Hummingbird feeder design for a manual fabrication study.

Project Length: 8 weeks
Focus Areas: Product Design, Design for Assembly, Mill, Lathe, Media Blasting, Type II Anodizing
Materials: 6061 Aluminum, Polycarbonate, Red Anodize, Buna O-Rings, Steel Wire

Nectar was the main project for Design & Manufacturing, a class taken Spring 2014. This feeder was inspired by a constant stream of hummingbirds near my Stanford apartment and my desire for a piece that is both decorative and functional.

I wanted a clean, modern look - the final design blends anodized aluminum and frosted polycarbonate, and was manually manufactured with both turning (top, reservoir, base) and milling operations (feeder spouts, hanger attachment), as well as finishing techniques formerly unfamiliar to me, such as bead blasting and anodization.  The feeder also utilizes vacuum-sealing principles to hold the liquid in unless a bird is feeding.

See the photos below for concept sketches highlighting the overall look of the product, alternative form and function explorations, as well as various steps in the manufacturing process and the final product.