What is digital fabrication?
Digital fabrication refers to the production of objects with machines that are controlled by a computer. A digital file is created and sent to the machine to be printed, cut etc.
The first computer-controlled milling machine was created at MIT in 1952, but digital fabrication tools have seen a huge rise in popularity and performance since the early 2000s, thanks to better software, hardware and lower costs.
The term “digital fabrication” encompasses a wide range of materials and objects, including toys, furniture, medical equipment, clothes…even bridges and houses! Here are some important digital fabrication tools you should be familiar with (they can all vary greatly in size and performance within each category – from consumer/desktop size to industrial settings):
3D printing: The objects are modeled in a 3D modeling software (i.e: Tinkercad, Maya, Cinema 4D) and built up out of layers of PLA (a type of plastic) or resin. Each layer is very thin and the printing process can be quite long depending on the size and resolution of the object.
Laser cutting: A sheet of acrylic, wood, fabric or metal is laid on the laser cutter’s flat bed and is cut or engraved with a very precise laser beam. The depth of the cut is based on the speed of the laser beam (the slower the speed, the deeper the cut).
Vinyl cutting: The computer controls the movement of a sharp blade to cut out shapes and letters from sheets of self-adhesive vinyl, paper, felt or fabric. In some machine, the blade can also be swapped for a scoring tool or pencil.
CNC machining: CNC machines use computerized drills and/or rotary cutting tools to cut and carve wood, stone, plastic or metal.
Further reading/resources:
- “Will 3D Printing Change the World” – video from PBS’s “Off Book” series
- ” 5 of the Biggest Challenges Facing Manufacturers in 3D Printing” – article by Apple Rubber
- “The spread of 3D models creates intellectual-property problems” – article from The Economist
