Blog
Grant Project Reflection: Infinity Portal
The blog post below was written by Jaylen Coleman, Pratt '24. In the academic year 2023-2024, he was provided a Co-Lab grant to work on this project.
Creating the Infinity Portal LED display was a multifaceted project that involved various activities at the Duke Co-Lab. Here's a step-by-step story of how each part of the process unfolded:
Design
The journey began in the digital realm with Adobe Illustrator. I meticulously crafted a design for the display, ensuring every detail was perfect. The design featured a central hexagon motif, symbolizing the essence of design in the Co-Lab.
Laser Cutting Acrylic
With the design in hand, I headed to the laser cutter. The first task was to cut the hexagon shape from two acrylic sheets: a clear one for the front and a black one for the back. Precision was key, and the laser cutter effortlessly handled the job, producing sharp, clean edges.
Vinyl Application and Etching
Next, I layered a sheet of black vinyl over the clear acrylic. Returning to the laser cutter, I etched the design into the vinyl-covered acrylic. This step added intricate details and transformed the plain surface into an eye-catching element. Hidden within the design, I included an easter egg: "INFINITY PORTAL" spelled out in binary code.
3D Printing Clips
To hold the display together, I designed and 3D printed clips for the corners. These clips were essential for securing the acrylic layers. After printing, I spray-painted the clips to give them a sleek metallic finish, adding a professional touch. To personalize the project, I added my logo onto the clips.
Electrical Work and Soldering
Now came the technical part. I positioned six triangle-shaped LEDs between the clear and black acrylic sheets. These LEDs would illuminate the design, bringing it to life. I carefully fixed each of the electrical connections, ensuring everything was secure and functional.
Final Assembly and Base
With the LEDs in place and the clips ready, I assembled the display. The clips held the acrylic sheets together perfectly, creating a sturdy structure. Using some leftover black acrylic, I laser-cut the word "Co-Lab" and adhered it to the middle of the vinyl wrap, adding a final touch of customization. Finally, I 3D printed a base to support the display, completing the project.
Reflection
Throughout this process, I enjoyed every moment at the Duke Co-Lab. It was a fulfilling experience to create something special for the University, a place where I frequently work on school projects and continue developing my startup, Infinity Portal. The Co-Lab provided all the tools and resources I needed, making it an invaluable part of my creative journey.