The IMechE Student Chapter of General Sir John Kotelawala University successfully hosted its inaugural SolidWorks Competition on August 21, 2024. The event attracted a significant number of participants, with approximately 40 students from various departments and academic intakes taking part.
Distinguished guests, including Mr. Ruwan Manchanayke and Mr. Janaka Mangala, along with senior lecturers from KDU, Mr. RMRC Udayanandana and Mrs. PPSS Pussepitiya, served as judges for the competition. The event was further graced by the presence of Major AAM De Zoysa, Capt. RS Ginige, and other esteemed faculty members.
Mr. Manchanayke, the founder and director of ACECAM (Pvt) Ltd, is a renowned serial entrepreneur with a passion for technological innovation. His expertise in identifying emerging trends and opportunities has led to the successful launch of multiple startups, driving growth and innovation in the industry.
Mr. Janaka Mangala, a dedicated lecturer at the University of Moratuwa, brings a wealth of experience in CAD/CAM/CAE, Die & Mould Design, Computer Programming, and 3D Modelling. His academic interests focus on integrating advanced computer-aided technologies into design and manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency in engineering applications.
The competition commenced at 3 PM with a welcoming address by D/S Pasan Peiris and was expertly compered by D/S Arunodya. The rules of the competition were outlined by D/S Arunodya, which required participants to use SolidWorks software (with no version restrictions). Teams were limited to two members, and individual participation was also allowed.
The judges emphasized the importance of adhering to the competition theme and rules, reserving the right to reject any submissions that did not meet these criteria. The paper puncher model was selected as the competition project, with specific requirements for the punch hole diameter (6 mm) and distance between holes (80 mm). Competitors were encouraged to explore unique and innovative designs.
The competition began at 3:30 PM, providing participants with two hours to complete their designs and present them to the judges. Additional points were awarded for incorporating Finite Elemental Analysis, Animations, and Rendering into their submissions.
Following the competition, the judges deliberated on the winning entries. Prizes for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners were awarded, and all other participants received participation certificates.
- 1st Place was won by D/S Rakindu Perera and D/S Vinuja Lochana of Team “Modelling Mavericks”.
- 2nd Place was won by D/S Thevindu Gamage and D/S Thilina Perera of Team “Vertex Vanguard”.
- 3rd Place was won by D/S Pasindu Layantha and D/S Anjana Ravishan of Team “Trojans”.
As a token of appreciation, D/S Lenin presented the guest judges with commemorative gifts. In their motivational speeches, the guest judges encouraged the competitors to continue developing their skills in design, CAD modelling, and related fields.
The event concluded at 6 PM with a Vote of Thanks delivered by D/S Mandira, the chairperson of the event.
