Beecher's Flash Drive Case

I started with a very basic sketch of my design concept to display the orientation of the logo on the case lid. I then used Solidworks to design this piece. I familiarized myself with the sketch image tool, and used it to trace a sketch of the flash logo so that I could then cut extrude it. I chose to use the provided base design for simplicity, so I designed the top piece to match its dimensions and included the through holes for the screws. 

I then proceeded to the machine shop to manufacture the flash drive base. To do so, I started with a block of aluminum and used the CNC mills to shape the block to the desired size, carve out the middle of the block where the USB chip will fit, and drill the holes for the screws that will attach the top of the case. I then used the band saw to cut the piece to the desired depth. Finally, I used the drill tap to tap the holes with the correct thread for the screws. Nick then helped me use the left over aluminum to make a simple top for the case by cutting it to the correct depth and drilling through holes for the screws. 

Once I had the case fully manufactured, I set about customizing it with the flash symbol. After consulting my instructors, I decided that laser marking spray was the best path forwards. This process involved modifying the Adobe Illustrator DXF file so that the laser cutter would engrave the outline of the case lid onto a piece of MDF. I could then line up the case lid so that the laser cutter would engrave the design onto the sprayed surface in the perfect position. During this process I learned how to manipulate paths in Adobe Illustrator, as well as the functions of the vect and rast modes on the laser cutter and their settings.