Medieval Shield Project
The aim of this project was to design and fabricate a scaled, functional, and aesthetically pleasing medieval-style shield using sheet metal. Applying a variety of manufacturing techniques, including cutting, shaping, and assembling sheet metal, we worked with 2mm-thick aluminum sheets to gain a deeper understanding of material properties such as malleability, ductility, and strength. We decided to use 2mm-thick aluminum because it was sturdy but allowed cutting with electric hand shears. We quickly found out that while the shears could cut straight lines, we needed a more poweful tool for cutting the shield's curves. The vertical band saw proved to be perfect for the job. We also used a bead roller and an English wheel to bend and deform the metal. Unfortunately, the bead roller left deep scratches along the perimeter of the shield. We used a dremel to sand down these edges which then left its own blemishes which we smoothed out with a buffing wheel, enhancing the shield's surface finish and curvature. For the handles, we intended to use brazing to attach them to the shield. However, it didn't provide the strength we needed for a shield that could potentially suffer blows. Instead, we used rivets to ensure the handles would not separate. By combining these techniques with teamwork and problem-solving, we successfully created a polished shield that is comfortable to grip, light enough to wield, but heavy and solid enough to withstand force.