Meet Todd Borrel, a person who had an thought for his online game controller and discovered easy methods to create it with 3D printing in a matter of months.
Posted on December 18, 2015
by
Erica Derrico
All of it started when Todd Borrel was enjoying a soccer recreation on his Xbox when the issue began to come up. His thumbs stored slipping on the joystick controllers inflicting his recreation efficiency to undergo. After a number of torturous video games, Borrel determined sufficient was sufficient – he was going to create one thing to unravel his downside.
He started to consider what his answer might be and the best, most price efficient strategy to produce it. Borrel began sketching grips on paper that would change his present analog sticks on his Xbox controller. He determined to name them Groove Grips. As soon as he had a stable design for his Groove Grips, it was time to look into manufacturing.
A number of choices have been explored, together with casting and molding, however all of these choices have been both very costly or time intensive. Then, Borrel found the magic of 3D printing, one thing that was far more price and time efficient. He simply wanted to show his sketch right into a 3D file.
Losing no time in any respect, Borrel bought SolidWorks, a preferred CAD design software program. Being an absolute newbie, he determined to buy courses by means of the corporate with a view to study what he wanted to as quick as he might. Fairly quickly he had a 3D mannequin of his unique sketch. With the 3D design in hand, all he wanted subsequent was a printer.
3D Mannequin for Groove Grips
Borrel was on the hunt for the perfect 3D printer that would print his Groove Grips and match his price range. He known as MatterHackers and spoke with a specialist who gave him a number of totally different choices to select from. Borrel ended up deciding on the LulzBot TAZ 5 and started his journey in 3D printing.
Borrel started printing his unique design with the plan to only print all of his prototypes. However, when he noticed the standard the TAZ 5 might ship, he realized that he might truly use 3D printing to supply his product.
A few of Borrel’s first prototypes
Groove Grips Slide Over Thumb Pads
After getting profitable prints from his unique mannequin, Borrel determined to develop to different designs for various controllers. For instance, RC truck controllers can now be up to date with Groove Grips.
RC Grips
RC Grips in use
“I wish to give everybody the precision they’re in search of it doesn’t matter what analog stick they might be utilizing. Whether or not it’s for docs or those that function heavy equipment, Groove Grips may give them higher outcomes,” mentioned Borrel.
The opposite focus Borrel has been engaged on is publish manufacturing of the printed Groove Grips. Utilizing MatterHackers PLA, Borrel took a while to discover a strategy to give the Groove Grips a shiny end. After a lot trial and error, he has discovered his solution- Plasti Dip.
“The Plasti Dip provides me simply the end I’m in search of!” mentioned Borrel.
To excellent his Groove Grips, Borrel has even been engaged on a design for manufacturing line meeting – one thing he hopes to get printed very quickly.
Borrel proves that making a product may be carried out simply when utilizing 3D printing, and, to not point out – inexpensive. Even with the acquisition of SolidWorks, a 3D printer and supplies, Borrel nonetheless saved fairly a bit.
“I’ve saved about $100,000 – $150,000 simply by utilizing a 3D printer,” Borrel defined.
Not solely did Borrel save time and cash, however he has a brand new ability to indicate for it – one he picked up in a short time. Borrel is actually an excellent instance in the case of diving proper into 3D printing – in case you have an thought, now you possibly can see that it solely takes just a few steps to show your thought into one thing that you could bodily maintain and use.
For extra data on Groove Grips you possibly can go to www.groovegrips.com or take a look at Borrel’s candy video.
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