Industrial - Bachelors
The Plasma Path Pro is a simple, intuitive and innovative tool that combines functionality and ease of use to help bridge the gap between advanced technology and practical applications for hobbyists within the vehicle restoration and customisation industry. The tool incorporates plasma cutting technology to level out the learning curve required to operate and produce complex shapes.
Specialised technology such as CNC Machining, 3D Modelling & Printing and Laser Cutting are just some technologies which offer unprecedented advancements and capabilities within this industry. these extremely beneficial technologies have widened the gap between professional restorers and hobbyists. This has resulted in high-quality restoration becoming almost inaccessible due to the reliance on expensive and specialised equipment.
It was determined that the best incision point to hopefully provide the most impactful design solution, was within the “High-Quality Service and Tools” and “Fabrication Procedures and services stages of this industry as a system.
“I wouldn’t know where to begin, modelling it or making it…I have to get other peoples’ help…”
Interviewee no. 2
What the study did reveal however was a critical need for more affordable, versatile tools that can achieve results comparable to costly equipment and technology. It also outlined a noticeable consideration for the learning curve associated with the practices within this industry. Many responders expressed their frustration of their dependence on such machinery that is so inaccessible, which ultimately required a compromise at some stage of the design process.
It was understood that, within this opportunity area, firstly there was a strict need to bridge this learning gap, to NOT limit those new to the pursuit, those still developing their skills. Secondly, more affordable options and finally, unrestricted design intent.
Early conceptual works considered this research findings and attempted to simplify the capabilities of expensive, inaccessible technology based on the underpinning tech utilised and attempted to streamline processes and fabrication methods through developing possible tools.
Using existing hand tool technology such as plasma cutters, a lead ruler design and this purely mechanical tool, users can achieve results similar to laser cutting, or at least get them a lot closer than before in cutting out complex shapes from sheet metal.
The hand rest and malleable ruler connection provides flexible and guided design solutions.
This design attempted to focus on technology that people do have or can obtain for a considerable price such as plasma cutters and welders. However, although people may be more likely to have access to such machinery, they may still be limited by their skills and ability to apply their design vision.
This product design aimed to enable unskilled hobbyists and enthusiasts to produce more complex parts and designs, typically produced using expensive laser cutting and welding services.
The key features of this design include it’s durable main form that will see it through the many hardships that it will be subject to within the workshop environment.
Polycarbonate materials were selected for their heat resistive capabilities, ensuring also that is will survive the drops and bumps that are likely to result along the way.
The ergonomic hand rest enables compatibility for all users and for various hand rest configurations. These hand rests are also very easily interchangeable, which opens doorways for further design configurations.
Perhaps one of the biggest features of this design that the video cannot convey is the sole reliance on mechanical design methods and functionality, which will ensure convenient, and hassle free use every time.
The carbon steel bearings and spring supported repressive features enable smooth guiding motions for the entire design along the support lead ruler that will guide the overall motion of the product.
Another key feature for this design is its extremely simplistic assembly form. The design is broken into largely four main forms. The hand rest, the joining body and the two bearing housings as indicated.
The hand rest and joining body have no internal components aside from easily removable and replaceable bearings and springs.
The bearing housing bodies are responsible for bulk of the functional performance of this design and as such are made to be opened if necessary for self-driven maintenance. Both bodies are held together with a repressed singular screw, ensuring simplistic, self-explanatory works.
Sam is a mechanical engineering and industrial design student with a practical approach to problem-solving and a commitment to sustainable innovation. With a focus on renewable energy and sustainable fabrication, Sam's work is driven by real-world applications and the desire to make design tools accessible to everyone. Inspired by first hand experiences with limited resources, Sam’s current project aims to bridge these gaps, empowering others to create without constraint. A passionate restorer of vintage vehicles, Sam sees this as both a personal pursuit and a long-term goal, merging creativity, technical skill, and sustainability.