Great branding often starts as an experiment. After developing the initial [visual identity and logo design] for The Concept: After creating Tra’s original logo, I wanted to extend the visual identity beyond print and vinyl. I engineered and CNC-milled custom thermal branding irons to sear the logo directly onto his signature sandwich buns. When Tra briefly ran service without the branded buns, repeat customers actually asked where the logo went—proving how much a physical, tactile touchpoint can anchor brand recognition.
Technical Fabrication:
- Material: 1″ 6061 Aluminum (selected for high thermal conductivity and heat retention).
- Machining: Precision-milled logo profile using a 2-flute 45° Amana bit, followed by a final profile cutout using a 2-flute 1/4″ Kodiak Tools upcut bit.
- Assembly: Drilled and tapped with a 1/4″-20 thread, mounted to a steel rod, and finished with a turned birch handle.
Brand Scaling:
As Tra expanded from a single mobile unit into multiple permanent concession locations, I manufactured additional iron units to support high-volume kitchen prep without sacrificing brand consistency across locations.
Deliverables:
CNC Machining & Tooling, Industrial Fabrication, Physical Brand Extension.
