Sporting Goods Merchandise Display

Project Events

Kickoff

Date/Time: Thursday, October 19 / 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Location: WestRock

2464 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN

Note: WestRock is a large facility.  You may find parking in the front lot on Amnicola Hwy or along Latta St. You should enter the facility at the front entrance on Amnicola Hwy.

Safety requirements for tour of the WestRock plant:

• Wear closed-toe shoes

• DO NOT wear high-heeled shoes

Final Presentation

Date/Time: Friday, December 8 / 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Location: WestRock - KBA Lounge Conference Room

2464 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, TN

Note: Presentations will be in the KBA Lounge conference room we met in during kickoff.  Students should go directly to the conference room--do not sign in at the front office.  See the map below showing the location of the KBA Lounge conference room.  You will have 30 minutes of set up time from 1:30-2:00 PM.  The presentation to the WestRock team will begin at 2:00 PM.  

Sponsor Info

Bryan Sweetin - WestRock - Finishing Department Manager - bryan.sweetin@westrock.com

Kimberly Soules - WestRock - Senior Designer - kimberly.soules@westrock.com

Unit Plan

PBL Pacing Guide

Final Presentation Rubric

Additional Project Information

Special Instructions for Using the ShopBot Drag Knife

As you learned on your visit to WestRock, the FabLab has many of the same capabilities used by WestRock to create their merchandise displays.  These tools will allow you to create displays of professional quality.  In particular, you can use the HP DesignJet plotter, the Roland Vinyl Plotter/Cutter, and the ShopBot to create high-quality, full-size merchandise displays.  The  drag knife tool for the ShopBot can be used to cut cardboard or foam board material up to 1/4" thick.  However, there is a learning curve to using these tools which will require you to prototype your ideas to discover the best process.

Suggested Workflow

1. Develop design concept sketches

2. Create small scale models from paperboard

3. Refine design concept

4. Create digital graphic files for printing (see tools like GIMP and Google Drawings)

5. Create digital design files for cutting cardboard or foam board on ShopBot using drag knife

6. Print design graphics on HP DesignJet plotter

7. Use spray adhesive to apply graphics to cardboard or foam board

8. Align cardboard on ShopBot (note: this is a very critical task that requires precision for professional results)

9. Cut the design out of cardboard using the ShopBot

Using the ShopBot Drag Knife Attachment

The drag knife is simply a utility knife attachment for the ShopBot.  It's dragged by the ShopBot as opposed to the conventional use of the ShopBot to spin router bits at high speed.  

IMPORTANT: See me for instruction on using the ShopBot.  Incorrect use of the ShopBot and the drag knife can result in serious injury.

See the videos posted on the Donek Drag Knife website for ideas on how you can use it to create your merchandise display.

Aligning Material for Precision Cutting on the ShopBot

This step will prove the most difficult step in fabricating your display if you do not plan ahead for it.  However, if done correctly, it can result in an impressively high quality display.

The keys to success:

1. Have a common design file for printing and cutting

2. Make sure the design you print on the plotter is exactly the same size as the design you are cutting on the ShopBot

3. Include alignment marks in the design file so you can align the ShopBot to the graphical design you printed

This image shows common registration marks.  You can use a simple cross hair pattern.

This image shows how registration marks are used in screen printing to line up the paper.  This process is similar to how you need to use registration marks to line up the material for cutting by the ShopBot.  Note how there are registration marks in each corner.