Credits: 3

Schedule: 06.05.2019 - 31.05.2019

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

Matti Niinimäki, Janne Ojala

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation): 

Krisjanis Rijnieks <krisjanis.rijnieks@aalto.fi>

Teaching Period (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

I (2018-19)

Learning Outcomes (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

The student learns the basics of designing objects with CAD software and ways to turn the digital designs to physical objects using the tools and machines in Väre Workshops. The focus is on rapid prototyping tools such as laser cutters, 3D printers and CNC routers.

The course introduces the possibilities and limitations of fabricating both precisely designed functional parts and algorithmically created experimental designs.

Content (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

The field of new media is not limited to just the digital realm and software. Making physical objects, tangible interfaces, robotics, and mechatronics all require skills in designing and fabricating objects in the real world. This course provides the basic skills for computer-aided-design (CAD) and digital fabrication using laser cutters, 3D printers, and CNC routers.

The first part of the course introduces the possibilities and tools available for designing and making objects, parts, artefacts, and artworks in the Väre Workshops.

The second part of the course consists of learning the basics of a CAD software for designing precise, functional parts. This skill is a vital part in building kinetic sculptures, robotics, and mechanical parts for various creative projects.

The third part of the course introduces the possibilities of algorithmic design through custom-built software and experimental use of rapid prototyping technology in media art and sculpture. This section of the course also encourages the students to discuss and analyse the emergent maker culture and new ways of understanding the role of craftsmanship in the world of art and design.

Finally, the students will complete a small project that explores the possibilities of the digital and physical tools covered during the course. A critical approach to technology is encouraged.

Details on the course content (applies in this implementation): 

READ THIS IF YOU ARE JOINING THE AALTO FABLAB EDITION !!!

Join the course and learn the fundamentals of digital fabrication. During this one-month intensive course you will learn what is a fab lab, what are the tools available and how to use them to build your own projects. You will be required to iterate on a project of your choice, exploring computer aided design (CAD) software and one or more numerical control (NC) machines available at the Aalto Fablab.

There will be introductory lectures during the first week of the course. Every week will start with short project presentations by the students. It is OK if your idea changes from week to week. What matters most is what you learn along the way, therefore you will be expected to document your work as you go. Please note documentation requirements below. 

- Plain text, markdown or HTML.
- Images should be kept separately as JPG files (1920x1080px) and referenced in text.
- Project files should be included as ZIP packages.
- Final project video 1920x1080px, 1 minute, mp4

After the course you should have a general overview of what is a fab lab and what to expect from it. The course expects you to have a better understanding of a CAD software of your choice and connected programs that of the machine you will use to fabricate your final project. It can also serve as your first step towards becoming a Fab Academy student. You can read more about Fab Academy on the official website (http://fabacademy.org/).




Assessment Methods and Criteria (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

Attendance (min. 80%) and a completed final project.

Elaboration of the evaluation criteria and methods, and acquainting students with the evaluation (applies in this implementation): 

Students are expected to document their study process as they go. Text, images and videos should be taken and organised in a presentable form. Please note documentation requirements below. 

- Plain text, markdown or HTML.
- Images should be kept separately as JPG files (1920x1080px) and referenced in text.
- Project files should be included as ZIP packages.
- Final project video 1920x1080px, 1 minute, mp4

Workload (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

24h of lectures + 56h of independent studies and exercises in the workshops.

Details on calculating the workload (applies in this implementation): 

Lecture attendance during the first week will be recorded. Validation of the rest of the hours by using student documentation.

Study Material (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

Materials will be provided during the course.

Course Homepage (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/search.php?search=DOM-E5128

Grading Scale (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

pass/fail

Registration for Courses (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

weboodi

The order of priority for admitting students to courses at Aalto ARTS 1.1.2018 onwards (approved by The Committee of Arts, Design and Architecture on 10.10.2017)

The order of priority is as follows:

  1. students for whom the course is compulsory for their major/programme and who have scheduled it for the current academic year in their personal study plan (HOPS);
  2. exchange students for whom the course is a part of his/her officially approved learning agreement and scheduled to be taken during the current semester;
  3. students for whom the course is compulsory for their major/programme and who have not completed it yet;
  4. students, for whom the course is part of his/her major’s or programme’s alternative studies and has been scheduled in the student's PSP (HOPS) for the current academic year
  5. students, for whom the course is part of his/her major’s or programme’s alternative studies and who have not completed the requisite number of credits for alternative studies yet;
  6. students for whom the course is compulsory for their minor;
  7. students, for whom the course is part of his/her minor subject’s alternative studies and who have not completed the requisite number of credits for alternative studies yet;
  8. students who have applied for the course through a student mobility scheme (internal mobility within Aalto University, flexible study right (JOO) studies etc.);
  9. other students.

 

Courses that are intended to be multidisciplinary (e.g. UWAS courses) may apply an order of priority based on the learning outcomes of the course, while bearing in mind the university obligation of enabling students to complete their degrees within the normative duration of study set for the degree. The order of priority does not apply to courses organised by the Centre for General Studies or doctoral courses.

This decision on the order of priority does not influence the right of the teacher to define prerequisites for the course.

 

Further Information (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

Decision by Vice Dean Rasmus Vuori in pandemic conditions 2020: Cancelled

Details on the schedule (applies in this implementation): 

Week 01 (6 - 10 May) 
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Every day 13:00 - 16:00
Monday: Fab Labs overview.
Tuesday: Vinyl and laser cutting.
Wednesday: 3D modelling and 3D printing.
Thursday: CNC Milling.
Friday: Electronics.

Week 02 (13 - 17 May) 
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Monday 13:00 - 16:00: Student project presentations and problem solving.
Tuesday - Friday: Work on projects during lab opening times.

Week 03 (20 - 24 May) 
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Monday 13:00 - 16:00: Student project presentations and problem solving. 
Tuesday - Friday: Work on projects during lab opening times.

Week 04 (27 - 31 May)
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Monday 13:00 - 16:00: Student project presentations and problem solving.
Tuesday - Friday: Work on projects during lab opening times.
Friday (13:00 - 16:00) Final project presentations.



Description

Registration and further information