Digital Fabrication (FSI-YGT)

The aim of the subject is to acquire competencies in the field of algorithmic modeling, production-oriented design, and direct manufacturing based on digital data. Students will acquire the skills necessary for prototyping their designs implemented within application-oriented teaching. They will learn fabrication-aware methodologies and acquire skills in algorithmic modeling and automation of production data preparation in the strojLAB prototype workshop. Students will gain practical experience in the process of obtaining 3D geometry through optical scanning, working with 3D models, and preparing production data for digital technologies, especially for 3D printing and laser plotters.

Knowledge of CAD systems is expected, especially the principles of NURBS modeling and the Rhinoceros 3D software environment.

The essence of the subject is teaching so-called Fabrication Aware Design. Product geometry already includes the requirements of the intended manufacturing process, including its limitations, which significantly increases productivity. Students will design material studies of products using algorithmic modeling in Grasshopper, work independently with a handheld 3D scanner, desktop 3D printer, and laser plotter in the strojLAB prototyping workshop, where they will manufacture the designed product. The subject consists of two parts connecting theory and practice from the process of creating digital data, its processing, to its direct digital manufacturing (DDM).

Conditions for obtaining credit:

• activity in exercises (min. 5 out of 20 points),
• completion of assigned projects (min. 45 out of 80 points),

The condition for obtaining a classified credit is the submission of digital data for the project and physical products. The final classification will be determined according to the ECTS scale

Practical training in the strojLAB prototype workshop

• Production of parts using 3D printing.


• Production of parts using a laser plotter.


• Production of parts using CNC machining.

• Algorithmic modeling – introduction to algorithmic modeling in Rhinoceros 3D Grasshopper.


• Algorithmic modeling – parametric modeling with complete history (Grasshopper).


• Algorithmic modeling – Generating structures (Grasshopper).


• 3D optical digitization – Scantech Simscan 22, Sense, or other handheld scanner system.


• 3D printing – Preparing a model for 3D printing, closing the model, fixing errors.


• 3D printing – Preparing production on a desktop 3D printer, slicing.
  Slicing for 3D printing.


• Preparation of production data from a 3D model for a laser plotter (sorting, nesting, automation of profile preparation).


• Slicing for CNC – (Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, or alternatively Autodesk Fusion).

CUEVAS, Diego García a PUGLIESE, Gianluca. Advanced 3D printing with Grasshopper®: clay and FDM. Independently published, 2020. ISBN 979-8635379011.

TEDESCHI, Arturo. AAD_Algorithms-aided design: parametric strategies using grasshopper. Brienza, Italy: Le Penseur Publisher, 2014. ISBN 978-88- 95315-30-0.

GIBSON, I., D. W. ROSEN a B. STUCKER. Additive manufacturing technologies: rapid prototyping to direct digital manufacturing. New YorkS:pringer, c2010. ISBN 1441911200.

NABONI, Roberto a Ingrid PAOLETTI. Advanced Machinery. In: Advanced Customization in Architectural Design and Construction. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2015, 2015-12-5, s. 29-75. SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-04423-1_3. ISBN 978-3-319-04422-4. Dostupné také z: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-319-04423-1_3

KRATOCHVÍLOVÁ, Jitka. 3D tisk. Přeložil Petra MILLAROVÁ. Ústí nad Labem: Univerzita J.E. Purkyně v Ústí nad Labem, 2015. ISBN 978-80-7414-936-8.