Dmitry Pavlenko is a para-athlete diver who set a world record in unassisted diving in open water.
One of the tasks of Dmitry’s team was to design and fabricate a buoyancy compensation system. Specifically a lever to control air inflation and release in order to maintain buoyancy and maneuverability.
In the original design of the system, a steel spoon was used as a lever, but it was not particularly convenient and it broke during the 14th dive.
As part of the programme intended to support the para-athlete, the students of Moscow Polytech University designed several modifications of the component considering the athlete’s anatomy. In the end, three ABS prototypes were printed on a 3D-printer. However, they did not prove to be durable enough: while it is lifted on board, the components would touch the shipboard and break down.
The solution was found in a component made of carbon-fibre-reinforced PETG on Composer A4 additive machine.
A composite lever helped Dmitry Pavlenko make a 40m deep unassisted dive in an open sea and set a world record. This accomplishment was recorded in the Russian Book of Records. Dmitry and his team are planning to use the component for future dives and new records.
Dmitry Pavlenko:
Material makes the component more durable and better developed as it has a printed core. Besides, it is less slippery. Plus it feels like it is more durable and I use it with more confidence. I hope that your lever will serve me much longer. The ABS lever had severe defects as early as after 10 dives. Your lever has not been affected after the same period. In my opinion your part will survive 100 dives.
