College
College of Engineering and Polymer Science
Date of Last Revision
2023-05-05 06:33:32
Major
Electrical Engineering
Honors Course
4400:309,401,402
Number of Credits
7
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2022
Abstract
In the realm of rapid, small-scale prototyping, there are a few main factors that drive decisions to invest resources in technology to make that prototyping possible. Cost and ease of use are two of the most influential when looking at most SMEs (Small to Medium-sized Enterprises). The U.S. Small Business Administration defines an SME as smaller than 1,250 employees. According to An Assessment of Implementation of Entry-Level 3D Printers from the Perspective of Small Businesses, 59% of small manufacturers had implemented 3D printers as of 2014. However, no matter what technology is used in rapid prototyping, there are common limitations and complications that arise. For 3D printing, whether because of material or structural limitations, objects cannot always meet the requirements set forth by the operator. For injection molding, the creation of metal molds/dies can be expensive and time consuming, or even unattainable for some businesses. There is a need for technology that could perhaps fill in the gaps of these processes as it pertains to small scale production/prototyping.
Research Sponsor
Gregory Lewis
First Reader
Robert Veillette
Second Reader
James Grover
Honors Faculty Advisor
James Grover
Recommended Citation
Paolucci, Lee; Everhart, Luke; Leap, Brandon; and Lorey, Karson, "Design Project: 3D Printer/Injection Molder Hybrid" (2022). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1538.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1538
Included in
Digital Circuits Commons, Hardware Systems Commons, Other Computer Engineering Commons, Polymer Science Commons, Signal Processing Commons