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The Digital Fabrication Lab is for the instruction and research of the
students and faculty of the Caollege of Architecture. We welcome the
opportunity for collaborative research with other academic units,
design professions and others in the community. Those interested should
contact Eric Sauda or Chris Beorkrem via E-mail or by phone at
704-687-4029. Laser Cutter universal model
    
This
is the simplest and most common tool for translating computer derived
information into precisely cut componets, and is the workhorse of every
digital fabrication labroratory
Output size: 32" x 18"
Job Submission: Jobs
for the Laser Cutters will be processed on a walk-in basis and are to
be submitted in .dxf format. During busier periods, students will
submit jobs into a queue and will be given a time to return to get
their work cut. If a student misses an appointment, her/his job will be
placed back at the beginning of the queue. Only approved stock will be
cut. Rapid Prototyper
Rapid Prototyping is the most common name given to technologies that
are used to fabricate physical objects directly from CAD data sources.
These methods are unique in that they add and bond materials to form
objects. Objects can be formed with any geometric complexity or
intricacy without need for elaborate setup or assembly. RP reduces the
construction of complex objects to a manageable straightforward and
relatively fast process. Job Submission: All
jobs will be submitted to the lab director or the lab TAs for
processing via the COA server. Work must be in STL format for the
Dimension (plastic) printer, or in STL or VRML for the ZCorp (powder)
printer. Files that exhibit slicing errors or have scaled components
smaller than 0.05 inches (0.5mm) will be returned to the student for
repair. Minimum turnaround will be 24 hours for any product. Maximum
turnaround will be the length of the job queue.
ZCorp Model 310: A
basic level machine that is quick but has relatively low accuracy and
strength. Good first cost, but limited to representational models and
not appropriate to component prototyping.
Output Size: 8" x 8" x 10"
Dimension SST: A
photopolymer printer that is adapted from high end production machines.
Relatively fast, high level of resolution and capable of producing
prototypes of components.
Output Size: 8" x 8" x 10"
AXYZ Model
The CNC router is a machine that enables components or molds to be
formed directly from computer models without the need for shop
drawings. It is capable of working with a variety of foams, non-ferrous
metals and wood products. CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) is a
description of any machine that is controlled by numeric information
rather than mechanically operated dials or levers. CNC are capable of
great accuracy and, combined with the proper software, can be
configured to produce customized components. Output size: 5' x 8' x 10"
Job Sumbission: Work
on the router must be approved in advance by specified faculty or by
the lab director. This will include approval of both the file to be
loaded into the router and the material to be used. Files with
toolpaths that endanger the operator or the equipment will be returned
to the student for repair. Jobs will be added to a queue, and will be
processed at the first available time. The student will be given the
time of this appointment, and must be present for the job to be run. If
a student misses an appointment, her/his job will be placed back at the
beginning of the queue. The job must be prepared with ToolPath software
available in the computer lab.
MIcroscribe G2 A
device that converts analog data to a discrete, digital representation.
Any digitizer combines two operations: sampling the input data, and
quantizing the samples. They offer the possibility of bring data from 3
dimensional models into 3D software in a form that is parametrically
controlled.
Eight
Dell Dimension GX 280 desktops allow for the production and preparation
of projects within the Digital Design Center by using 3D software such
as Maya, 3dStudio Max and Rhino.
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