Autumn Course

Introduction to Digital Design and Fabrication Processes

Schedule: (10 sessions) Wednesdays, 6-8:50 p.m., Sept. 30-Dec. 16, 2009; $1,200; 3 credits. Instructors: Kimo Griggs and Ben Dalton .

Provides general knowledge about computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies and digital environments within which they can be useful to a design. Hands-on practical learning is mixed with learning about the conceptual and historical underpinnings of developments within the field. Design work in first quarter based on Rhinoceros, a NURBS-based software environment. Topics include:

• Fundamental CAD/CAM technologies such as digital design environments, CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) machine types and uses
• Plotter-type CNC tools and designs based on geometries that can be reduced to simple flat and developable shapes
• Input devices including manual and non-contact digitizers; rapid prototyping and use of 3D printers
• True CNC tools, introducing CNC milling, CNC router and CNC plasma cutter; exposure to introductory CAD/CAM package called BobCAD-CAM

Winter Course

Solid Digital Modeling and Parametric Design

Schedule: (10 sessions) Mondays, 6-8:50 p.m., Jan. 4-March 15, 2010, plus one additional class to be arranged (no class Jan. 18, Feb. 15); $1,200; 3 credits. Instructors: Rob Corser and Scott Crawford.

Continued work with Rhinoceros and introduction of Solidworks to develop fully-defined digital solid models within a parametric design environment leading to downstream applications. Development of comfort level with the design of simple parametric building components. Topics include:

• Modeling of parts and assemblies
• Use of design tables to permit parametric design to be easily utilized for downstream manufacturing applications.
• Using Solidworks to design a screen or railing system, lighting components or a catwalk structure
• Some use of rapid prototyping technologies

Spring Course

Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing

Schedule: (10 sessions) Mondays, 6-8:50 p.m., March 29-June 7, 2010 (no class May 31); $1,200; 3 credits. Instructors: Kimo Griggs, Rob Corser.

Further development of skills with techniques and strategies employed to engage digital manufacturing tools; participants will learn to use the tools to produce real physical examples of digitally-designed and manufactured component; by end of program, participants design a complex building component, and manufacture the full-scale components using digitally-enabled tools. Topics include:

• Expansion of capabilities on the manufacturing and fabrication side of the CAD/CAM continuum
• Continued use of Rhinoceros and Solidworks digital models; use of UW CAD/CAM resources, including g-code generating programs such as Bob-CAD, Rhino/Cam and Mastercam, as well as CNC tools such as the large-format router, small milling machines, 3D printer and plasma cutter.
• Participants learn how CAD/CAM technologies may be used to indirectly manufacture a variety of components.