3D4E at UCLA

If you combine 3D printing, a love for music, a desire to help people, and a little bit of creativity, this is the project that results. We are designing and printing multiple different instruments with the intention of donating these to causes in which they can make the largest positive impact, like homeless shelters and orphanages. The instruments will include various ukuleles, drums, recorders, and whatever else our imagination leads to.

Inspired by e-Nabling the Future’s Raptor Reloaded prosthetic, the tendon-driven Spock is a 3D printed prosthetic hand that enables users missing a hand to grasp, dribble, and shoot a basketball. While the base design of the hand depends on wrist motion, the Spock can also be modified to assist those without a wrist. Deemed “The Spock” for its similar appearance to the signature Vulcan greeting gesture, this prosthetic hand allowed our young recipient to make 17 hoops within an hour of practice.

Members who are new to CAD can get up to speed by designing their own chess pieces. Pieces are as simple or complex as desired, and project participants are free to design pieces in the standard style or be as creative as they like. In addition to the individual designs, members can attend short lessons where we tackle one Fusion 360 feature at a time.

3D printing potentially plays a large role in renewable energy structures. During fall quarter of the 2016-17 year, 3D4E will be taking on the task of developing a modular wind turbine iPhone charger, engaging individuals interested in electronics, design, and aerospace. The idea of the turbine is to allow one to assemble and disassemble it freely while generating electricity without the need of an outlet. In the winter, the team will dive into the creation of larger renewable energy devices, particularly looking into vertical axis wind turbines with a possible implementation of solar panels.