ME 3633 Sign
As a student worker in LSU’s Advanced Manufacturing and Machining Facility, I saw an opportunity to improve the way incoming students navigated the space. The existing signage was outdated and lacked clarity, so I took the initiative to design and fabricate a new sign that was both functional and visually engaging.
Blending engineering principles with design, I created a durable, high-precision locator sign using advanced manufacturing techniques. This project allowed me to apply my skills in machining, material selection, and aesthetic design, resulting in a sign that not only marks the course location but also represents the innovation and craftsmanship at the heart of engineering.
Phase 1
For the first draft of the project, I modeled a sign to display the name of the lab, "ME 3633 Lab," using the shape of a gear. The design process began in SolidWorks, where I created a 2D image of the gear and used functions like extrude and taper to give it rounded edges, forming a 3D figure. However, during the modeling phase, I encountered issues when considering the sign’s durability and potential wear and tear from being displayed outdoors. The initial design lacked adequate structural support to withstand environmental factors, prompting me to rethink the approach and explore alternative solutions for strength and longevity.
Phase 2
In the second draft, I made several improvements to address the initial issues. I added more holes for structural support, ensuring the sign would be more durable and resistant to wear and tear. I also enhanced the visibility of the lettering to make it clearer and easier to read. Using principles from Lean and Six Sigma, I incorporated visual cues to improve the overall user experience. To make the sign more functional, I added an arrow for directional purposes, allowing viewers to find the correct direction no matter which side they approached from. These changes were designed to improve both the sign’s effectiveness and its long-term performance.
Phase 3
In Phase 3, I exported the finalized 3D model as a DXF file from SolidWorks to create a 2D drawing that would be used for cutting the sign into sheet metal. This step was crucial for preparing the design to be made with precision. To cut the material, I utilized the Waterjet machine, which uses pressurized water and garnet to make accurate 2D cuts in materials up to six inches thick. I created the necessary program using WordCAM (as shown in the image to the left), which facilitated the process of translating the design into machine-readable instructions, ensuring a seamless and efficient cut for the project.
4o mini
Phase 4
After completing the design and cutting it using the waterjet, I wanted to take the project a step further by considering the artistic side of the creation. To add depth and a unique visual effect, I decided to make two cuts of my design and incorporate yellow acrylic as a buffer between them. This added an extra layer to the sign, creating a 3D shadow effect that made the design more dynamic and visually striking. The model to the left illustrates how the parts would fit together, bringing the design to life with a bold and creative touch.
In Progress
The project is now nearing completion. Currently, I'm working on creating a base to support the sign, ensuring it can withstand outdoor conditions. The base will be constructed using scrap sheet metal and metal tubing found in the shop. Once the base is assembled, it will be welded together for added structural integrity. After welding, the base will be painted for durability, and the final assembly will be placed outside, ready to serve its purpose as a functional and visually engaging sign for the lab.