Digital Fabrication
Discover the exciting, cutting-edge tools available in our FabLab— Anderson Ranch’s impressive digital fabrication lab. These workshops provide powerful tools for self-expression in the hands of creative faculty, and present dynamic opportunities to merge the newest visual arts technologies with traditional processes.
A variety of workshops use the digital fabrication technology in the FabLab and throughout multiple studios on the Ranch campus. Explore the possibilities with our state-of-the-art equipment, including 4-axis CNC (computer-numerically-
Our expert faculty help you to master progressive new skill sets and exciting new ways of creating.
Leah Aegerter
Studio Coordinator, Digital Fabrication
Leah Aegerter is an artist working primarily in object-based sculpture, furniture, and installation. She received a BFA in Sculpture from Rhode Island School of Design in 2017 and is the Studio Coordinator of Digital Fabrication at Anderson Ranch.
Anderson Ranch Campus
Upcoming Workshops
-
II
Level II
Students have experience working with computer-aided design with basic principles of CAM/software.
-
III
Level III
Students have some formal training in digital fabrication, experience with a variety of materials and fabrication processes, and know how to use CNC, 3-D printers, or laser cutters competently and safely. Students have a portfolio of their work.
-
IV
Level IV
Students have advanced skill and knowledge of digital fabrication. Students are highly motivated and have multiple portfolios of their artwork.
-
Innovation Studio
Virtual Workshop, learn from the comfort of your own home.
Feb 1 - 18, 2021
Every Monday & Wednesday, 4- 5:30PM MST
VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
All About The CNC
Vincent Edwards
Tuition $645 ‑ $1,045
Code W05W01-21
Take your digital fabrication skills to a higher level in this advanced virtual workshop all about the CNC router. Demonstrations include design considerations for outputting to a 3-axis CNC, but the emphasis is placed on writing 2D and 3D toolpaths. Students learn everything from feeds and speeds, to bit selection, to 3-axis machine operation. This deep dive into the complex process of computer-aided machining (CAM) empowers participants to push their artistic practices into a new realm of fabrication. Previous CAD (computer-aided design) experience is necessary to enroll in this course. Though no specific software is required for CAD, we will use V-Carve Pro and Fusion 360 for toolpathing. The workshop culminates in a final project to be fabricated on the CNC routers at Anderson Ranch and mailed back to students with shipping and materials covered by the studio fee. This workshop meets 4-5:30PM on Mondays and Wednesdays for group sessions, and 4-5:30PM for office hours. Please note that the first Tuesday only will be a group session, not office hours. Zoom Video Conferencing software (download free from Zoom.com) will be used to facilitate the class sessions. An Anderson Ranch staff member will coordinate the online platform. Further details will be emailed to registrants.
-
II
Level II
Students have experience working with computer-aided design with basic principles of CAM/software.
-
III
Level III
Students have some formal training in digital fabrication, experience with a variety of materials and fabrication processes, and know how to use CNC, 3-D printers, or laser cutters competently and safely. Students have a portfolio of their work.
Jun 7 - 11, 2021
9AM-5PM
Lighting Design with the CNC
Vincent Edwards
Tuition $975
Code W0101-21
In this workshop, students learn to use the CNC (computer numerically controlled) Router and Rhino 3D CAD (computer-aided design) software with the objective of producing a small lighting fixture or stand-alone illuminated object. Participants learn how to design for the CNC Router as well as how to integrate some traditional methods alongside digital fabrication techniques. An emphasis is placed on translating three-dimensional objects into two-dimensional toolpaths.
-
O
Open to All
Students of any skill and knowledge level, but have some computer skills.
Jun 14 - 18, 2021
9AM-5PM
Stack-laminated CNC Furniture
Jomo Tariku
Tuition $975
Code W0203-21
Delve into the world of CNC (computer numerically controlled) furniture in this introductory fabrication workshop. Technology has propelled contemporary design in countless unexpected ways throughout history; in considering the modernization of traditional furniture design across cultures, participants are encouraged to explore their unique artistic voice as they design a small piece of stack-laminated furniture on paper and then translate it into Rhinoceros 3D through basic CAD (computer-aided design) drawing techniques. Laser cutters are used to iterate scale models, and final projects are cut as 2D patterns on the CNC routers and then assembled and finished by hand.