Engineering Talents: How 3Dfindit empowered "Dysfunction" to dominate the arena
Engineering innovation often begins with a vision - a dream to create something exceptional. For a team of talented young engineers at the University of Cincinnati, that dream took the form of a 3-pound combat robot aptly named Dysfunction. Armed with a titanium blade spinning at nearly 300 miles per hour, Dysfunction is a true testament to the power of precision engineering. And behind its success lies a powerful enabler: 3Dfindit.
The Birth of a Battle-Ready Beast
Combat robotics is a thrilling combination of design ingenuity, technical prowess, and a dash of daring. Benjamin Haas, Caria Thacker and Sedona Head, these engineers behind Dysfunction knew that creating a robot capable of both astonishing speed and destructive power required more than just ambition. It demanded precision and access to high-quality components.
At the heart of Dysfunction’s weapon system is a custom titanium shaft paired with high-resolution needle bearings. This setup was crucial to maintaining the dimensional accuracy needed to prevent excess friction and heat during operation. Yet, even with their expertise, sourcing the perfect components and models was challenging - until they turned to 3Dfindit.
How 3Dfindit Became a Game-Changer
3Dfindit provides engineers access to millions of CAD models across countless industries. For the Dysfunction team, it proved invaluable. When a critical component, the elusive BadAss 2814 motor model, was nowhere to be found on manufacturer websites, a single search on 3Dfindit delivered the solution.
In addition to locating the motor model, 3Dfindit also provided high-resolution models for the needle bearings and other components essential to the robot’s functionality. This seamless integration of precisely detailed CAD files saved the team time and ensured the quality of their design. That meant they could focus on fine-tuning their creation and transforming their concept into a combat robot that dominated competitions across the Midwest.
Empowering the Engineers of Tomorrow
At CADENAS, we are passionate about fostering innovation. 3Dfindit is more than just a CAD library and a visual search engine. It is a platform designed to inspire and enable engineers to turn their creative visions into tangible results. Whether it’s students building combat robots, professional engineers designing machinery, or innovators developing cutting-edge technologies, 3Dfindit streamlines the design process and elevates engineering outcomes.
Supporting young talent, like the student team behind Dysfunction, is at the core of our mission. By providing access to the tools this young talent needs, we empower the next generation of engineers to push boundaries and achieve greatness.
Benjamin Haas is thankful for our partnership: „The University of Cincinnati Combat Robotics Club wants to give a special thanks to CADENAS and 3Dfindit for their constant support of our program! They are a large part of what makes our program possible!"
From Robot Arenas to Real-World Impact
While Dysfunction’s triumphs in the combat robotics arena are impressive, they’re just the beginning. The same principles that drive a successful robot - precision, efficiency, and innovation - apply to countless other fields of engineering. 3Dfindit continues to play a vital role in turning these ambitious projects from Universities and other institutions into success stories.
Benjamin, Caria, and Sedona, we say well done! Your hard work, skill, and creativity are inspiring. To the engineers and dreamers reading this, consider this an invitation. Whether you’re designing the next great combat robot or tackling the challenges of tomorrow’s technology, CADENAS and 3Dfindit are here to help you succeed. Together, we can build the future.
