For this week’s assignment, the class was tasked with creating two identical diamonds with an icon of our choice at the center. This was to be done using either aluminum or steel which would be cut using the water jet cutter.

The first step I took in the task was choosing the design for the diamond. The class was given a vector file with the set dimensions of the diamond and all I had to do was insert an icon/emblem at the center. After first considering Michangelo from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for my icon, I eventually chose the Batman symbol as my choice.

After downloading a vector file from TheNounProject, I centered it onto the given file and used the shape-building tool to close the contours of the file. After importing the completed vector file into ProtoMAX layout, I was able to follow the instructions for the machine in terms of preparing the drawing, choosing the material and thickness I was using, and doing dry runs before the actual cut.

After that process was completed, two identical diamonds with Batman’s symbol were made.

The next step in the assignment was to post process. The three major processes I chose to do were to file, sand, and spray paint. The filing came first and I was able to remove the protruding edges from the diamond’s outer edges along with the inner edges of the Batman logo. After doing the process for both diamonds for about 5 minutes, it was time to move on to the next process.

For the sanding of the piece, the surface was sanded using 120, 240, and 400 grit sandpaper in that order. After reaching a smoothness I was happy with, I moved on to painting the two diamonds.

To match the dark theme of Batman, I went with a black gloss spray paint and coated each side twice with the paint. Unfortunately, the paint job was nearly ruined as I tried to sand the pieces after applying the coats.

Instead of applying a third coat of spray paint, the pieces were painted with a brush using yellow acrylic paint to match the black and yellow theme of Batman.

COST ANALYSIS

• Material Cost: Total = $36.28
  •  Metal Sheet: $11.34
  • Spray Paint: $5.99
  • Acrylic Paint: $18.95
• Labor Cost: $40
  • Time Cost: ($10/hr) * 4 hr = $40

The total cost of the assignment is $76.28.