ET Foundation announces student winners of 2015 Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition

Wauconda, Ill.-based ET Foundation, the educational and technology research organization founded by the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC), has recognized 10 students for their outstanding entries in the 2015 Aluminum Extrusion Student Design Competition. Nearly 60 entries were received from schools and universities across North America.

The ET Foundation awarded $8,500 in scholarships to recognize the winning designs—featuring extruded aluminum components—developed by students studying industrial design and engineering. The competition was sponsored by Bonnell Aluminum, Newnan, Ga., and designs were judged by aluminum extrusion industry professionals.

*First Place ($3,000) - Sydney Steele, John Helms, Joshua Piner, Brandon Ferguson, Austin Avery, and Thomas Brian McCoy, and Anh Hoang, University of Alabama-Huntsville, for “Mobile Experiment Display Station.” The team fabricated the cart, for delivery to a Huntsville children’s science center, using 80/20® extruded aluminum to achieve a lightweight, high-strength product.

*Second Place ($2,000) - David Marchese, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind., for “ScintilLITE.” The extruded aluminum light fixture, which houses a bright LED light to illuminate parking garages, is placed so that vehicles in the parking garage are provided a visual cue as to the direction and flow of traffic using red and green LED lights.

*Third Place ($1,000) - Justin Schupbach, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill., for “Inspiration Corner.” This system is used to hang pictures in corners to make use of negative space.

*Sustainable Design Award ($2,500) - Dominic Atibil, Purdue University, for “Solar-Tent.” The single-personal solar-powered enclosure provides shelter for displaced people, hikers/campers, or the homeless. The aluminum extrusion in the design offers corrosion resistance for outdoor use.

To view the winning entries, visit www.etfdesign.org.