Zoo

We're #hiring a Senior Software Engineer, Frontend to help build Zoo Design Studio, where code, 3D geometry, and modern web technologies come together in one design environment. Build the tools you wish existed → zoo.dev/jobs/4690541005?gh_s…

Ben’s Build Log #19 For the propeller spinner, I started with a hand-drawn sketch to show the shape I had in mind. I then gave it to Zookeeper to turn it into a 3D model and fit it onto the existing mounting structure.

Basics of using the Union, Subtract & Intersect functions in Zoo Design Studio. youtu.be/lkbHEhmGji8

A casting-style centrifugal pump casing shaped around a progressively expanding volute passage, with an axial inlet, tangential discharge, bolted flange, and integral ribs that carry loads around the hydraulic body. Made with Zookeeper.

Ben’s Build Log #18 Next up was figuring out how to mount the propeller to the aircraft. I asked Zookeeper to integrate the propeller hub with the existing spacer and design the forward and aft bulkheads as part of the mounting assembly.

Basics of using the Offset Plane & Helix functions in Zoo Design Studio. youtu.be/sfSfQYWW4h0

A monobloc racing brake caliper with six piston bores arranged around the rotor-and-pad window. Forged ribs provide stiffness, while drilled galleries, service ports, mounting lugs, and machined reliefs organize the hydraulic and installation interfaces. Made with Zookeeper.

Ben’s Build Log #17 Before modeling the propeller itself, I asked Zookeeper to evaluate what kind of fixed-pitch propeller would make sense for this type of aircraft and to work out suitable dimensions and blade profiles. He then used that information to create a series of sketches, visualizing the blade shape, twist and overall proportions.

Basics of using the Linear & Circular Pattern functions in Zoo Design Studio. youtu.be/uBv-eIeZI2A

Ben’s Build Log #16 With KCL 3.0 released, I asked Zookeeper to migrate the entire project, review the existing code and make sure everything still worked as intended. With that done, I finished the propeller spacer, making use of the improved fillet capabilities in KCL 3.0 to smooth out the transitions around the mounting bolts and structural ribs.

A four-lobe helical supercharger rotor whose twisted profile moves air through the blower housing. Stepped bearing journals, seal lands, a drive keyway, and balance details integrate the support, sealing, and drive interfaces. Made with Zookeeper.

Ben’s Build Log #15 Moving on to the propeller, I asked Zookeeper to design a mounting plate that fits the existing crankshaft flange. I had him start with a sketch so I could review and validate the design before letting him turn it into the final 3D part.

Basics of using the Translate, Rotate, Scale, Clone & Mirror functions in Zoo Design Studio. youtu.be/psq2Dd15mGs

Ben’s Build Log #14 With the rest of the engine components in place, I asked Zookeeper to create a functional linkage between the camshaft lobes and the valves. The first result already had the basic mechanism in place, but some of the geometry still needed refinement. After a few adjustments to make the setup cleaner and more realistic, the engine internals were finally complete.

Basics of using the Shell & Hole functions in Zoo Design Studio. youtu.be/hnhqPUY8tMc?si=nxiS…

A cutaway high-bypass turbofan exposing the engine architecture from the front fan through the compressor, combustor, turbine, shafts, nacelle, and exhaust. The layered modules make the gas path and supporting systems easy to inspect. Made with Zookeeper.

Ben’s Build Log #13 While reviewing the engine assembly, I realized there was a deeper logic issue in the way I had arranged the layout. After working through the problem with Zookeeper and exploring a few possible fixes, I reworked the affected geometry to better match the flat-four configuration typical for this kind of aircraft engine. The result is a more mechanically plausible setup that I’m much happier to continue with.

Basics of using the Fillet & Chamfer functions in Zoo Design Studio. youtu.be/2X_d_-Sj-e0

Ben’s Build Log #12 An important part of the crankshaft and camshaft setup is the timing connection that keeps both shafts synchronized. In a four-stroke engine the camshaft rotates at half the crankshaft speed, so I had Zookeeper create a 2:1 gear setup between them.

Basics of using the Extrude, Sweep, Loft & Revolve functions in Zoo Design Studio. youtube.com/watch?v=KRYgKR6i…