Student creates CUDA; a 3D printed jetpack

There is no better way to enjoy the summer than under water, this is what Archie O’Brien, a 21 year old student at the University of Loughborough in the United Kingdom, thought. He has developed a 3D printed jetpack with the help of the 3D Hubs company. There will be no reason not to enjoy swimming in pools or the sea without speed. “I want this to be something so cool that you’re wearing it when you’re not even using it,” O’Brien told the website Digital “You feel like James Bond.”

During months of work and research, he was finally able to present his latest university project, in which he had the collaboration of one of the largest 3D printing networks, winning the 3D Hubs Student Grant 2018, for his CUDA jetpack (water propeller printed in 3D), which is expected to be for sale shortly with a price of $ 6,000.

CUDA: The development of the 3D printed jetpack

The aquatic propeller printed in 3D, is something similar to a backpack driven by jet propulsion that allows the user to have an experience of speed under water without needing another element. To succeed in his project, O’Brien turned to 3D printing and CNC technology. That allowed him to reduce costs, and time in development. It used the technology of molten deposition and stereolithography for the development of the propellant, mixing carbon fibre, which provided the necessary rigidity for the pieces.