Design Lab

Design Lab. Copyright: Matters of Activity

In the Design Lab, all Cluster members have the possibility to try their hand on the 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC mills, and CAD-workstations under the guidance of the (Workshop) Team. Here, the independent development and revision of models and prototypes from conception to execution are made tangible for the researchers. From a hammer to a programmable microchip with sensors, the Design Lab provides a fertile ground for trials and experiments while mediating between the various disciplines and projects.

From the exhibition architecture on a 1:1 scale to the 3D printing of a nano-particle, new perspectives on the familiar questions of the Matters of Activity’s interdisciplinary teams are meant to be opened. Our workshop aims to provide a space for exactly that.

Machines:
3D Printer

FDM Printing at MoA Design Lab. Copyright: Matters of Activity

SLA Printing. Copyright: Matters of Activity

FDM: i3 Berlin, Prusa i3 MK3, WASP Deltabot 4070

FDM Printing. Copyright: Matters of Activity

SLA: Form 2, Form 1+

SLA Print. Copyright: Matters of Activity

3D printers construct three-dimensional models first created in a CAD program from thin layers of varying materials. The FDM technique builds these layers from melted synthetic materials, such as PLA. With the SLA technique, artificial resin in liquid form is a hardened layer for layer by a UV laser at designated points. In both techniques, the object being built is supported by a piece of material that must subsequently be detached. The 3D printer allows for the production of self-contained geometries not possible with other techniques.

3D Scanner

3D Scanner at MoA Design Lab. Copyright: Matters of Activity

nextengine incl. turntables for scanning small objects

Shining 3D EinScan-Pro 2X Plus incl. turntables or hand-guided

3D Scanning. Copyright: Matters of Activity

3D Scanning: With the help of a laser, objects are scanned and can be measured and generated into a three-dimensional image in the respective software. Smaller objects can be positioned on the turntable and scanned from various angles at multiple steps. The images are compiled into a so-called mesh and visualized on the screen in real-time. Not only the form but also textures (surface composition and colors) can thereby be captured and digitalized. With larger objects, it is possible to use the scanner like a hand tool, whereby the users move freely through space with it. Severely reflective surfaces as well as very dark surfaces are the only problematic surfaces for scanning with light.

eLab

eLab at MoA Design Lab. Copyright: Matters of Activity

eLab. Copyright: Matters of Activity

The eLab offers a variety of small electric devices for experimentation, programming, and documentation. A small assortment of electronic building parts with microchips and sensors are also available.

The devices in the eLab

Soldering iron, cable, breadboard, var. sensors, Arduino boards, raspbery pis, Kinect, etc.
Kinect controller
Leap motion controller
Lego »Mindstorm«
»maKey maKey« (construction kit for the conversion of conductive objects as input for computers)
»Styrocut 3« (Device for cutting Styropor)
A3 light-table for sketching, working and negative films
Photo-table for illuminating and photocopying smaller objects (volume up to max. 300 x 200 x 250 mm)

Laser Cutter

Laser cutter. Copyright: Matters of Activity

Cameo Epilog Mini 24 60 Watt

Laser cutting. Copyright: Matters of Activity

Engravable materials: Stainless steel; laminate-based synthetic materials; acrylic/perspex glass; lacquered/varnished metals; anodized aluminum; wood, plywood, MDF and veneer; glass, stone, granite and marble: ceramic and tiles; leather; rubber; paper, paperboard and cardboard; cork; fabric and textiles; organic substances such as veggie sausage or apple

Cuttable materials: laminate-based synthetic materials; acrylic/perspex glass; wood, plywood, veneer; paper, paperboard and cardboard; cork; foil; leather; rubber; fabric and textiles

A bundled light beam is implemented for the laser cutting in order to disperse or engrave different materials. The lines, which are specified by software, are cut precisely even when the pattern is complex and result in a very smooth edge profile. As with all computer-controlled machines, the repetition exactness of the laser cutting allows for low volume production.

CNC-Machine

CNC-Machine. Copyright: Matters of Activity

high-z s-720

CNC Process. Copyright: Matters of Activity

Our CNC machine can automatically and very precisely process complex forms made of diverse materials, such as polystyrene foam, acrylic and wood, in 2D and 3D on three axes. The steering technology is run entirely through a computer and allows for low volume production. For this, workpieces are inputted three-dimensionally in a CAD software (e.g. Rhino) and various work steps and factors like the geometry of the cutting tools, form, and rotation speeds can be set there.

Cutting Plotter

Cutting Plotter. Copyright: Matters of Activity

Camm-1 Servo GX-24

Plotting process. Copyright: Matters of Activity

A cutting plotter is a machine for cutting vinyl/adhesive film. Lines dictated by a software are cut by a small, moveable blade. The print intensity is adjustable, allowing for films with a maximum thickness of 1 mm to be cut. The device offers the possibility to design and create individual texts or templates, especially for labeling and for use in the context of exhibitions.