S1E57 Designing High Precision Mechanisms in Laboratory Settings, Laziness and Automation | Daniel Kurnianto

Being an Engineer · 18 Dec 2020 · 54m · Episode 57

What this episode covers

Daniel Kurnianto, Product Manager and Senior Mechanical Design Engineer at Formula Tricks, discusses his F.A.S.T. (Flow Actual Seal Tips) liquid handling automation device, which uses positive displacement pipette tips for high-precision volume control in laboratory settings. He explains that designing these systems requires balancing mechanical precision, such as calculating torque for stepper motors and lead screws, with intuitive software UX to avoid requiring scientists to learn scripting. Kurnianto highlights the challenge of simulation discrepancies due to friction and compliance, advocating for rapid prototyping with 3D printing and physical measurement over pure finite element analysis. Additionally, he shares his personal venture, dkautomations.com, where he designs delta 3D printers with utility patents on motor control to improve print success rates and speed.

Mentioned

Companies
Formula Tricks
Products
F.A.S.T. Liquid Handling Automation Positive Displacement Pipette Tips, dkautomations.com
Tools
SolidWorks, Figma

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Embedded.fm · 57m

    444: It Is If You Do It Wrong

    Peter Griffin, a consultant at Slalom, discusses his journey into embedded systems and hardware design while building custom operant boxes and elevated zero mazes for his wife Gwen’s neuroscience lab. He details the mechanical engineering challenges of 3D printing, specifically dealing with tolerances and transitioning from Tinkercad to SolidWorks to ensure parts fit together reliably. Griffin also explains his strategy for making these devices accessible and reproducible through open-source designs and drop-shipping, while navigating the complexities of supply chain and manufacturing for non-standard components.

  • Lights Out · 45m

    How a Prototyping Shop is Shattering the Status Quo with Automation, Ep #3

    Brian Kippen, owner of KAD Models & Prototypes, explains how he automates a high-mix, low-volume prototyping shop by standardizing tooling and workholding rather than forcing rigid processes. He contrasts this goal-oriented approach with traditional process-oriented machining, arguing that automation amplifies chaos if the underlying process is flawed. Kippen also details his unique hiring philosophy, which prioritizes mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills over prior experience, and his initiative to teach high school manufacturing to address the industry's talent shortage.

  • IDology · 38m

    Industrial design prototyping vs simulations - IDology #21

    Piotr Dalewski and Mikołaj Wiewióra of Mindsailors discuss the strategic balance between physical prototyping and computer simulations in industrial design. They explain that while prototypes validate ergonomics, assembly, and tactile feedback, simulations like Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and ray tracing optimize mechanical stress and optical properties before tooling. The guests emphasize that both are necessary investments to mitigate risk, with the choice depending on project scale, cost, and the specific physical phenomena being tested.

  • Thoroughly Considered · 31m

    37: Goop Machine

    Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost of Studio Neat discuss the progress of their Mark One pen Kickstarter campaign, which has raised over $153,000 from 2,140 backers. They detail the complex manufacturing challenges of the pen, including achieving perfect finishes via PVD coating and managing tight tolerances for the click mechanism. The hosts also highlight their investment in a Form 2 SLA 3D printer to enable rapid, high-precision prototyping and jigs in-house, avoiding the delays of outsourcing.

  • The Robot Report Podcast · 1h 12m

    How Protolabs turns CAD files into parts in under 24 hours

    Marc Kermisch, CTO and AI Officer at Protolabs, explains how the company uses AI and simulation to turn CAD files into physical parts in under 24 hours across CNC machining, 3D printing, injection molding, and sheet metal. He details how ProDesk flags manufacturability issues like tight tolerances and ejector locations, while internal AI tools optimize print box placement and visual quality inspection. Kermisch also discusses the critical tradeoffs between prototyping and production, highlighting common design mistakes such as non-uniform wall thickness and missing draft angles that engineers must address before tooling.

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by Being an Engineer. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.