UTPB Alumnus Ilan Yzaguirre graduated this spring with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He designed and created his own engineers ring utilizing resources on campus before walking the stage.
“Being able to design and create my own ring made a final memorable experience at UTPB and a personal story that I will carry on my hand as I begin my career in the engineering profession,” said Yzaguirre.
Yzaguirre wanted to manufacture his own ring for the Order of the Engineer ceremony, where graduating students are awarded their engineers ring.
“The purpose of the ring is to symbolize an engineer’s profession. The ring was traditionally made out of iron and now steel. When the ring contacts the writing surface and in turn the hand, the wearer is reminded that what they write and draft should uphold the ethical oath, standards, and obligations of an engineer,” said Yzaguirre.
Once he connected with the right departments on campus, the casting and finishing process took only a few days. With the help of UTPB’s Makerspace 3D printers and support from the Art Department, he successfully completed the ring.
He used the investment casting method, which involved 3D printing the ring design, coating it with a ceramic slurry to form a mold, firing the mold to harden it, and finally casting the ring in silver.
