Mechanical Team: 

We are the people behind everything you can see on the bikes whether that’s the frame, batteries, wheels, or even the housings for the electronics. If it exists on the bike, there’s a good chance we had a hand in designing and building it.

We have teams dedicated to every platform we maintain be that Dev-1, Rev-3, or Jev-1. Each team has a subteam lead who reports to our mechanical lead Sean Trimberger. 

We primarily communicate through RIT’s Slack, using a mix of the general mechanical channel and a set of subgroup channels. The general channel is where broader discussions and announcements happen, while subgroups are where most of the detailed work and coordination takes place. Staying active on Slack is important, as it’s the main way we stay aligned as a team.

When it comes to design, we model parts primarily in SolidWorks. It’s one of the standard CAD packages used across many industries, and it will be a core tool for your work here. Alongside SolidWorks, we use PDM as our file management system. The easiest way to think about PDM is as a mix between a library and something like Google Drive, it allows us to store, organize, and share parts while keeping version control intact. It can be frustrating at times, but it’s critical for making sure multiple people can work on the same assemblies without things breaking.

In addition to PDM, we maintain a Google Drive where we store our documentation. This includes how-to guides, design reviews, manuals, and any other resources we create as a team. If you’re ever unsure how something works, there’s a good chance you’ll find helpful information there.

When it comes time to actually make parts, we have a lot of in-house options. For quick prototyping, we can 3D print using our Bambu X1 printer. For more advanced fabrication, we have access to the SHED Makerspace just down the hall, which is equipped with a wide range of tools.

To use the SHED, you’ll need to complete the required online training and pass an in-person evaluation. As a team, we’re also able to sign off on some of the machines ourselves. If you’re interested in getting into the shop, just reach out to one of the senior members. We're always happy to help you get trained and up and running quickly.

Overall, don’t hesitate to ask questions and get involved early. The best way to learn here is by jumping in and starting to build. If this sounds like the place for you please complete our onboarding.