What
- Engineered a manual compression device that reduces the volume of aluminium drinks cans for recycling.
- Developed a reinforced C-frame with a threaded drive screw and a guided pressure plate that applies even downward force.
How
- Used a large-diameter adjustment knob to give high mechanical advantage during crushing.
- Added a stabilising guide rod and a recessed base to keep the plate aligned and contain the crushed can.
Results
- Delivered a compact manual device that significantly reduces waste volume with little effort.
- Produced a design able to withstand repeated high loads, suited to robust 3D printing or metal fabrication.
Tools and processes: Screw drive mechanism, mechanical advantage, 3D printing, metal fabrication