DriveDry — vehicle-mounted paper towel dispenser
Purpose
Quick, accessible access to full-size paper towel rolls inside vehicle interiors
Design goals
Adjustability to fit different mounting locations and roll sizes
Durability for repeated use in mobile environments
Ease of use for one-handed dispensing and roll replacement
Manufacturability with additive manufacturing in mind
Process
Multiple rapid prototyping iterations to refine fit, function, and ergonomics
Additive manufacturing optimization focusing on:
Packing density for efficient build volume use
Part strength via oriented geometry and reinforcement features
Material selection and print parameters tuned to intended loads
Production
Final parts printed on Fuse 1 using Nylon 12 (SLS) for consistent mechanical performance and surface finish
Result
Durable, functional components ready for real-world use and vehicle installation
Emphasis
Rapid prototyping workflows that accelerate design validation
AM optimization strategies for production-ready parts
Practical product design balancing usability, robustness, and manufacturability
Achieved very efficient packing density of 40%, with 3 sets of the product per print volume