Jenny Ji Hyun Kim

Mechanical Design

Automated 3D Printing System

[2019 – 2020]

Mosaic Manufacturing

Toronto, Canada

During my time as a Mechanical Engineer at Mosaic Manufacturing, we created Array and Element. Array is our innovative solution designed to enhance the 3D printing process by significantly increasing print throughput. This product addresses the intensive demands placed on technicians, such as setting up new print beds, initiating new print jobs, removing completed parts, and preparing the printer for subsequent tasks. During its development, we recognized the necessity for a more advanced 3D printer. Thus, we introduced Element, our own creation featuring a larger print volume, multi-material printing capabilities, and the ability to handle high-temperature printing conditions.

CONTRIBUTIONS

I took the lead in mechanical design for this project from its inception. My role involved refining product design requirements and designing mechanisms and prototypes using SolidWorks. I maintained direct communication with our contract manufacturer in China, ensuring cost-efficient strategies in part design, manufacturing methods, and the procurement of off-the-shelf components. I personally assembled our initial prototype in-house, conducting tests to finalize the selection of components and design of parts. Additionally, I collaborated closely with the firmware and electrical engineering teams to ensure smooth operation of the system.

MOTIVATION

In this project, my motivation was fueled by the ambition to develop the next generation of 3D printing systems, with a keen focus on introducing mass-customization directly onto the factory floor. The concept of enabling manufacturers, such as shoe suppliers, to produce custom-fitted products was particularly inspiring. For example, by integrating Array with a custom 3D scan of a customer’s foot, it becomes possible to create shoes tailored for optimal comfort, ergonomics, and performance. Additionally, this technology holds significant potential in healthcare, such as in the crafting of custom-designed prosthetics and orthotics, tailored to an individual’s unique biomechanics and design preferences.

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