A Northeastern University student, Fernando Escobar, recently made significant contributions to the world of 3D printing during his co-op experience at COBOD International. Escobar, a mechanical engineering and history major, had the opportunity to work with some of the largest 3D printers ever created, which are set to revolutionize construction processes.
His journey began with his co-op at Vicarious Surgical Inc., where he witnessed the transformative impact of surgical robots on healthcare. This experience was followed by a stint at ACS Industries, where Escobar collaborated with a team to enhance hydrogen for energy storage. However, it was his time at COBOD that truly captured his interest and passion.
Throughout his internship, Escobar traveled across Europe and the Middle East, assisting clients in setting up their massive 3D printers. These printers, towering at 50 meters in length, 30 meters in width, and 15 meters in height, are akin in size to a Boeing 737 hangar. The scale and capabilities of these printers are unparalleled in the industry.
Working as a field engineering intern, Escobar faced the challenges of training, assembling, and calibrating these cutting-edge machines. He spent weeks in locations like Tenerife, where he helped set up the BOD2 printer for constructing residential buildings. The meticulous process involved not only technical setup but also material optimization.
One of the remarkable features of COBOD’s printers is their robotic gantry system, which can adapt to diverse customer needs and achieve printing speeds of up to 1,000 millimeters per second. Escobar’s background as a luxury car mechanic and his academic foundation, including courses like fluid mechanics, provided him with the necessary skills to excel in this role.
Escobar emphasized the importance of the theoretical knowledge gained through his academic coursework, which enabled him to understand the underlying physics and problem-solving frameworks essential for his work. While he may not be performing calculus daily, the conceptual understanding acquired at Northeastern University has been instrumental in his professional success.
His experience underscores the critical role that students and emerging professionals play in driving innovation and technological advancements in various industries. Escobar’s journey exemplifies the intersection of academic learning, practical experience, and real-world impact, highlighting the transformative potential of 3D printing technology.
As the field of 3D printing continues to evolve and expand, individuals like Fernando Escobar serve as catalysts for pushing the boundaries of what is possible in construction, manufacturing, and beyond. Their contributions not only shape the present landscape but also pave the way for future advancements and applications of this groundbreaking technology.
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