01 / 08 · Builds
Mini Hyperloop
A 3D-printed maglev train kit for under $10
- Year
- 2024–2026
- Materials
- PLA, neodymium magnets, copper
- Tools
- Fusion 360, 3D printing, laser cutting
- Outcome
- 62% speed gain
I designed the first 3D-printed maglev kit that costs under $10 to build, to model friction reduction in high-speed train networks. I ran seven experiments to find the geometry that best optimised speed, testing tilt, side-magnet placement and track alignment, and analysed position frame by frame to derive velocity and acceleration curves.
The final configuration achieved a 62% speed gain through maglev optimisation. I've taught the build to 7,700 students, including 4,200 in rural India and 3,500 girls, and the kit has been replicated in more than 60 schools through Learnovate and STEAM IIT. The work has been recognised by UNSW Engineering and TUM Hyperloop.
It won a CREST Gold Award, placing in the top 1% globally through the University of Cambridge, and took first place in Engineering: Statics & Dynamics at AUSSEF as a National Finalist.
Process
Design
Fabricate
Test
Iterate
