Fall 2023
CS 491 and CS 591
Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 – 10:45am
Location: Mechanical Engineering Building, Room 210
Hand and Machine Lab: Farris Engineering Center, Room G390
Computational fabrication combines computer programming with digital fabrication. Computational fabrication enables people to design digital forms by writing code and then construct these forms via fabrication machines like 3D printers, CNC routers, knitting machines, and laser cutters. In this course, students will explore different algorithms, machines, and materials by designing and creating a series of objects.
Students will be introduced to computer-aided-design (CAD) software for 2D and 3D design along with programming languages aimed at the design of physical artifacts. The course will also cover the process of converting digital designs to physical form through computer-aided machining (CAM). Finally, we will explore research opportunities related to computational design and fabrication.
Images, from left to right: Zaha Hadid’s Heydar Aliyev Center, ceramics by Bryan Czibesz, lamp by Nervous Sytem, bench by Genesis Design, dress by Iris van Herpen.
Materials and Equipment
Course materials will be supplied by the Hand and Machine lab. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase their own 3D printer for the class. We recommend the the Creality3D Ender 3 Pro, which can be purchased for under $250. Lab printers are available for shared use for students who do not have the resources to purchase their own printer.