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Tool

2019, IPD501
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Tool was a short project that entailed the design and fabrication of a machine shop tool. I chose to make an automatic center punch. ​It is a hand held tool that stores energy in the form of a spring, eventually releasing it as an impulse, to create a dimple. 

This involved reverse engineering the mechanism with stainless steel innards and an aluminum shell, creating detailed engineering drawings for each component, with tight tolerances using GD&T standards and machining each component using manual lathes. Knurling as a surface finish was explored. The tool works on aluminum and softer materials like wood and has a removable tip that can be replaced independently if worn. Additionally, it is repeatable and does not need to be reset between punches. 

© 2020 Made by Malini Rao 

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