Final Project – Progress Update

Since the last update, I have made a ton of updates. One of the first parts that I did was to do all the cuts I needed. I laser cut out the panels to size and slots for the acrylic to go into. I also got the new versions of the acrylic sheets cut with the new design. This design integrates with some 3D printed gussets that I made. These gussets have 4 holes on two faces perpendicular, so they can be bolted to the new acrylic sheets and also the boards with M2 fasteners. This will divide the force and stresses on the acrylic sheets. You can see the new gusset assembly below.

I also had the backgrounds that I designed printed. I initially used an engineering drawing printer and then glued them onto the boards. This did not work since I did not have an even layer, and the paper was so thin that it bled. To counter this, I got them printed on nice poster paper at Walgreens. From there, I used Modpodge to glue them to the board and then a rolling pin to completely flatten them. I then added another layer to give a slight shine to my boards to look more like carbon fiber. I started to drill some holes in some boards for the gussets to connect to. I also flipped the boards over to add two planks that I can drill into the board and hang wire to. This can be seen below. I have yet to add the wire, but have the hooks inserted.

One of the last things I have completed so far is starting to make the frames. I cut the planks to length, painted them black with spray paint. I then drilled into the ends and inserted wooden dowels and glued them together for extra support. In the process, the paint got damaged a little, so I am in the process of repainting it. This is shown below

My next steps are to integrate the borders onto the boards. Also I need to drill teh remaining holes on the boards. AFter that I will integrate the lights into teh project to complete it befoere I hang it.