For this assignment, we are asked to water-jet cut then post-process two rhombi with a design we choose.

The first step is to choose the design I want to put into the center of the rhombus. I decided that I want to go with the logo of my favorite Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen. I got the logo I want from google images and copied it onto Adobe Illustrator. In Adobe Illustrator, I moved the logo onto the center of the rhombus. Unfortunately, Max’s logo was in jpeg format, so I had to trace the outline with the pen tool and remove the jpeg file. Once I have the designed rhombus I wanted, I copied to have 4 pieces in the same file. This would let me have spares if I messed up. 

After I am happy with the .ai file, I used the Protomax Layout software to prep and convert the file, and then send the file to Protomax Make to be cut using the Protomax machine. For the material, I used the a 0.02″ thick steel.

The machine was able to cut 3 of the 4 pieces I wanted before clogging up.

As I inspected the successful cuts, I noticed that the edge of the piece has some bur, so I removed them using the bench grinder.

Using the bench grinder to remove the bur

I then sandblasted all 3 pieces and sprayed a matte finish clear coat on them to preserve the aesthetic of the surface.

Surface before and after sandblasting

For one of the pieces, it got stuck to the paper towel I had underneath it while drying. I decided to sand that piece down to remove the paper and see how that would affect the appearance. I am reasonably satisfied with the end result of this exploration.

Material Cost:

• Sheet metal – $8.64
• Sandpaper – $13.50
• Clear coat – $4.49

Equipment cost:

• Bench grinder – $60
• Sandblaster ~ $750
• Water-Jet cutter – $29,286
• Adobe Illustrator -$240
• (Computer)

Labor cost:

• 2 hours – $20

Material + labor cost: $46.63

Final thoughts: This project was relatively easy, fast, and fun. The material costs are low, but the equipment costs are quite substantial if you do not currently own or have access to the equipment. As for lessons I learned for next time, I would use wire to hold the piece for spray coating to prevent the issue with paper sticking to it.