We love the way friction gives us traction on the road, good brakes, and allows us to walk without looking like a newborn Bambi, but there are also things we can’t stand about it—engines seizing up, stuck bolts, and old grandfather clocks never chiming again. We absolutely need friction, and sometimes we absolutely need less
-> Continue reading Let It Slide: Self-Lubrication in Mechanical Assemblies

Designing and building robots and other mechatronic designs has been simplified by the continued evolution of 3D printing technology, but it’s not without its challenges. 3D printed parts aren’t quite the same as their more expensive machined and molded cousins, and we need to take into account the tolerances, surface finishes, and other limitations of manufacturing. But it’s well worth it:
-> Continue reading Mechatronica: 3D Printing Gears and Robots

I love the invention and design development process. I love seeing the concepts come together, love working through iterations of prototypes and finally (finally!) getting a design just right, fulfilling all the technical and aesthetic requirements. But do you know what’s even better? Seeing your designs in full-scale manufacture. Unfortunately, once your design is beautiful
-> Continue reading Scaling Up: From 3D Printed Prototypes to Injection Mold-Ready Designs