The Digital Fabrication Seminar explores different scales of production for architecture, using Digital and Robotic Fabrication techniques such as: CNC cutting (laser) & milling, 3D printing, moulding, casting, as well as composite design and fabrication. One of the goals is to introduce thinking around production as a workflow, by following the evolution of the design through process iterations.
Digital Fabrication is an introductory course on new production techniques through the relation between computer data and machine-oriented fabrication.
CNC machines were introduced in the middle XXth century into industry, changing the conception of the production of objects and parts (mainly in the automotive and military industries, and then into mass-consumed products). The relationship between architecture and digital fabrication CAD / CAM processes in architecture is not new anymore, it started during the last two decades of the XXth century, bringing in a new relationship that is not only affecting the way architecture is produced but is changing the way machines are constructed and conceived for the production of architecture.
At first, the relation between architecture and digital fabrication has been focused on the production of non-standard parts/components and on the speculation of forms as an end itself. Instead, the seminar will focus on geometry and machines as a means to develop the performance-based design with efficient fabrication methods.
The aim of the course is to explore the design opportunities arising from three common digital fabrication processes: Laser Cutting, CNC milling and 3D Printing. Assignments will be supported by an iterative exploration of each technology and material, going through a conceptual and prototyping process of design each week.
By the end of the course, every student should be familiar with digital modelling, fabricating, documenting and assembly of a structure. Students should be able to invent strategies to translate geometry into an articulated constructible solution, produce the CAD-CAM file for production and use the CNC machines by themselves. During the course, students will also learn the principle of a FabLab and learn how to use this collaborative maker space in a safe, clean and respectful way.
In the Introduction to Digital Fabrication we were required to explore and investigate 3 different manufacturing processes which consisted of using a Laser Cutter, a 3D Printer and a CNC Milling machine. In the laser cutting exercise we looked at how to form a 3D spatial joint from 2D laser cut pieces. Essentially figuring out … Read more
ABSTRACT The digital fabrication studio introduced us to new techniques and ideas through relation between computer data and machine-oriented fabrication. AIM The aim of this course was to explore the design opportunities arising from three common digital fabrication process: 3D printing, CNC machine and Laser cutting. Each of us have designed their own idea and … Read more
As an introduction to digital fabrication, a 3-weeks course was planned on new production techniques through the relation between computer data and machine-oriented fabrication. The aim of the course was to explore the design opportunities arising from three common digital fabrication processes: Laser Cutting, CNC milling and 3D Printing. We had to explore each technology … Read more
3D PRINTING Tutored by Ricardo Mayor The 3D Printing Machine produces high accuracy parts from Rhino or CAD with a high level of automation.As an additive manufacturing technology, the 3D printer allows for much more freedom in the forms it can create. Through the layering of filament the 3D printer can create complex forms although … Read more
The aim of the digital fabrication introductory course was to utilize three fabrication methods – 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC milling – to explore different possible geometries and outputs. The group’s aim for the three exercises has been to conjecture what different geometries would produce the most interesting outcomes in combination with the different … Read more
Abstract The aim of this exercise is the understanding of new production techniques through the relation between computer data and machine-oriented fabrication, bringing in a new perspective towards architecture and digital fabrication. As well as being able to invent strategies to translate geometry and systems into articulated and constructible solutions through exploring the opportunities arising … Read more
00 – ABSTRACT Over the three weeks that lasted the Digital Fabrication Course the main goal was to learn how to develop, model, use the available machinery and prototype designs. For each week a different machine and techniques were used, respectively, CNC Milling, Laser Cutting and 3D printing. Different strategies were applied to achieve the … Read more
Digital Fabrication is an introductory 3-week course on new production techniques through the relationship between computer data and machine-oriented fabrication. The course aims to explore the design opportunities arising from three common digital fabrication processes: laser cutting, CNC milling, and 3D printing. Laser cutting_spatial joints This exercise aimed to join recycled timber beams into informed … Read more
The Digital Fabrication introductory course focused on the exploration of different fabrication processes and getting to know the logic behind Laser cutting, 3D Printing and CNC Milling. The main aim of the course was not only to familiarize one with the machines and the FabLab protocol, but also to learn to design with the capabilities and … Read more
ABSTRACT The aim of the digital fabrication course was to prototype and produce desired designs in 3 different methods like 3D printing, laser cutting and CNC milling. We explored variety of machining strategies to create particular textures and joints while the fabrication time was under consideration. EXERCISE 1 _ CNC Milling _ Prismatic Voronoi The final … Read more
00- ABSTRACT Digital fabrication is a design and manufacturing workflow where digital data directly drives manufacturing equipment to form various part geometries. This data comes from CAD (computer-aided design), which is then transferred to CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) software. This data directs a specific additive and subtractive manufacturing tool, such as a 3D printer, CNC milling machine and Laser … Read more
03.10.2022-21.10.2022 Laser Cutting03.10-07.10 Exploring the Fabrication Parameters of Spatial Joint Utilising the inherent property of trees The main inspiration behind the concept for this spatial timber joint is ‘edaphoecotropism’ which is a natural process of trees incorporating foreign objects into themselves. When a foreign object is in the way or obstructing the growth of a … Read more
