Digital Modeling & Fabrication

CAD
Computer-aided drafting and design (CAD) introduces solid and surface modeling. Students use several industry standard softwares, learning typical interface patterns, application specific tool-sets, workflow, and modeling best practices. Students learn and test these skills primarily through a series of integrated design exercises which they develop. This course prepares students with the foundational CAD skills necessary for success in DMF fabrication courses and a career in digital modeling and fabrication.
General shop safety is integrated in the aforementioned course, as well as all subsequent courses.

Design Principles I
An effective design process is founded on basic design principles. In this course, students are introduced to the concept of the design process and asked to explore and test the principles of design in their own projects. As projects progress, students develop their own iterative process of design, prototyping, and assessment. In addition, students learn common manual rapid prototyping methods to accelerate their design cycle in preparation of digital rapid prototyping.

Design Principles II
Building on the principles introduced in DPI, DPII focuses on integrating digital modeling and fabrication techniques and helping students to individuate their personal design processes. Students learn primarily by solving specific design problems that reflect the complexities of professional practice. As the design problems become broader and more complex, students are able to expand and refine their individuated design processes, while working directly with advanced manufacturing methods and materials. Additionally, students learn the fundamentals of digital scanning and tools related to reverse engineering, and data collection.

Basic Machine Shop Principles
Basic Machine Shop Principles provides a thorough overview of the machine shop environment and best practices. Through experiential learning, students explore manual machining (3 axis mill) and turning (lathe) operations including methods for stock preparation, part holding, and drilling and tapping. The course provides instruction on safe operation of equipment and material handling, as well as the importance of proper equipment maintenance. Students also learn to use measurement and inspection tools and to interpret shop drawings including dimensioning and tolerance. Additionally, students learn the principles and use of laser cutting machines.

Advanced Machine Shop I
Students learn G and M code languages and practice interfacing with a variety of numerically controlled machines. The CNC Machines Coordinate system is introduced through simple fabrication projects and hands-on training. Students learn to use an array of CAD file formats, and the most common software applications in typical manufacturing processes. In particular, students are trained to operate industrial CAD/CAM control software through a series of toolpathing exercises.

Advanced Machine Shop II
Within CNC (computer numerically controlled) Machine Systems, students learn to use modern control systems and software for CNC milling, turning, and 3-Axis profiling systems. As they develop projects, students learn proper setup techniques for CNC tooling and the application of those techniques to different types of machines. With instructor guidance, students practice safely running programs and completing a first part inspection. Upon completion of this course, students will understand fixturing and program techniques for efficient CNC production.

Rapid Prototyping & Additive Tech
Students learn to use a range of additive manufacturing (3D printing) technologies, developing an understanding of typical software interfaces: tool capabilities, best practices, maintenance, and consumables/materials. Students practice selecting which technology is best for the production of a specific object. Leveraging 3D modeling software skills learned earlier in the program, students develop projects by rapid prototyping on a suite of additive technologies.

Physical Computing
In Physical Computing, students are introduced to technologies including light electronics, user-friendly circuit boards, input sensors, and output devices. They will be introduced to ways digital control systems are integrated into many of today’s products. Combined with tools and processes covered previously in the program, students will execute a project that incorporates physical computing with digital modeling and fabrication.

Students put their skills into practice with an individual capstone project. Working as an individual or within a team, students choose, plan, and complete the build of a capstone project using the skills and knowledge they learn in the Digital Modeling & Fabrication program. Students execute all aspects of a project from design concept to product. In addition, students learn the complexities of management, marketing, public speaking, and team building.

Students are encouraged to choose a project that correlates to their lifestyle; recent capstone projects include snowboard bindings, a planter with automated watering and environmental sensors, a custom coffee table, and a lacrosse stick. The capstone project is both a valuable learning experience and a way to apply specific processes and techniques to an exciting real-world product.

The capstone project provides the jumping off point to a month-long externship in advanced manufacturing, and becoming uniquely positioned for a job and a career in a rapidly advancing industry. The externship is facilitated through Career Development and provides the opportunity for students to apply the skills they've acquired in the lab and shop to the workplace while gaining valuable hands-on, resume-building, and business experience:

• Resume writing 
• Industry research
• Interviewing & professional communication
• Application of craftsmanship & technical skills in a business environment
• Relationship building with potential full-time employers 

Learn more about the IYRS externship program here.