The MSE 397 course, taught by Prof. Scott Ramsay, held a Design Showcase for third-year students on Friday, April 4, in WB130.
The event gave students the opportunity to present the results of a semester of creativity, collaboration, and hands-on problem solving. Faculty, and fellow students visited the showcase to explore a wide range of prototypes that reflected the technical skill, imagination, and dedication of the third-year cohort.
This year’s projects included a handcrafted xylophone made from reclaimed purpleheart wood, with CNC-machined keys tuned by hand using simulation and experimental validation. The instrument also featured a cedar resonance box and custom cast silicone key rests.
Several teams worked on remote-controlled systems, including an RC car with a custom control app and full digital twin, using a combination of FDM-printed parts and SLA-printed gears and light lenses. Another project featured an RC truck with a custom-designed frame and belt drive system, fabricated using FDM printing.
Other projects included a snack-dispensing robot with a custom gear mechanism and load-sensing dispenser, using FDM printing and laser-cut acrylic components. An anti-vibration spoon was also developed, fully 3D printed in a single build with print-in-place joints, designed as a low-cost assistive device for people with hand tremors.
Photos: Prof. Scott Ramsay