Ben Vrakas
About Me
My journey into the world of engineering began with a simple box of Legos. Unlike others who might strictly adhere to the instructions, I was driven by the desire to bring my own imaginative concepts to life, piece by piece. As I grew, my playground expanded into my parents' garage, where I became proficient with every tool available, and the aisles of the hardware store felt like corridors of endless possibilities. Summers were our season for engineering marvels. My older brother and I would team up for ambitious projects—he tinkering with electronics, while I dove into the mechanics.
The real turning point came at the age of 14, when my parents introduced me to the PrintrBot Simple—a marvel of modern technology with its laser-cut wood and cantilevered FDM design. Having honed my skills on Autodesk Inventor since the sixth grade, the advent of this 3D printer was like opening a gateway to infinite creativity. It allowed me to transform my virtual 3D models into tangible realities. However, the journey was not without its challenges. 3D printers, for all their potential, come with their fair share of quirks and complexities. I often found myself designing modifications for the printer itself rather than focusing solely on creating end-use parts. This led me to join forces with the RepRap Community, a collective dedicated to the noble cause of creating ever-improving 3D printers through the very technology of 3D printing.
As my expertise with 3D printers grew, so did the scope of my projects. From crafting over engineered sink handles to designing elegant laptop stands with innovative magnetic hinges, I continually seek out engineering challenges in the minutiae of daily life. Each project, whether a personal endeavor or a freelance assignment, has been a step in my ongoing journey of learning and discovery. These experiences have not only enriched my practical engineering skills but have also prepared me for the next challenge that lies ahead. With a foundation built on creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement, I am eager to apply my accumulated knowledge and experience to new and exciting challenges in the world of engineering.