Master of Digital Fabrication for Interaction

MODULE 1 CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Computer-aided design is the basis for the development of digital manufacturing projects. In this module, coordinated by Andrés González, the global director of the Rhino Fab Studio programme at McNeel, you will learn not only the necessary tools for 3D modeling and parametric design, but also the best workflows to make the most of the potential of digital prototyping.

• 2D vector drawing in Rhino
• 3D modeling in Rhino
• Modeling by surface subdivision with TSplines
• Generative drawing and parametric design with Grasshopper
• Rendering and imaging with Maxwell Render
• Workshop: generative natures

MODULE 2 CAM (Computer-Aided Machining) Working directly with the digital prototyping machines at the Fab Lab IED Madrid, you will learn to select manufacturing processes and apply them to the development of prototypes. You will be able to optimize your designs to make the most of the potential of the digital workflow between computer design and digital manufacturing (CAD-CAM).

• Design flow and digital prototyping
• Manufacturing processes
• Laser cutting
• 2D CNC milling machine
• 3D CNC milling machine
• 3D printing
• 3D scanner and digitization
• Design and prototyping workshop

MODULE 3 Composite Manufacturing and Industrial Processes Manufacturing processes involving several techniques and greater scalability. Traditional manufacturing process reconverted to the design and digital prototyping flow. New materials and new techniques, with an awareness of the transition from prototyping to industrial manufacturing.

• Processes combining manual and digital techniques
• Production of molds through Digital Design and Manufacturing
• High repeatability parts, made by molding and casting. Materials and techniques
• Composites. Working with fibers (glass, carbon, natural fibers, etc.) and resins
• Laminates
• Production scalability. Going from prototyping to mass production
• Industrial manufacturing techniques
• Workshop: development of a project using molding and composites

MODULE 4 Electronics Design Learn about the physical properties of electronics, to design and manufacture your own circuits using digital manufacturing, milling plates and welding the components .

• Electrical signals
• Current and voltage
• Electronic components and their function (from resistors and capacitors to ICs and MCUs)
• Electronic circuits
• CAD design systems for Printed Circuit Boards (PCB)
• Manufacturing and testing of PCBs
• Workshop: application of electronics in wearables (e-textiles)

MODULE 5 Programming and Communication Understand programming languages (primarily Arduino, among others) with which to programme the circuits that you need to develop or existing prototyping plates, so that they are able to manage information (from sensors, databases, etc.) and convert it into specific actions (with actuators, engines, etc.).

• Arduino IDE
• Digital and analog inputs and outputs
• Time management
• Using libraries
• Use of motors, displays, capacitive sensors, etc.
• Communication (serial and wireless)
• Firefly (Arduino-Grasshopper link)
• Programming with Raspberry Pi
• Wearables
• Internet of Things (IoT) and home automation
• Workshop: wearables

MODULE 6 Robotics and Mechanical Design Application for design and the development of machines and gadgets that combine the mechanical design of hardware with programming to perform specific tasks. This module aims, as an introduction, to present a broad spectrum of advanced application of the concepts studied during the master, for the creation of complex behaviors.

• Types of microcomputers and programmable shields
• Mechanical design
• Machines that Make (MTM)
• Workshop: building a machine that does something

MODULE 7 Digital Arts and Interaction Take advantage of the tools offered by digital manufacturing in combination with new tools focused on innovation and experimentation in the field of creativity, using digital means. The student will be situated in the new paradigm of digital art.

• Visual / graphic programming. Processing. OpenFrameworks, Max MSP, etc.
• Communication protocols. Serial, OSC, etc.
• Real-time video and mapping
• Physical Computing. Sensors and actuators
• Workshop: Interaction and manufacturing

MODULE 8 Business and Practice Coordination and market insertion of a project, looking at everything from collaboration tools and PR to cost calculation and authorship management. All you need to put a product on the market, with attention to at risk management and cost control.

• Methodology and project development
• Work management and PR tools (version control and web)
• User experience and going from the project to the product
• Start-ups and insertion of a product on the market
• Cost control (production / distribution / marketing)
• Patents, copyrights and open source projects

MODULE 9 Final Project In the final project you will put to the test all the knowledge acquired during the master, with a comprehensive development of the project from its conceptual foundation to a fully operational prototype, on a formal and mechanical level, which you yourself will have prototyped and programmed under the supervision and tutelage of the faculty.

OPTIONAL - MODULE 10 Fab Academy The Fab Academy program started in the MIT’s Center for Bits and Atoms, and has grown into a global network of more than 500 Fab Labs. Directed by Neil Gershenfeld, the program consist in global lectures broadcasted every Wednesday and local access to the machines of the Fab Lab IED Madrid with a local instructor, who supervise and assist in the projects.