Embedded Files
Materials:
13" x 24" Plywood
Spray Paint
Acrylic Paint
Masking Tape/Sheet
CNC Machine
Sand Paper/Sander
1/8" Acrylic
Super Glue
Acetone
Epilog Engraver
Software:
Fusion 360
Adobe Illustrator
Brainstorming Doc:
Procedure: 2.5D Christmas CNC Sign
Step 1) Find all the images and icons that are wanted in the sign. I chose a bunch of Christmas icons such as gingerbread houses, a snowman, trees, snowflakes, snow, and a sleigh. Then, I imported it all into Adobe Illustrator.
Step 2) The next step is to make these icons into a sketch. A DXF file will be created and brought into the next software: Fusion 360. Before making a DXF, I had to use the image trace to outline the icons, make the boxes transparent, and make the lines morph together the way I wanted them. Then, the DXF was made by going to file.
Step 3) Once the DXF is downloaded and brought into Fusion 360, a lot of complicated steps are going to be completed. I created a new plane under my model, measured the perimeters of my sketch, and was able to cut a piece of wood to the exact dimensions. Then, I extruded my piece and created an operation: new body. I made my X, Y, and Z coordinates to the bottom upper corner so I could continue to the CNC machine.
Step 4) After the sign was framed and extruded, I went to the manufacturing tab and created a new setup and tool path. I set up a 2D pocket as the first path. I used tool 8 for the main cutting, and tool 6 for the tiny, unreachable creveses. After this was completed, I created a 2D contour as the last path, and for this, I used tool 8. After completing all the steps in Fusion 360, and my to-do list in my brainstorming doc, I created an NC Program and sent it to the Makerspace to hop onto the CNC machine.
Step 5) Once ready to cut, I applied a coat of white spray paint and let it dry. Then, I applied a protective tape/sheet on the surface of the wood, making sure no air bubbles came into contact. This tape helps to make it easier for me to spray paint the wood later on once it is cut: I won't have to worry about getting spray paint on my previously white paint when painting the underlayer.
Step 6) Once at the CNC machine, it is necessary to check all 6 steps before the process begins. 1) make sure the plywood is glued on very well, or there may be a risk of it coming off and ruining the piece. 2) Make sure the fan is on. 3-5) X, Y, and Z axes are all set. 6) The job has been loaded. Then, the cutting is ready.
Step 7) The CNC machine has cut out the sign! The next step is to sand the stringy pieces on the frame. Also, the new raw layer of wood needs to be smoothed so spray-paint can apply well and even.
Step 8) I spray-painted the new layer of wood a satin blue. I layered it about 3 times, letting it dry 10 minutes between each to get an even coverage. When doing this, I made sure the tape cover was still covering the previously painted white wood.
(This was a test/scrap acrylic to see how my pieces would cut)
Step 9) To cut my acrylic pieces, I used the epilogue engraver. I followed the steps located on the Makerspace recourse page. I was able to cut all my pieces in a clear 1/8" acrylic and use a glittery red 1/8" acrylic for my title text.
Step 10) Following this, I painted my acrylics with acrylic paint in various Christmas colors and spray-painted the acrylics I wanted white. Doing this, I painted the back side of the acrylic, allowing for the piece to be shiny when flipped and displayed instead of matte.
Step 11) The sign is almost completed. I removed the tape sheet from the sign to reveal the white paint. After this, I added a glossy top coat to the sign.
Step 12) Since the painting process got a little messy, I used Acetone to remove paint splotches from the glossy side of the acrylics. The next step is to glue on all the acrylic pieces using super glue. After this, and any other final touches, the project is completed!
Final Product:
Reflection Questions:
1. What went well during this project?
During this project, I put my creative skills to use. I used my knowledge from the other projects I did and was able to create something I am proud of. This was a big step for me to take when I had previously completed a smaller CNC sign, to then make a huge sign (13" x 24") with many complicated steps. I am also excited that I was able to express my interests, such as Christmas, and make something super cute out of it that I will be keeping in my household.
2. What challenges did you encounter?
A major challenge I encountered was a time crunch. I began to realize that if I only worked during class periods, there was no way I would get my project done. I had to use my free periods to come in and work when I knew I was behind. Especially in the week it was due, I had to come in for my free periods, lunch, and even office hours 3 days in a row. I was very concerned that I wouldn't finish my project by the due date. Even on the day of the showcase, none of my pieces had been glued on; however, I knew I would find a way to complete my project in time. The only piece I wasn't able to complete was my title. As well, another challenge that occurred was when I cut out my acrylic snowflakes, spray-painted them, and let them dry, I accidentally got them stuck to the cardboard I painted them on. When I tried to pull them off, I broke them. This led me to have to recut and repaint my acrylic, setting me back while I was on my time crunch.
3. If you were to do this project again, what would you change?
If I were to do this project again, I would first manage my time better. I would maybe come in during my free period to cut my wood earlier, rather than waiting for a spot on the CNC machine in class while it was crowded. Managing my time would help me make sure I put all my effort into every touch of my sign, instead of being rushed and forgetting any steps.
Page updated
Report abuse