About Me
I'm a future graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, class of 2022, with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. I am passionate about finding creative solutions to engineering problems and projects. My over arching goal is to progress my career in both operations and mechanical design and electromechanical prototyping for consumer products, helping to develop more refined and effective results. For me, being an engineer does not stop after work or school. I am constantly finding new projects to undertake at home. Below are some of my favorite projects I have worked on.
My Latest Projects
Plastic Filament Recycling
There is no semi-affordable filament recycling machine to reuse 3D printed material. Most of the solutions are not made for personal use and are composed of multiple separate factory-oriented systems.
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My team and I developed a compact system to recycle waisted 3D prints and re-extrude them into printable filament in an affordable way to be used in schools, small businesses, and other personal use cases. Plastic parts are loaded into the basin and super heated. Using type J thermocouples we created a temperature control feedback loop to keep the basin at perfect melting conditions. Once plastic is extruded it is cooled and spooled.
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Brewing Rig
Using an Arduino and C++, I developed this hard cider monitoring system. A pressure sensor, alcohol sensors and temperature sensor sits inside of the jug. Through the duration of brewing, graphs
will be displayed with the real time readings from just below the air lock. This will ensure the ideal brewing conditions are kept throughout the process. An alert was displayed when the cider reached the desired alcohol content. Our taste testers gave our cider extremely high ratings!
Electric Guitar
Starting from two large blocks of hardwood, and a two part neck kit, I made a fully functional electric guitar. Using a bandsaw I formed the body shape and headstock, added frets to the neck, routed a back cavity for electronics, soldered all the electrical components and attached the hardware. I finished the guitar off with some dark stain and a glossy exterior.
Sadly, I do not know
Environmental and Sustainable Sanitation
I designed an earthworm-based vermicomposting toilet for the community in Akyem Dwenase, Ghana, limited to using 150ml of water per use. A rain capturing system was installed to reduce the stress on the already scarce water supply. My team fabricated a manual while partnered with the Global Sustainable Aid Project (GSAP) for the implementation of 6 toilets into the community. By working with government officials in Dwenase, our team found sponsors for the project and construction is finally underway! In two years, compost from the toilet can be harvested and used as fertilizer for the local farmers. Here's the presentation we made for the President of GSAP. Click to see my presentation and manual!
Sterling Engine
For ME1800, I used the machine shop to design and fabricate a sterling engine, powered by steal wool. Using Esprit I generate tool paths which I then loaded into Mini-mills and lathes. I was able to achieve extremely high tolerance using these CNC machines. The piston was held in place by the pressure differential from the gases inside the glass casing and the ambient air. Click the video below to see how it works.
how to play guitar and making this did not motivate me to learn how to do so.
cjwillis@wpi.edu | 774-296-4220
Car Frame
Created a model car frame from acrylic and PLA to withstand testing parameters. Frame had minimal deflection, withstood a sitting 10 pound load and a 5 pound load dropped from 3 feet. Frame had strict retirements for physical dimensions.
