Libertad's Box cut in half with the 2D CAD version.

Design Challenge pt 2

In preparation for our two junior interns this summer, we tested their design challenge on ourselves. It was a rush, getting through all the steps of the design process; brainstorming, sketching, CAD, prototype iteration all in just one week to match Amrutha’s and Valeria’s short time with us. We originally gave the Pump Studios team the challenge of designing a 4” x 6” x 2” container, consisting of at least two parts, that could hold two tools. The requirements were set to help reduce printing size and accommodate a fast turnaround time. As we all got going, we found relaxing

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Amrutha and Valeria holding their 3D printed tool boxes.

Pump Studios’ Design Challenge

In May, Pump Studios took part in the Ann Richard’s, School For Young Women Leaders, junior internship week.  We had the opportunity to host two high school juniors and provide them with real-world work experiences in an educational context. Throughout their week with us, the two girls were tasked with creating a “toolbox” that held at least two tools and had two functioning parts. We defined tools loosely. The girls were asked to bring in “tools” they use in their daily life or hobbies that they would like to create a box around.  Below are Amrutha’s and Valeria’s experiences in making

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Screwdrivers on a peg board.

Tools: A Love Story

Let’s take a moment to give a shout-out to an important part of Pump’s team. No matter what needs to be done, they’re always in the shop (sometimes even working outside in the Texas heat), ready to go, and they never complain. A few of them have been around longer than anyone remembers, and will be for years to come. We’re talking about our tools, of course.  It’s no secret that engineers love tools. We love using the new ones, the old ones, the big ones, and the small ones. Some are passed down as family heirlooms, and some make

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Abhi Shah, Raiza Newberry-Quiroz, Moxie the robot and a serving cat robot in front of a CES board.

CES 2023

We recently had the opportunity to witness some of the most spectacular displays, experiences, and hottest products at CES 2023. Although we didn’t see anywhere close to everything, we found that our favorite exhibits used automation to solve human problems. Below are our top exciting things that you might have missed. ROBOTICS: RapidPlan by Realtime Robotics With automation and robotics becoming more present in working human environments, prioritizing safety and easy programming is a must. RapidPlan–motion planning software–utilizes click-and-point technology to program robotic arms while minimizing programming time and avoiding collisions. Traditionally, programming happens one robot at a time. With RapidPlan

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An illustration of four boxes labeled product on them are on a conveyor belt. Inside the conveyor belt as the gears are a symbol of time, a brain, a paper that says req (short for requirements), a diamond, and a money symbol.

The Continuous Refinement of Product Requirements

So, you have a great idea. The next thing you want to know is how long will it take and how much will it cost to bring it to life? Most clients who come through our doors at Pump Studios have these questions. The answers require factoring in many variables, but the first step is clearly understanding your requirements. From there, we will determine the complexity and identify what you need to develop your product. The graphic below shows some of the factors used in determining the time and cost for each product. Understand that these factors are unique for

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A red boarded birthday cake that reads "Happy Birthday Pump" There is a 1 and 5 candle lit up on the cake and a gray 3D printed gasoline pump in front of the cake.

Proudly Celebrating 15 Years!

Like many of our projects, Pump Studios started as an idea—to create a company that was innovative, flexible, and ever-changing for the needs of our clients. A design firm specializing in mechanical engineering with the stability and insight to adapt to our changing environment and the evolving technology of a demanding market. We are proud that over the last 15 years we have stayed true to our vision and enabled our clients to realize their goals through our commitment to a collaborative process that harnesses the latest technology and engineering advancements. The Beginning Pump Studios was founded in 2007 by Brad Collins, Peter

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