Meet Todd Borrel, a person who had an concept for his online game controller and realized the way 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 sport on his Xbox when the issue began to come up. His thumbs saved slipping on the joystick controllers inflicting his sport efficiency to endure. After a number of torturous video games, Borrel determined sufficient was sufficient – he was going to create one thing to unravel his drawback.
He started to think about what his resolution may very well be and the simplest, most price efficient technique to produce it. Borrel began sketching grips on paper that might substitute his present analog sticks on his Xbox controller. He determined to name them Groove Grips. As soon as he had a strong 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 the corporate so as to be taught 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 very best 3D printer that might print his Groove Grips and match his finances. He referred to 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 commenced his journey in 3D printing.
Borrel started printing his unique design with the plan to simply 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 increase 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 need to give everybody the precision they’re searching for it doesn’t matter what analog stick they could be utilizing. Whether or not it’s for medical doctors 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 technique 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 searching for!” 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 could be executed 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 ideal instance in terms of diving proper into 3D printing – when you have an concept, now you’ll be able to see that it solely takes a couple of steps to show your concept into one thing which you can bodily maintain and use.
For extra info on Groove Grips you’ll be able to go to www.groovegrips.com or try Borrel’s candy video.
Do you assume you will have what it takes to be our subsequent Hacker of the Month? Merely observe us on Fb/Twitter or e-mail [email protected]. Inform us about your mission or 3D printed creation, and you could possibly be featured in our subsequent publication. The Hacker of the Month may even win a free spool of PRO Collection PLA or ABS filament to additional their pursuit of 3D printing greatness.
