Huron student builds working 'Iron Man' helmet

HURON — Combining his love of engineering and Marvel comics, Nicholas Walsh accomplished something impressive. In a month's time, the Huron High School junior designed and built a helmet similar to what Marvel's Tony Stark wears in the "Iron Man" franchise. Using a 3D printer, he created 11 pieces to assemble his product. Inside the helmet are three tiny motors and a microcontroller Walsh programmed to open the helmet to be worn. He used Tinkercad, a website dedicated to design, programming and more.This isn't Walsh's first three-dimensional creation. Two years ago, he made a trumpet with a 3D printer. With this project, he learned how to wire and solder, using YouTube for assistance.The helmet was recently featured on Thingiverse, a website for sharing original digital design projects."I'm really glad I did this," Walsh said.Walsh's next challenge: Building a replica of Iron Man's arm, which he already started to design. Looking ahead, he's interested in studying either mechanical or electrical engineering at the University of Toledo.Huron High School STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) teacher Patty Ryan explained how impressed she is with Walsh's efforts."He was excited to bring it in and share it with the class — it's inspiring," she said. "Automation and robotics will be used in careers in 10 years, so this is a great start. He could patent something."Walsh posts his projects onto Instagram @nick.jtwalsh and his YouTube channel called Nick Thomas.Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com, follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood and on Facebook.com/CaitliNearhoodHuron High School junior Nicholas Walsh shows off his "Iron Man" helmet he built and "Iron Man" arm he's working on during an interview with the Register in December. Huron High School junior wears his helmet inspired by Marvel's "Iron Man" during a recent interview with the Register in December.