Nex-Gen Engineer Uses CT Scanning to Re-Design Sports Equipment

Spotlight: Next-Gen Engineering—from CT Scan to Science Fair Stage

Supporting young engineering talent has evolved into an important part of the Nel PreTech value system. From collaborations with UC Physics graduate and post-doctoral researchers to hosting IIT student programs and providing engineering internships, we are cultivating meaningful innovations in STEM. Most recently, a student from Lane Tech College Prep High School contacted us about industrial CT scanning services for a science fair project. Maximus Chiricescu is charting a path into engineering with his inventive approach to a versatile soccer cleat.

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From Inception to Now: A Student’s Journey

In June of this year, Maximus began planning his science fair project. His main objective was to design a more affordable soccer cleat that could perform on three different surfaces - soft outdoor ground, artificial turf, and indoor court surfaces. As an athlete and soccer player himself, his insight was that most cleats excel only on one type of surface and carry a hefty price tag. Retrofitting a Nike cleat, Maximus engineered a stud modification. He aimed to deliver versatility across multiple play surfaces while keeping costs low.

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In October, he finalized his design and approached Nel PreTech about industrial CT scanning for footwear. We used our advanced X-ray inspection machines from Zeiss to capture internal and external geometries of his prototype cleat.

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From Scan Data to Simulation

Maximus received high-resolution volumetric CT data with the same level of accuracy trusted by our medical, defense, and sporting goods manufacturing clients. The scans and data he received formed the foundation for his next step of finite element analysis (FEA). Maximus will conduct a static stress test on the cleat and studs using the Onshape simulation tool integrated within the Onshape software. Working within the 3D design environment, he can perform linear static analysis to calculate stress and strain on the assembled cleat.

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With the scan data, Maximus can:

• Build accurate simulation models based on real geometry
• Evaluate stress distribution across the cleat-stud assembly under realistic load conditions
• Test variations to balance performance and affordability

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The idea behind our 3D scanning services is to deliver detailed data for engineers and young innovators like Maximus to solve problems and engineer with confidence.

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The Road to the Fair—and Beyond

The Lane Tech College Prep High School science fair is on December 4, 2025, where Maximus will present his findings. What a positive opportunity for young innovators to showcase their ideas and technical abilities to an audience!

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We wish him luck as he continues his design, testing, and presenting endeavors. Nel PreTech is proud to be a bridge between classroom theory and real-world applications. Maximus is still exploring the disciplines of engineering he may want to pursue. One thing is clear - his ideas and dedication to engineering improvement set him apart. His project is part design, part materials science, and all in on practical, accessible sporting goods equipment. Wherever the science fair takes him, we’re glad he included us in his journey.

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Collaboration That Matters

At Nel PreTech, we’re proud to support academic and student collaborations. From university partners such as the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) to high-school researchers like Maximus, these partnerships provide access to cutting-edge inspection and CT scanning technology. The collaborations give students hands-on experience with real-world engineering processes.

Every scan we perform for a student project is an investment in the future of the field.

About the CPS Science Fair Program

The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Student Science Fair Program has been hosting fairs for 70+ years. Students throughout the district have the opportunity to present at their school-level fairs, like the upcoming Lane Tech event. Winning projects then progress to the City Science Fair, hosted by CPS Student Science Fair, Inc. Some may advance further to the Regional and Illinois State Science Fair. The highest-achieving students go on to represent Chicago at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). This is the world’s largest pre-college STEM competition.

This progression allows students to take their ideas from the classroom to the global stage, developing research, presentation, and problem-solving skills along the way.

Join the Movement

Are you interested in our advanced CT scanning or FEA solutions? Reach out to Nel PreTech. Together, we can make a measurable difference in your design and engineering processes. At Nel PreTech, seeing is better than believing.