AACE Lab Training Workshops 

Summer 2021 

The IDC Foundation Art, Architecture, Construction and Engineering Lab (AACE Lab) is pleased to present: the AACE Lab Summer Training Workshop series. This workshop series is designed for members of the Cooper Union community who are interested in using the AACE Lab and learning about digital fabrication technologies but who might not have any prior experience with digital fabrication or 3D design. Workshop participants will learn the fundamentals of software, tools, and techniques that will enable them to access many of the fabrication resources available in the AACE Lab and lay the groundwork for ongoing learning. Each workshop will focus on a specific topic and are intended to provide an accessible starting point for learning how to work with digital fabrication tools. Some workshops will be for Students only, others will be open to Students, Faculty, and Staff. Workshops will range in duration from approximately 2 hours to 4 hours. To accommodate a variety of schedules, most workshops will be offered more than once each. See below for a complete list.

Eligibility

  • Currently registered students, rising 2nd year and above
  • Currently employed Staff or Faculty

Registration is required. Registration for each workshop will close one week before the scheduled date or sooner if the workshop reaches capacity. Workshop capacity will be limited to 10 people.

Workshops

Open House, tour, and Q&A (Students)

The AACE Lab is yours to use! Are you curious about what the AACE Lab has to offer? Have you hear about the AACE Lab but never been inside? This scheduled Open House is a chance to get an in-person tour of the AACE Lab to hear about and discuss how you can use the new facilities for your work! Registration is required.

Mon 6/28 2-3pm
Tue 7/6 11am-12pm
Tue 8/17 12-1pm

Open House, tour, and Q&A (Staff & Faculty)

Are you curious about what the AACE Lab has to offer? Are you interested in using the AACE Lab with one of your classes? This scheduled Open House is a chance for Faculty and Staff to get an in-person tour of the AACE Lab to hear about and discuss how the lab can be utilized by your students and built into your curriculum. Registration is required.

Mon 6/28 4-5pm
Thu 8/19 12-1pm

Introduction to Rhino part 1: 2D concepts for Laser Cutting (2h)

This introductory workshop is intended for students who have little to no prior experience using Rhino 3D or other CAD software. You will learn how to navigate the Rhino interface and many fundamental concepts of 2D CAD drawing specifically catered to laser cutting and digital fabrication. This workshop will provide a great foundation for you to continue learning Rhino on your own and will give you some basic tools to allow you to begin using several pieces of equipment in the AACE Lab. Registration is required.

Tue 6/29 1-4pm
Tue 7/6 1-4pm
Mon 8/2 1-4pm

Introduction to Rhino part 2: 3D concepts (2h)

This introductory workshop is Part 2, and intended to be taken only after you have taken Part 1: "2D Concepts for Laser Cutting". Building upon the toolkit of 2D commands taught in Part 1, this workshop will introduce concepts related to drawing and building objects in 3D CAD space. Designing in 3D space will not only provide tools for 3D fabrication methods such as 3D printing, but will also provide a new set of tools to allow you to better design for 2D fabrication methods. Registration is required.

Wed 7/7 1-3pm
Wed 8/4 1-3pm
Wed 8/18 1-3pm

Waterjet Cutting Demo  (2h)

This workshop introcudes the AACE Lab's Omax Protomax waterjet cutting machine and provides an overview of the waterjet cutting workflow. This workshop will cover how to effectively prepare files for waterjet cutting as well as basic machine and control software operation. While this workshop does not have any required prerequisites, it is highly recommended that you have some experience using 2D CAD software such as Rhino, AutoCAD, Solidworks, etc. Registration is required.

Wed 6/30 1-2pm
Tue 8/17 1-2pm

Intro to SLA and FDM 3D Printing  (2h)

This introductory workshop introduces two 3D printing processes and associated workflows. While this workshop does not have any required prerequisites, it is recommended that you have some experience using 3D software. If you do not yet have experience with 3D software, this workshop will introduce a few other ways to find or capture 3D content. Registration is required.

Thu 7/1 1-3pm
Thu 7/8 1-3pm
Thu 8/5 1-3pm

Plastic Fabrication Techniques for Students (2h)

Several tools in the AACE Lab have the ability to cut, etch, form, or print plastic materials. Fabrication does not have to end at the machine, and there are many ways to work with plastic components after they have been produced by a machine. This workshop introduces a variety of post processing, fastening, and joining techniques to add to your toolbox and expand your ability to work confidently with plastics and across a variety of materials. Registration is required.

Tue 8/3 1-3p

 

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.