Teaching Digital Fabrication on a Shoestring

[ UUID ] e8cca88d-056a-4b33-bf56-9d03779ccc41

[ Session Name ] Teaching Digital Fabrication on a Shoestring [ Primary Space ] Open Innovation [ Secondary Space ] Digital Inclusion

[ Submitter's Name ] Andy Forest [ Submitter's Affiliated Organisation ] STEAMLabs [ Submitter's Github ] @AndyForest

What will happen in your session?

Digital fabrication tools such as laser cutters and 3D printers have reinvented how we design, prototype and manufacture. Knowing how to design and make with these tools opens up a whole new world of making and problem solving. At STEAMLabs, we have introduced this to over 20,000 participants from drop-in sessions to multi-day programs. Digital fabrication tools have never been more affordable, but they still remain out of reach for many. In this session, we'll share some of the activities we've developed for using low cost equipment such as vinyl cutters and low cost 3D printers coupled with free and open source software. During the hands-on portion, try your hand at designing and making a precision-cut light up LED lantern.

What is the goal or outcome of your session?

Participants will come away with knowledge on what low cost digital fabrication equipment to purchase, and how to use it. A discussion portion of the session will allow us to give advice for each participant's organization.

If your session requires additional materials or electronic equipment, please outline your needs.

I'll need a projector, a reliable Internet connection, preferably Ethernet.

I'll bring all the other technology and materials.

If you want to run the activity all weekend as a drop-in, we'll need about $100 for materials budget.

Time needed

90 mins

MozillaFoundation / mozfest-program-2017