The Hacksmith proves that everything is possible through science, one project at a time.
In this episode, Ian Hillier, the COO, and Co-founder of Hacksmith Industry, will share with us what it is like to create a fully working prototype of the coolest and most fascinating objects we see in the movies, comics, video games. He will also talk about how he transitioned from a full-time mechanical engineer to a full-time youtube content creator. Watch or listen through the end! You will hear everything, from the fun, failures, and the success of recreating futuristic, fictional objects.
Altium 365: Where the World Designs Electronics
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Show Highlights:
Ian talks about his mechanical engineering background and how he and his friend James Hobson founded Hacksmith Entertainment Ltd
James has been publishing his engineering projects on his blog and videos on Youtube for 16 years and decided to do it full-time in 2015 when he reached about 70k subscribers
Ian quit his job and joined James just six months before getting married
The duo focused on getting more views by posting viral videos, one of which was the Captain America Shield project


Hacksmith’s growing team
From 70k subscribers, they immediately grew to 100k in 2016 and now 12.4 million and still growing
Their team now consists of 24 full-time members, which includes mechatronics and electrical engineers, videographers, and the merchandise team


From creating simple, fun projects to upscale mind-blowing lasers, Hacksmith’s bread and butter are turning fictional objects in movies and games, portrayed through special effects, into a working prototype. Some of their coolest projects are:
Thor’s Hammer in Real Life
Lightsaber


Hacksmith's goal as an organization is to encourage future generations of engineers.
How does Hacksmith operate as a team?
Each project is assigned to a team, and they can bring additional resources as needed.
They create and customize everything in-house; their shop is equipped with all the machines and toys they need


Ian talks about their most extreme and powerful project, the Hoverboard
Ian’s favorite projects include high current electronics. His personal favorite is the Rebar Crossbow–it pumps 2000 amps through the rebar until it glows red hot, and then you shoot it
A retractable Lightsaber created with a modified oxy-propane torch
Ian explains how designing their PCBs contributes to the success of their projects

Links and Resources:
Visit Hacksmith Youtube Channel to watch more of their mind-blowing engineering projects.
Connect with Ian Hillier on LinkedIn
Connect with Zack on LinkedIn

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Altium 365: Where the World Designs Electronics