12.7 Conclusion and Future Work
Overall, our project was a significant success. Our team worked diligently to ensure that each component met both our technical requirements and quality expectations. Although we did not fully achieve our goal of cutting cans quickly, the final mechanism demonstrated reliable functionality. It consistently produced clean cuts and was capable of rotating the can a full 360°, which exceeded initial expectations in terms of control and repeatability.
One of the most important areas identified for improvement involves reducing the deformation of the can during repeated cuts. In multiple test runs and during presentations, we observed that the structural integrity of the can deteriorated after several cuts, leading to either shallow incisions or incomplete piercings in subsequent rotations. To address this issue, future iterations should include a central support structure within the clamp to reinforce the interior of the can during cutting. This secondary surface would act as a resistance wall against which the blade could push, thereby improving cutting consistency and minimizing collapse.
Another potential enhancement involves adjusting the height at which the blade enters the can. Our current design pierces the can near the upper portion of its body, where deformation tends to be more pronounced. By repositioning the blade closer to the top seam, we hoped to reduce deformation; however, this approach introduced new challenges. Specifically, increased friction between the blade and the can during retraction resulted in the can being lifted slightly with each pass. We suspect this is due to the greater material thickness near the top of the can, which reduced cutting efficiency and increased the risk of binding. A possible solution would involve fine-tuning the blade’s depth of penetration to minimize unnecessary contact with the inner can wall while still achieving a full cut.
Additionally, while the current cutting speed must remain slow to ensure sufficient torque is maintained throughout the process, the retraction phase could be optimized for speed. Reducing the total contact time between the blade and the can may alleviate unwanted friction forces and improve throughput.
Another key area for improvement is adapting the system to accommodate cans of varying heights and diameters. Our current design was developed for a specific type of steel food can, limiting its versatility. Future iterations could incorporate an adjustable clamping mechanism and a modular cutting system to handle different can sizes without requiring extensive redesign. This could be achieved by using a variable-height cutting arm or an interchangeable guide system to reposition the blade based on the can’s dimensions. Additionally, incorporating quick-release or sliding adjustment features in the clamp would allow the system to secure cans of different diameters more effectively, making the device more practical for broader applications.
Aesthetic improvements are another area for future consideration. While not critical from a functional standpoint, refining the system’s visual design could improve clarity of presentation and perceived quality, particularly for future demonstrations or public-facing applications.
Lessons Learned and Tips for Future Teams
This project provided valuable insights into mechanical design, servo control, and real-world force limitations. One key lesson was the importance of iterative testing; each design change revealed new system constraints and highlighted the need for careful balancing of complexity, precision, and material strength. We also learned that cable management and power routing can significantly impact electromechanical systems, particularly in rotating components.
For future teams, we strongly recommend prototyping early, especially with temporary materials (such as plywood or 3D prints) before committing to final cuts. This allowed us to test fit, tolerance, and motion without excessive rework. Furthermore, consider designing with modularity in mind—components that are easily swapped or repositioned helped us troubleshoot and iterate more effectively.
Acknowledgments
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to those who supported our project. Special thanks to the ME350R teaching team—Dr. Meredith Symmank, Mila Wetz, and Connor Hennig—for their continuous feedback, encouragement, and invaluable guidance throughout the semester. Their input played a crucial role in helping us overcome technical challenges and refine our design.
We are also grateful to the Texas Inventionworks (TIW) and their staff, whose resources and support made this project possible. The access to equipment for laser cutting, 3D printing, and hands-on assembly was essential to our success.
Lastly, as Team 12—humorously named The Scrappy Dogs—we consider this project not only a technical accomplishment but also a meaningful learning experience. Designing and building a functioning mechanism that employs linkages to cut a steel can challenged us in unexpected ways and pushed our engineering skills forward. We hope that future teams find their projects equally rewarding and intellectually engaging.
