To quickly iterate and reduce costs, I used 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC machining for prototyping key systems:

• Laser Cutting: Replaced 6061-T6 aluminum and polycarbonate with plywood and acrylic for functional prototypes.
  
  

• CNC Machining: Used for high-precision parts requiring tight tolerances.
  
  

• Prototypes: Developed and tested two shooter prototypes, a trap mechanism, and a conveyor system, refining design through rapid iterations.
  
  

• Full Prototype Robot: Built a complete test robot to give the programming team a physical model for early code testing.
  
  

This approach helped accelerate design validation and ensured better collaboration between mechanical and programming teams.

• Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) with 100+ hours designing major subsystems: chassis, shooter, trap mechanism, and conveyor.

• Built and managed 1000+ part assemblies, ensuring full constraints and mechanical integrity.

• Designed with tight tolerances for CNC machining, focusing on precision fits for high-load components.

• Emphasized modular design to allow fast swapping and independent development of subsystems during testing and competition.

• Started with concept sketches and developed models based on field dimensions and scoring objectives.

• Applied DFM principles, optimizing parts for laser cutting, CNC, and 3D printing with minimal rework.

• Simulated mass, center of gravity, and mechanism motion using accurate material properties and visual settings.

• Integrated detailed electronics layout directly into CAD to ensure accessibility and clean cable routing.

• Used SCM-Manager for CAD version control, enabling organized collaboration and tracking design iterations.

• Designs directly contributed to the final robots shown in competition and testing footage.