--- title: Fundamentals of Digital Fabrication page_type: course track: Instrumentation course_type: Seminar feature_img: /assets/images/2024-25/year-1/t-1/fundamentals-df.jpg img_caption: Iaac student projects faculty: - didac-torrent - josep-marti - santiago-fuentemilla - adai-surinach - daniel-mateos ects: 2 --- ## Syllabus The Fundamentals of Digital Fabrication seminar is the first contact for new MDEF students with the technologies, tools, and fabrication processes available in the lab. Over the course of nine weeks, we will introduce the main 3D design software, digital fabrication machines, basic electronics concepts, and some design and production techniques that will undoubtedly be extremely useful for developing more elaborate and meaningful projects throughout the course. Each session will also contain a complementary task that will be done in groups. The seminar is composed of 9 sessions spread over 9 weeks. Each session includes 2,5 hours of class or project development and 4 hours of support. **Keywords: Fabrication, Electronics, Design** ### Learning Objectives - Familiarizing oneself with all areas of the Fabrication Lab, along with their rules and safety protocols. - Gaining proficiency in the operation of hand tools and power tools in the Workshop area, while overcoming any hesitation in using them. - Acquiring a foundational understanding of 2D design and 3D modeling in Fusion 360, and becoming comfortable with its interface. - Learning the workflow of the three primary digital fabrication technologies (3D printing, laser cutting/engraving, CNC machining), along with the basic principles of their operation. - Understanding the fundamentals of coding in C++ using Arduino IDE and creating flow diagrams. - Identifying the Barduino Board and the key electronic components used as INPUTS and OUTPUTS. - Applying theoretical knowledge in hands-on design and production projects. - Developing an effective setup for Design Dialogues. ### Materials Needs All materials needed for the course will be provided by the faculty. The students are required to bring to the classes their own students toolkit and the programming boards given to them at the start of the academic year, other development boards, sensors and actuators will be provided during the workshop. Bring in your laptop and any prototyping tools you have around such as a cutter, tape, markers, screwdrivers... Do you have any old appliances (radios, toys, telephones, lamps, screens, keyboards...) at home you would like to take apart? Bring them, too! (For safety reasons, avoid choosing appliances with a lot of power or that are easily heated). ## Schedule **Session 1:** 09/10/2024 from 14:30h to 17h | MDEF class + LAB * Introduction to the course and calendar * Presentation on fabrication, prototyping, tools and materials * Lab visit and power tools demonstration **Session 2:** 16/10/2024 from 14:30h to 17h | MDEF class * Introduction to Arduino IDE and Barduino * How to make a flow diagram * INPUTS and OUTPUTS **Session 3:** 23/10/2024 from 14:30h to 17h | MDEF class + LAB * Introduction 2D design with Fusion 360 or Rhinoceros * Laser theory * 2D fabrication with Laser machines + Vinyl cutter **Session 4:** 30/10/2024 from 14:30h to 17h | MDEF class + LAB (?) * Introduction 3D design with Fusion 360 * 3D printing theory * 3D fabrication with 3D printers **Session 5:** 06/11/2024 from 14:30h to 17h | MDEF class * Casting and mould design theory * Practical demonstration of casting material * Mould development in class **Session 6:** 13/11/2024 from 14:30h to 17h | MDEF class + LAB * Networking with microcontrollers * Intro to Processing/P5.js * Activity on networking **Session 7:** 20/11/2024 from 14:30h to 17h | MDEF class + LAB * CNC milling * Activity on CNC milling joinery **Session 8:** 27/11/2024 from 14:30h to 17h | MDEF class + LAB * Modular Design * Activity on modular design for Design Dialogues stands and furniture **Session 9:** 04/12/2024 from 14:30h to 17h | MDEF class + LAB * Design Dialogues preparation ## Deliverables Students are not required to post class notes to their blogs/web. They should only upload documentation of the activities done in class (or outside) and their results. A reflection on the technologies learnt and their possible link to their project will also be required. ## Grading Method The evaluation for this seminar will be primarily based on students' participation, attitude in class, and the content they post and document on their blogs. As the assigned tasks serve mainly as tools for learning, formal evaluation of them will be minimal, making active engagement in class the key factor for success. There won’t be a big final project to evaluate either. - Participation: 30% - Prototype development: 50% - Self-assessment: 20% ## Course Resources - [Fablab BCN Local Documentation](https://fablabbcn-projects.gitlab.io/learning/educational-docs/fabacademy/course-info/what_is_it/) ## Faculty {{ insert_faculty() }}