Fab Academy 2021

Computer-aided design

Assignments

• Evaluate and select your desired 2D and 3D software
• Document processes used in modelling with 2D and 3D software.
• Model (raster, vector, 2D, 3D, render, animate, simulate, …) a possible final project, and post it on your class page.

Computer-Controlled Cutting

Assignments

• characterize the features of the lasercutters including focus, power, speed, frequency and kerf for different materials

Electronics Production

Assignments

• Characterize the design rules for your PCB production process

3D Scanning and Printing

Assignments

Group assignment:

• test the design rules for your 3D printer(s)

Individual assignment :

• Design and 3D print an object (small, few cm3, limited by printer time) that could not be made subtractively
• 3D scan an object (and optionally print it)

Electronics Design

Assignments

Group assignment:

• Use the test equipment in our lab to observe the operation of a microcontroller circuit board.

Individual assignment :

• Redraw an echo hello-world board
• Add at least a button and LED with current-limiting resistor
• Check the design rules, make it, and test it

Computer-Controlled Machining

Assignments

• test runout, alignment, speeds, feeds, and toolpaths for your machine.

Embedded Programming

Assignments

Group assignment:

• Compare the performance and development workflows for other architectures.

Individual assignment :

• Read a microcontroller datasheet.
• Program your board to do something, with as many different programming languages and programming environments as possible.

Mechanical Design, Machine Design

Assignments

Group Assignment
• design a machine that includes mechanism+actuation+automation
• build the mechanical parts and operate it manually
• document the group project and your individual contribution

Input Devices

Assignments

• probe an input device's analog levels and digital signals

Molding and Casting

Assignments

Group assignment:

• Review the safety data sheets for each of your molding and casting materials, then make and compare test casts with each of them.

Individual assignment :

• Design a mold around the stock and tooling that you'll be using, mill it (rough cut + (at least) three-axis finish cut), and use it to cast parts.

Output Devices

Assignments

Group assignment:

• Measure the power consumption of an output device.

Individual assignment :

• add an output device to a microcontroller board you've designed, and program it to do something.

Embedded Networking and Communications

Assignments

Group assignment:

• Send a message between two projects.

Individual assignment :

• Design, build, and connect wired or wireless node(s) with network or bus addresses.

Interface and Application Programming

Assignments

Group assignment:

• Compare as many tool options as possible.

Individual assignment :

• Write an application that interfaces a user with an input &/or output device that you made.

Wild Card

Assignments

Assignments

• Design and produce something with a digital fabrication process (incorporating computer-aided design and manufacturing) not covered in another assignment, documenting the requirements that your assignment meets, and including everything necessary to reproduce it. Possibilities include (but are not limited to):

Applications and Implications

Assignments

Group assignment:

• Send a message between two projects.

Assignments

• Propose a final project masterpiece that integrates the range of units covered, answering:

Invention, Intellectual Property and Business Models

Assignments

Indivudual Assignments

• Develop a plan for dissemination of your final project
• Prepare drafts of your summary slide (presentation.png, 1920x1080) and video clip (presentation.mp4, 1080p HTML5, < ~minute, < ~10 MB) and put them in your root directory

Final Project Development

Assignments

• Complete your final project, tracking your progress