Digital Modeling & Fabrication

Digital Modeling & Fabrication | Accredited 9 month program | Enrolls in September

The Digital Modeling & Fabrication program prepares students for careers at the intersection of design and advanced manufacturing.  Students learn the fundamentals of product design and the translation of product design concepts into real-world objects. Using leading Computer Aided Design (CAD) software programs, students learn digital design principles and how to prototype their designs using advanced manufacturing tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC routers, mills, and lathes. 

Experience the Digital Modeling & Fabrication program

Curriculum

Digital Modeling & Fabrication Curriculum

In this boutique learning environment, students learn the principles of design thinking and problem-solving via hands-on projects. Students are taught the fundamentals of designing in leading CAD software programs including SOLIDWORKS® and Rhino. The learning process is iterative where failure and success are equally valuable experiences contributing to a deep understanding of the digital design and high tech manufacturing process and how they successfully intersect. 

Working closely with instructors and peers, students gain hands-on skills in additive 3D printing technologies including FDM, SLA, Powder, and Composites as well as vacuum forming, and in subtractive technologies using laser cutters, CNC slant lathes, CNC mills, and manual lathes and mills.

The Digital Modeling & Fabrication program is taught in IYRS' state-of-the-art 20,000 SF computer lab and fabrication shop built in 2017.
 

Capstone Project

Students put their skills into practice with an individual capstone project. Each student chooses, plans, and completes the build of a capstone project using the skills and knowledge they learn in the Digital Modeling & Fabrication program. Students choose a project that correlates to their lifestyle; recent capstone projects include snowboard bindings, a planter with automated watering and environmental sensors, a custom coffee table, and a lacrosse stick. The capstone project is both a valuable learning experience and a way to apply specific processes and techniques to a real-world, usable product.

Externship

The capstone project provides the jumping off point to a month-long externship in  advanced manufacturing, and becoming uniquely positioned for a job and a career in a rapidly advancing industry. The externship is facilitated through Career Development and provides the opportunity for students to apply the skills they've acquired in the lab and shop to the workplace while gaining valuable hands-on, resume-building, and business experience:

  • Resume writing 
  • Industry research
  • Interviewing & professional communication
  • Application of craftsmanship & technical skills in a business environment
  • Relationship building with employers 

Learn more about the IYRS externship program here.

I feel more confident now overall. We learned how to...use so many tools I didn't know how to use before. I feel like I can make anything.  Telli Quinn '19

SHOP SKILLS

  • Hand & Power Tool Use

  • Design Principles

  • Drawing for Design Development

  • CAD/CAM Experience

  • Manual Machining

  • Laser Cutting

  • 3D Printing & Prototyping

  • Vacuum Forming

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

  • Craftsmanship & Artistry

  • Design Thinking

  • Entrepreneurship

  • Project Management

  • Shop Safety

  • Portfolio Development 

  • Presentation Skills

  • Teamwork & Communication

  • Time Management

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

3D Printing Specialist
CNC Machine Operator
Creative Technologist
Engineering Technician
Model Maker
Product Development Specialist
Prototype Fabricator
R&D/Prototype Machinist