TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN
What is Technology & Design?
At CIADC, we are all about making 3D objects in permanent materials. This process starts with an idea turned into a Design. Sometimes having a 2D Computer Aided Design (CAD), or a 3D digital model can communicate the idea more effectively and help with material and process selection.
Technology can aid the making process via 21st century manufacturing tools, namely digital fabrication and Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) machines.
Computer design/modeling and digital/CNC fabrication can be used as stand-alone processes or integrated with our other Departments to create the desired object.
What are some benefits to Technology & Design?
Technology is a tool available to us. Whether it be for object design, rendering, or fabrication, Technology can make the process much easier. Digital design gives the ability to flush out design criteria, and edit visually before cutting material. Digital fabrication/CNC machines are versatile workhorses. 3D printers are additive machines that enable quick outputs of 3D designs. CNC machining tools are subtractive machines, cutting 2D or 3D objects in a variety of materials. The outputted object of either machine can be the final work, or used as a template, model, form, or mold for another process. Both types of machines excel with complex, hard to fabricate designs and with repetitive outputs. “If you can dream it, you can build it”.
Can you CNC Machine or 3D Print something for me?
Sure! Current CIADC Members have the option of paying for digital design and CNC/digital fabrication services. Click here to learn more!
What Technology & Design tools and capabilities do we have?
Our 1,100 square foot Technology & Design Department is outfitted with the following:
CNC Plasma Cutter:
ShopSabre SideKick 4 CNC Plasma (52” x 49” 2D cut area)
Hypertherm PowerMax 65 Plasma Torch
Water Table
Materials Cut: steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass, bronze
Maximum Cutting Thickness: 5/8”
Cuttable File Formats (vector): .dxf, .eps, .ai, .pdf, .skp, .dwg
Cuttable File Formats (image): .bmp, .jpg. .jpeg, .gif, .tif, .tiff, .png
CNC Router:
ShopSabre Pro404 CNC Router (60" x 50" x 12" 2D, 2.5D, 3D cut volume)
4th Axis Rotary Indexer (6” swing)
Materials Cut: hardwood, softwood, plywood/sheet goods, carving foam, plastics, aluminum, brass
Cuttable File Formats (vector): .dxf, .eps, .ai, .pdf, .skp, .dwg
Cuttable File Formats (image): .bmp, .jpg. .jpeg, .gif, .tif, .tiff, .png
Cuttable File Formats (3D): .stl, .dxf, .3ds, .obj, .skp, .v3m, .lwo, .3dm, .wrl
3D Printers:
Dremel DigiLab 3D45 Printer (10” x 6” x 7” build volume)
MakerGear M2 3D Filament Printer (8" x 10" x 8" build volume)
Materials Printed: ABS and PLA plastics
Printable File Formats: .stl, .obj, .3mf
Computer Workstations:
(6) PC-based Workstations
Vector-based and 3D Modeling Software: MeshMixer, V-Carve Pro, SolidWorks
CAM/Slicer Software: V-Carve Pro, Cura
Other:
Wood and metal finishing stations
Assortment of hand tools
Access to Metal Shop and Wood Shop during Class times, with Instructor Guidance
Material and Supplies offered for purchase in Department Shop
Storage for Material, Supplies, and Projects in Department Shop
Need one-on-one instruction to learn a new tool, deepen your skill set, or to push through the design and creating process? Does your schedule prevent you from committing to a 5-week or 10-week class? Want to dabble in one of our shops in a low-commitment way?
We offer 1-on-1 Private Instruction for individuals, ages 11+, in hourly increments at a schedule that fits yours.
Click Class Title above for more details and to register.