Digital Fabrication Coronavirus FAQs & Resources
Whilst the Digital Fabrication workshops are closed, in order to help prevent the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus, we have put together this page of FAQs, resources, bureaus, suppliers, inspiration and alternatives to help you achieve your goals making goals in these trying circumstances.
{ F A Q s }
- Do I still have to make a physical object for my module hand in?
- Is there anyway I can still laser cut, 3D print whilst the Bower Ashton campus is closed?
- Can I still get help technical help and advice if I need it?
- When will the Digital Fabrication workshops be open again?
- Where can I find information and support about laser cutting, 3D scanning and printing or creating creating interactive, motorised or objects including electronics?
{ L a s e r S p a c e }
Laser cutting bureaus
Software for designing files
Adobe Illustrator
Windows / Mac OS Adobe CC is free to UWE students during the coronavirus lockdown |
Picta Graphic
Apple iPad iOS 11.0 or later < £5 |
Alternatives to laser cutting
When cutting straight lines always use a metal ruler, safety ruler or metal straight edge. Cut on an appropriate surface like a cutting matt or wooden dartboard. Please also refer to the "safe use of cutting tools" PDF before beginning.
Cutting thick or stronger materials: plywood, MDF, hardboard. fret saw; jigsaw; Engraving or marking; pyrography (marking wood with a soldering iron); hobby drill; |
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Suppliers of equipment and materials
UWE cannot endorse any of these suppliers, stockists or services. They are simply suppliers that are continuing to take and despatch online orders at present. Personal research and investigation into their suitability, costing, quality and timeframes will be needed. Other suppliers are available and may be cheaper or more efficient.
Inspiration
{ 3 D P r i n t & 3 D S c a n n i n g }
3D print bureaus
3D design software
SketchUp
Windows / Mac OS Free limited version, Pro Version (Student) 12 months; Educandi £48 Cad Software Direct £44 Cadsoftsolutions £39 MC2 design £44 |
Shapr3D
Free (email image of student card) Apple iPad Pro (all models) iPad Air (3rd Gen) iPad Mini (5th Gen) iPad (6th Gen) You will also need an Apple Pencil / Pencil 2 |
Other software is available that you can use to produce .stl or .obj files like Maya, Blender, SolidWorks, Strata 3D. These applications are not ones we have any experience using in Digital Fabrication and so can offer little support.
Alternatives to 3D printing
Instead of producing your model in physical form, why not create visualisations of what it might look like if you could have produced it? You can find royalty free 3D models of objects online, or use the above software to develop your own 3D designs, then give them surface, colour, apply artwork and graphics. Once you've got the object looking how you want, add, backgrounds, lighting even record fly throughs, make pack shots and export as movies and image files. Adobe Dimensions is an easy way to do all that and create photorealistic renders. You will need a computer with a good graphics capability and at least 8GB ram.
Royalty free models
{ T e c h L a b }
Support / Tutorials
Electronic project components & supplies
UWE cannot endorse any of these suppliers, stockists or services. They are simply suppliers that are continuing to take and despatch online orders at present. Personal research and investigation into their suitability, costing, quality and timeframes will be needed. Other suppliers are available and may be cheaper or more efficient.