AP 3D Design Students Dive into Tech-Driven Design & Fabrication

The assignment helped students understand the economy of material and designing within tight limitations, and to explore the intersection between form, structure and function. Additionally, the project also provided an opportunity for students to delve into the construction of 3D objects from planes (or flat pieces), and functioned as a segue for adapting the design for 3D printing and laser cutting technologies.

Students were challenged to adapt their designs or create an entirely new furniture design concept that would be adapted for laser cutting fabrication. Students first used TinkerCAD 3D modeling software, and then 3D printed scaled prototypes of their designs on the Ankermake M5 3D printer, and then finally iterated their prototypes as needed to refine their designs. 

On Wednesday November 12th, current Archmere parent Alex Silverman CP '28 visited the AP3D Design class to provide personalized design reviews for each student and to discuss manufacturing considerations for the transition from CAD (computer aided design) to laser cutting and manufacturing methods. Mr. Silverman is a Principal Member and Electromechanical Engineer at Lockheed Martin who designs radar systems and sensors, and holds two patents. He worked with each student to help them make any necessary modifications to their designs and TinkerCAD files to ensure they met the requirements of the laser cutting fabrication process. Mr. Silverman discussed the importance of designing for contingencies, such as creating spare pieces, accounting for the unknown in terms of measurements and potential hardware needs, and the process of coordinating with vendors and adapting designs for manufacturing and production.

After the TinkerCAD files were refined, they were downloaded as .SVG files and converted to .DXF files in the application Inkscape into a drawing for the laser cutter. After digital refinement and professional laser cutting, their full-scale plywood designs returned to campus and were assembled by the students themselves.

AP3D Design teacher Stephanie Silverman explains, “The small class sizes we have here at Archmere create an incredible opportunity to provide really in depth personalized learning experiences like this one, which allow students to go deeply into one complex multiphase project that wouldn’t be possible with a large class. The opportunity to engage with the entire design thinking process and iterate a prototype from initial concept to a full scale manufactured wood furniture piece is really thrilling for the students, and an example of the unique and distinctive learning experiences we are able to offer our advanced design students.” 

The final full scale plywood laser cut chairs are on display in the Rocco A. and Mary Abessinio Performing Arts Center lobby. Be sure to stop by and see them on campus!