Sketchup for Digital Fabrication and Prototyping has been designed to help users bring their ideas into 3D realities. This course will run over a three week period walking learners through the potential that lies within the friendly and forgiving interface of this 3D modeling software. We will guide the users through the very basics of Sketchup allowing everyone to fully grasp the power and ease at which we can create and design in this virtual world. We will cover everything from the basic layout, menus and tools panels, to useful plugins and real life applications. In addition to this after the three weeks you will have received the skills necessary to take your designs one step further converting them from virtual 3d models into physical realities. Capacity of this course is 12 people and classes will be on three consecutive Mondays from 19:30-21:30.
There will be a short introduction to the software and its applications. We will explore the potential of each machine in the Fab Lab understanding the relationship between them and the Sketchup software. We will then run through the basics of this program giving everyone the opportunity to get used to navigating this 3 dimensional world. Small tasks will be set for the week to allow users to become more familiar with the software, creating 3d models of their own.
In week two we will address any issues that you may have encountered while completing the tasks assigned in week one. You will then be introduced to a number of new features and will begin to fully understand the flexibility of the program and the ability to overcome obstacles by using the tools you have been taught. In this session we will explore the conversion of 3d objects into simple 2d versions producing very simple forms on the laser cutter. We will also look into using the software to prototype a jigsaw like assembly method through the use of a series of 2d planes which will translate into 3d objects. This will give a fuller understanding of the ways in which the software can be used whilst allowing everyone to become fully comfortable with all of the commands and controls.
Moving on from the skills we learnt in the last two weeks everyone will now be given the opportunity to create a 3d object of their own. This model will then be 3d printed in the final week. Using the skills learnt in the earlier sessions we will move forward creating a more sophisticated model that we will be able to 3d print. We will investigate the requirements necessary to export the files and make them ready to print on the 3d printer. Each user will then be given the opportunity to design a unique object and print it themselves. By the end of the course you will not only be proficient in Google Sketchup but you will also have acquired the in-depth understanding necessary to convert these virtual models into physical realities.