NAME: Shu Amano

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

WHAT IS YOUR POSITION AT CREATIVE MECHANISMS, AND HOW DO YOU CONTRIBUTE IN THAT ROLE?

I am a model maker that specializes in CNC machining of polypropylene living hinge models. I have many roles including concept generation, 3D modeling, and the machining of different plastic models. In recent years, I have been tasked with technical support, helping my coworkers achieve deadlines and project requirements with an extra hand.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO BE IN THIS FIELD?

I have always loved the challenge of creating innovative products. Handcrafting models and proof of concepts takes knowledge, time, and experience to correctly produce accurately and quickly. That challenge of making complex models makes my job fun and interesting every day.

EXPLAIN THE CREATIVE MECHANISMS PROCESS; HOW DO YOU BRING AN IDEA FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY?

After a concept has been made within a 3D Solidworks environment, it is time to start the creation of each part (read here for Solidworks tips from the pros!). We utilize a combination of subtractive and additive manufacturing techniques to build our models. This can range within things like turning a cylinder stock plastic on the lathe, 3D printing complex geometries, and the CNC machining of casting molds. The primary path we always takes into consideration is teamwork, trial + error, and communication with our clients.

TELL US ABOUT ONE OF YOUR MOST SATISFYING PROJECTS THUS FAR:

Every job is satisfying! However, I do enjoy jobs that are so-called “Blue Sky” types of jobs. These refer to projects that allow us the most amount of freedom to design and create a specific mechanism or part that accomplishes the client’s needs. That freedom really allows me to be creative in how I design the solution to the original problem the client wants solved.

WHY SHOULD COMPANIES & ENTREPRENEURS CONSIDER CREATIVE MECHANISMS?

We meticulously handcraft every model that we make, ensuring everything is perfectly machined and finished properly. We have a high standard set for the prototypes and mechanisms that we make and we always strive to ensure our clients are satisfied with the final product.

Click here to learn more about Accelerating the Product Development Process 

Do you have a project that requires a design and engineering team? Consider Creative Mechanisms

We've put together a team with depth and breadth across many industries to help design and engineer solutions to complex problems. Our team has extensive experience with plastics, and we are skilled at defect prevention for injection mold manufacturing. Here are some quotes from previous clients about working with the Creative Mechanisms team:

• "After thinking there was no way to develop and prototype living hinges, Creative Mechanisms were recommended to me. I quickly learned they offer a rare and sought after service, ideal for any early stage prototyping through to production level injection molding. They were hands down the best external contractor I can recall working with." Carla Zampaglione, Invetech
• "Creative Mechanisms is the type of company that is hard to find. I’m glad I found them. They provided what they promised on a short notice, tight timeline, and with amazing precision. They exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend them - without a doubt." Hassan Mohamed, Edgewell

You can read more about our previous work here, or feel free to reach out directly - we'd love to hear from you about your project! You can also enroll in one of our three courses by clicking the picture below!