Computational Fabrication and MetaMaterials

In this course we introduce a new way of thinking about and working with materials in digital design and 3D printing. Through computational fabrication, we can tailor material behaviour and experience. This is in contrast with common practice prescribed by traditional manufacturing, where materials are given or chosen. With computational fabrication, we not just consider the constraints of 3D printing, but actually leverage the specificalities of the printing process to obtain structures with desired properties.

To achieve this, a deep understanding of the inner workings of 3D printing is needed, as well as learning how the material responds to the 3D printing process.

Blurring the boundary between 3D CAD and 3D printing, students will learn to use Grasshopper to define their designs as a set of machine instructions for the 3D printer. They will apply this to both Material Extrusion and Material Jetting techniques. Starting with simple structures, evaluating and testing their outcomes, and culminating in the application of their acquired knowledge to fabricate a prototype.