History in 3-D

This article discusses how kinematic mechanisms created by Franz Reuleaux are now being made available by Cornell University for students and researchers. The university’s Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering owns the largest set of cast iron and brass models of machines designed by Reuleaux more than 130 years ago. Cornell librarians have helped develop the Kinematic Models for Design Digital Library, or K-MODDL, to allow Internet users to view the models close up. The Cornell Reuleaux Collection contains numerous kinematic mechanisms for rotary and reciprocating engines using both steam and internal combustion. It also includes a dozen working clock escapement mechanisms, from the early verge and foliot escapement to the gravity escapement employed in London’s famous Big Ben. K-MODDL will make the collection available to educators, researchers, and students well beyond the Cornell campus. Those with access to a 3-D printer will be able to build a reproduction of the real thing to see up close how the mechanism works.