artwork type reasonably than manufacturing a kinetic working coaster. As soon as I grew to become invested in 3D printing it was solely a matter of time earlier than I joined each of my pursuits collectively by 3D printing a mannequin curler coaster.”
He additionally enjoys 3D printing due to the way it evokes others, and to foster a neighborhood:
“…they’re constructed to encourage others. The working mannequin coaster demonstrates a few of the capabilities with design and additive manufacturing. They helped me perceive how issues come collectively. They’ve additionally created a community with others which might be within the know-how. I hope my work helps encourage others to problem their design abilities and encourage creativity. “
His recommendation for individuals simply beginning their journey into 3D printing?
“…can be to not fear about failed prints. I’ve had failed prints prior to now and perceive the frustration, however I might counsel to have an open thoughts when first studying what does and does not work. Additionally, on the identical word, be ready to take a position time in studying the machine you might be working with.”
The completed Invertigo mannequin in all its glory.
Whereas he loves creating and constructing initiatives and coasters now, he does stay up for what the way forward for 3D printing will convey:
- Cheaper printers with increased resolutions
- Supplies that may deal with excessive temperatures
- Interest-grade SLS (selective laser sintering) and powder metallic sintering
- CAD programs which might be free and straightforward to know
What’s subsequent for Matt? One other coaster! He’s at the moment engaged on a mannequin of the Millenium Power Coaster at Cedar Level amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio. Millenium Power is a metal coaster with a blistering high velocity of 93 miles per hour and a trip length of two full minutes! Matt has teased some pictures of the start phases of Millenium Power on his Instagram web page, and he additionally has one other coaster he’s engaged on that’s at the moment High Secret!
Early rendering of the Millenium Coaster
For anybody who’s fascinated about viewing the CAD recordsdata, or tackling this superb 3D construct, Matt has all of the recordsdata you want right here:
https://www.myminifactory.com/object/invertigo-scaled-model-roller-coaster-50617
You can too comply with Matt on Instagram at @print_my_ride.
Need to be our subsequent Hacker of the Month? E mail chris.morgan@matterhackers.com, and inform us about your 3D printed creation – you can be featured in our subsequent publication. Hacker of the Month wins 3 free spools of PRO Sequence PLA or ABS filament to additional their pursuit of 3D printing greatness.
