This week in EDES 210 I designed and plasma cut two identical diamond pennants!
The process of getting two completely finished diamonds took a lot longer than I expected, but in the end, I achieved a result I was proud of.
Cutting the Diamonds
I selected a simple plant shape from the SVG database. Using Illustrator, I made the stem of the plant a little wider, ensuring that the shape was optimized for the plasma cutter.
Diamond Cutout in SVG Form
With Madison’s guidance, I then converted the SVG file to a DXF file, prepared the file for cutting, tested my path, and then cut.
Using the Plasma Cutter Computer Cutting the Diamond
The result? Two expertly-cut pennants with dross and other impurities surrounding the cut. Oxidized metal and rust had built up on the steel as well.
Post-Cut Diamonds
Post Processing
First, I used an angle grinder to get rid of all the dross and most of the discoloration on my diamonds.
Post-angle-grinder-processed diamonds
Next, I used the sandblaster to smooth out the surface of the pennants and remove all discoloration:
Post-sandblaster-processed diamonds
Finally, I finished each diamond with a clear coat. I had a lot of trouble with paint drips and whatnot, but Rodolfo (shoutout!) gave me the great suggestion of using paper towels to prop up my pennant so that the clear coat did not accumulate in puddles underneath.
The Final Product
I am quite happy with the finished product. I do think the clear coat could have been applied better, but it already took me multiple attempts to achieve the current level of smoothness. In the future, I want to learn how to apply a clear coat more evenly. I enjoyed the entire process of metal fabrication from start to finish — through it I was able to gain valuable insight into key aspects of real-world manufacturing.
Cost Analysis:
2’ x 3’ Steel Sheet (Online Metals.com) – $62.80
Plasma Cutter Time (CNCZone.com) – $45.00/hr
Clear Coat (HomeDepot.com) – $5.98
Sandblaster Time (PracticalMachinist.com) – $45.00/hr
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Total Cost – $158.78
Cleaned Up Workspace
