SUMMER 2026 · ROBOTICS INTERN · IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORY

SOLIDWORKS Robotic Sample-Handling Jigs

Designing 3D-printable fixtures to support UR robot specimen-handling workflows in the MPTC test cell.

SOLIDWORKSCAD3D PrintingUR Robotics

An example of one of my 3D-printed jigs implemented in the MPTC test cell.

01 / OVERVIEW

Mechanical Design for Robotic Workflows

During my internship at INL’s Structural Properties Laboratory, I used SOLIDWORKS to design 3D-printable jigs to support UR robot sample-handling workflows in the MPTC. Several of my jig designs were fabricated and implemented in the test cell, connecting the CAD design process to real laboratory use. The jig pictured here is one example of the designs that were implemented.

02 / DESIGN TO APPLICATION

CAD Model & Fabricated Jig

CAD model of a sample-handling fixture designed in SOLIDWORKS — SOLIDWORKS assembly model of the fixture.

Physical 3D-printed fixture installed in the laboratory test setup — An example of one of the jigs I designed that was implemented in the test cell.

03 / ROBOTICS EXPERIENCE

UR Robot Operation & Workflow Programming

Alongside the fixture design work, I learned to operate the UR robotic arms and assisted with programming them for actual test-cell workflows. This helped me understand how tooling design and robotic manipulation influence each other.

04 / SKILLS

Engineering Skills

SOLIDWORKS, mechanical CAD, design for 3D printing, fixture design, UR robot operation, and robotic workflow programming.

SKILLS IN PRACTICE

Skills Applied

Here is how the tools and techniques from my Technical Skills section were applied to this project.

SOLIDWORKS

Modeled 3D-printable sample-handling jigs and fixtures, several of which were fabricated and implemented in the test cell.

UR Robotics

Learned UR robot operation and assisted with programming sample-handling workflows that the jigs supported.

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