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Monday
Both Wynnie and Yohanna were absent this day
Tuesday/Wednesday
No school due to ACT testing
Thursday
Description:
Today, we started the process of bending the block pieces into their correct shapes, which required careful measuring and preparation. First, we used a ruler to accurately measure and mark the exact line where we wanted the seam to be. This step was important to ensure that the bends would be precise and consistent across each piece.
Once the measurements were complete, we clamped the acrylic securely to the table. We made sure that the edge of the table was perfectly aligned with the crease line we had marked, since this edge acted as a guide for where the bend would occur. To help distribute the pressure evenly and prevent any warping or uneven bending, we also placed pieces of plywood on top of the acrylic while it was clamped down.
After everything was secured, we used a heat gun to gradually warm the acrylic. Heating the material made it more flexible and easier to shape, allowing us to carefully bend it along the marked line. We had to be patient during this step to avoid overheating or damaging the acrylic while still making it soft enough to bend smoothly.
By the end of the session, we successfully bent both sides of one block piece and one side of the second piece. Although the process required attention to detail and time, we made solid progress and gained a better understanding of how to properly shape acrylic materials.
Design Process Step:
The work we completed is part of the testing and prototyping stage because we were physically creating and shaping our design to see how it works in real life. During this step, we took our planned measurements and began forming the acrylic into its intended shape by bending it along precise lines. By using tools like clamps, plywood, and a heat gun, we were able to experiment with how the material responds to heat and pressure.
This stage is important because it allows us to identify any issues with our design, such as uneven bends or misaligned seams, and make adjustments before finalizing the product. Instead of just planning or sketching, we are actively building and refining our design, which helps improve accuracy and overall quality. The progress we made bending the pieces shows that we are moving from ideas into a tangible model, which is the main goal of the prototyping phase.
Friday
Description:
Today, we were able to finish bending the remaining half of the block piece by using the same methods we practiced the day before. We carefully measured and aligned the acrylic, clamped it securely to the table, and applied heat with the heat gun until the material became flexible enough to bend. Since we had already gone through this process once, we had a better understanding of how long to apply heat and how to keep the bend as even as possible, which helped us complete this step more efficiently.
After finishing the block piece, we moved on to bending the base of the block to the correct angle. This step was more challenging than we expected. We initially tried using the metal bender, but because the piece was much longer, it was difficult to keep the entire section evenly heated. The acrylic would start to cool too quickly in some areas, making it harder to achieve a smooth and consistent bend.
To solve this problem, we asked Mr. Rojas for advice. He suggested that we clamp down the machine more securely since it was lifting slightly during use, which was affecting our control. He also recommended using two heat guns at the same time to distribute heat more evenly across the longer piece. After making these adjustments, we noticed some improvement. The acrylic stayed warm for longer, and we had more control over the bending process. However, even with these changes, the process still took a significant amount of time and required a lot of patience.
By the end of the class period, we were only able to complete about half of the bend on the base piece. Although we didn’t finish this part, we made important progress and learned better techniques for handling larger pieces of material. In the final five minutes of class, we discussed what steps we still need to complete in order to finish the project in time for the showcase. This helped us plan ahead and prioritize the remaining tasks so we can stay on track.
Design Process Step:
The work we completed fits into the testing and prototyping stage because we are continuing to build and refine our physical model while experimenting with different techniques. During this step, we not only finished bending the remaining portion of the block piece, but also began working on the larger base, which introduced new challenges. As we tried to bend the longer piece, we realized that our original method was not as effective due to uneven heating and difficulty controlling the material.
This stage is important because it involves problem-solving and improving the design based on real-world results. When the metal bender did not work as expected, we adjusted our approach by taking advice and trying new strategies, like securing the machine more firmly and using two heat guns to maintain consistent heat. Even though the process was slow and we were only able to complete part of the bend, these adjustments helped us better understand the limitations of our materials and tools.
Overall, this stage is about testing ideas, learning from challenges, and making improvements. The discussions we had at the end of class about what still needs to be done also show that we are evaluating our progress and planning next steps, which is a key part of refining a prototype before final completion.
Plan Moving Forward:
Moving forward into next week, our main focus will be on completing and assembling the final components of our project. One of our first priorities will be finishing the bending process for the base piece. Since this step has already proven to be time-consuming and challenging, we plan to apply the improved techniques we discovered—such as using multiple heat guns and ensuring the material stays evenly heated—to achieve a smoother and more accurate bend.
In addition to completing the base, we will carefully inspect all of our pieces to determine if any areas need reinforcement. This may include strengthening joints, fixing any uneven bends, or making small adjustments to improve the overall stability and durability of the structure. Taking the time to reinforce weak points will help ensure that our final product is both functional and well-constructed.
Once all the physical components are properly shaped and reinforced, we will begin assembling the full project. This will involve attaching the different acrylic pieces together and integrating the circuit onto the block itself. We will need to be precise during this step to make sure everything aligns correctly and that the circuit functions as intended within the design.
Alongside building, we will also dedicate time to preparing our presentation for the showcase. This will include organizing our process, explaining the challenges we faced, and highlighting the solutions we developed throughout the project. By planning ahead and dividing our time between construction and presentation preparation, we aim to complete a polished final product and be fully ready to present it.
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