For the plasma cutting assignment, we were instructed to cut the state we lived in first in the United States, clean it, and make it presentable. I made Texas since I was born here and have lived here my entire life.
The first thing I did was to download an AI file of Texas from http://digital-vector-maps.com/state-maps-detail/1146/Texas-Outline-Blank-Map-Adobe-Illustrator.htm.
The AI file I began with
The image was too large to plasma cut and had unnecessary writing on it so I scaled the image to 4” x 4” and removed all text.
Resized to 4” x 4”
However there were issues with this file so we used the Texas_Cleaned_plasmacutter.EDU file from OwlSpace. Once the file was prepared for the plasma cutter, we imported it into the Torchmate software and converted it to a file type that could be read by the plasma cutter.
The file in Torchmate
The design came out well the first run so we did not have to do it again but it was covered with slag.
First I used a dremel with a grinding bit to remove the large pieces of slag and then 100 grade sandpaper and a dremel with a sanding bit to smooth out the piece. The result was smooth and shiny.
Methods used and final result
I wanted the piece to have a smooth, polished look so the next step was to paint the piece. I first tried Krylon fluorescent green spray paint:
I wanted to use a better color so I looked for other paints. I found Rust-oleum metallic silver paint which I thought would enhance the finish:
Unfortunately, when I added the gloss layer, the paint on the back of the piece began to peel very badly as well as on the front so I sanded it again and tried a new method.
This time my goal was to make it look like the state flag.
Design made in Illustrator
The first step was to paint it white on the front and black on the back. I need to cut out the design in vinyl but I was unable to so I tried a different method. I cut out the design in paper and tried to spray paint it but the result was a mess.
I finally decided to give the design a matte black look so I gave it several coats Rust-oleum Chalkboard:
Though I had to deviate from my original plans, I was still able to achieve a finished look for my piece and I now feel more comfortable with plasma cutting and post processing.
Thank you for reading,
Danielle
