Students demonstrate versatility of aluminum extrusions in 2017 competition

The ET Foundation, the educational and technology research organization founded by the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC), Wauconda, Ill., has announced the winners in the Student 2017 Aluminum Extrusion Design Competition. More than 55 entries from 15 schools and universities were received. Scholarships totaling $8,500 were awarded to recognize the winning students’ designs featuring extruded aluminum components. The competition was sponsored by Bonnell Aluminum, Newnan, Ga.

First place, with a $3,000 scholarship, was awarded to Garen Gibbs, a sophomore studying industrial design at Purdue University, for his Axial Bike Cargo Rack with adaptable storage and integrated LED signal lights. Second place, with a $2,000 scholarship, was awarded to Lauren Hughes, a senior studying product design at Aston University, for her Equi-Light electric fence guiding poles. The lighted electrical fence provides assistance on horse farms when horses are guided to grazing paddocks in dark conditions.

Third place, with a $1,000 scholarship, was presented to Jesse Palma, a sophomore studying industrial design at Purdue University, for the Medpole medical equipment stand. The interchangeable medical stand is designed to give nurses customization to transport medical equipment from patient to patient.

The Bonnell Aluminum LED Lighting Design Challenge Award, with a $2,500 scholarship, was presented to Shinjin Wang, a junior studying computer engineering at Purdue University, for his SolarLink design. It serves three main functions: as a bench, street light with solar-powered tracking system, and a WiFi station.

Honorable Mention was awarded to Alexander Hoppe, a home-schooled high school student from Burien, Wash., for his Smart Signal Light. The light is an Internet of Things (IOT)-connected, fully programmable LED light with a simple but versatile form.

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