We were give the task of cutting a diamond shape out of metal, and creating our own designs with the limitations of the shape. For this project, after several drafts, I decided to use part of my signature of my first name, and Avenir font last name to create a signature metal diamond. I created this in Adobe Illustrator.
The design in Adobe Illustrator.
Material-wise, I used aluminum, as I started this project during my waterjet tutorial. After loading my design into the OMAX software on the computer in the Wet Lab, I followed the instructions provided to set up the file properly. During my tutorial, I was able to cut a good diamond, but after, as I began to do it on my own, I began to see some issues with the cutting process. After asking the lab techs, there might’ve been an issue with the pressure in the Water Jet machine.
Issues with cutting.
I came back this past weekend to attempt again. After several tries, and botched cut diamonds, I figured out the issue. Instead of cutting the inside first, I had set it to cut the outline first, leaving the cut shape prone to moving around as the signature was being cut. Furthermore, the mat that held the metal was so cut up from previous users that as the outline of the shape was cut, the piece of aluminum would fall into the water. To fix this, we moved the starting point and shifted the path of the cut.
Botched attempts.
The shred-up mat.
Altering the starting path to begin with the inside cut.
After the cut path was altered, all the issues were solved!
Success!!
Once cut, I began post-processing: I filed down the edges, sand-blasted each piece, and sprayed the aluminum diamonds with a clear glossy spray paint.
A sharp edge that was filed down.
Sand-blasting for the first time!
The cleaned up workspace in the Wet Lab.
The sand-blasted pieces.
Spray painting the metal outside on the loading dock.
The Clear Coat spray used.
The finished, glossy signature aluminum diamond!
Overall, I am happy with the finished product, although troubleshooting for hours did test my patience. I was at first really scared and nervous about using the water jet metal cutter, but now I feel a lot more comfortable using the Wet Lab, and all of the machines in it. I can’t wait to install the metal diamonds on my dorm door or in my room, and am excited to see what else can be made with metal.
Cost Analysis :
| Material | Amount | Cost |
| 12 in. x 24 in. Aluminum Sheet | $14.63 per sheet (entire sheet used to prototype) | $14.63 |
| Water Jet Use | $21 per hour | $21 |
| Sand Blaster Use | $18 per hour, used for 10 minutes | $3 |
| File | 1 | $9.97 |
| Spray Paint Coating (Clear) | 1 | $5.98 |
