Week 8¶
Assignments¶
Creating a mold to produce biomaterial, using the laser cutter. For this project, the participants acting as students were my coworkers and two peers from the course. The objective was to create a mosaic using gelatin and glycerin as experimental materials, for the field activity, so we are going to start doing the molds.
Process¶
The process began with the creation of an illustrative drawing representing each participant, incorporating personal context such as family and/or hobbies. These drawings were then vectorized using Affinity software. Although the learning curve was initially challenging, repeated practice allowed for successful results, and the software proved to be intuitive and efficient for this type of work. The vectorized designs were used to cut acrylic molds through laser cutting. These molds served as containers for casting the gelatin and glycerin mixture. During the initial stage, I attempted to use the same laser cutter employed in my previous projects to fabricate a heart-shaped test piece, which is documented in the accompanying photographs. Through this process, I identified that an incorrect machine was being used. As a result, I had to wait to access the appropriate laser cutter, a Korean model with which I am not yet fully proficient.
Time passed and I wasn’t able to use the acrylic cutter, so I went with Plan B: making the molds using a laser printer with wood as the material, and a 3D printer with filament as the material to produce the molds. We can see them in the following photographs.
Reflection¶
1. Have you considered sustainable practices in your teaching in the past? How?
Yes, even in my two months as a Fab Lab facilitator, I have tried to be intentional about introducing sustainable practices into the learning environment. For example, I encourage students to minimize material waste by optimizing their designs before cutting or printing. When using 3D printers, we discuss infill percentages and material usage to reduce unnecessary plastic consumption.
2. What aspects do you think should be improved in your own teaching environment?
Since I am relatively new in this role, I believe there is room to improve in structuring sustainability more intentionally within project planning rather than addressing it informally.
For example: Developing clearer guidelines for material use and recycling systems. Tracking material consumption more systematically. Introducing more sustainable materials (such as recycled filaments or biodegradable options). Integrating sustainability as a design requirement rather than a suggestion.
3. How might Digital Fabrication support sustainable practices?
Digital fabrication can support sustainability in several ways:
Rapid prototyping reduces large-scale production waste. Precise digital design minimizes material waste compared to traditional manual fabrication. Local production reduces transportation needs. Designs can be shared digitally, reducing physical distribution. Students can repair or redesign broken objects instead of replacing them.
Through tools like 3D modeling software and laser cutters, students can simulate, test, and improve designs before producing final versions, which encourages efficient resource use.
4. When using Digital Fabrication, what actions can you take to support sustainable practices?
As a facilitator, I can:
Teach students to optimize file layouts before laser cutting to reduce scrap. Encourage low-infill and structurally efficient 3D printing. Promote repairing instead of discarding broken parts. Create a “scrap reuse” station in the lab. Introduce life-cycle thinking in design discussions. Select environmentally conscious materials when possible. Turn failed prints into learning opportunities about design improvement rather than waste. Even small habits — like turning off machines when not in use — can reinforce responsible energy consumption.
5. How could you integrate both culturally reflective learning and digital fabrication in your environment?
I believe digital fabrication can be a powerful tool for culturally reflective learning. Since I work with high school students in a private school, many come from diverse cultural backgrounds. The Fab Lab can become a space where identity and creativity intersect.
I can integrate culturally reflective learning by: Encouraging students to design projects inspired by their cultural heritage. Discussing traditional craftsmanship and comparing it with modern digital fabrication. Exploring how technology can preserve cultural knowledge. Inviting students to share stories connected to their designs.
This approach not only builds technical skills but also fosters empathy, inclusion, and cultural awareness.
6. Project ideas highlighting cultural diversity using digital fabrication
Here are some project ideas:
Cultural Pattern Design Project Students research traditional patterns or symbols from their cultural background and recreate them using vector software and laser cutting. They can produce decorative panels, jewelry, or wall art while explaining the meaning behind the designs.
3D Printed Cultural Artifacts (Miniature Models) Students design small-scale 3D models of culturally significant objects (architecture, tools, instruments) and present their historical relevance.
“Identity Through Design” Personal Objects Students create a functional object (keychain, lamp, phone stand) that integrates symbols, language, or elements that represent their identity.
Community Problem-Solving Project Students identify an issue within their cultural or local community and design a prototype solution using digital fabrication tools.
Digital Storytelling with Fabrication Students create a physical object combined with a QR code that links to a recorded story about their heritage, blending technology and narrative.
Closing Reflection
Even though I have only two months of experience, I see strong potential in combining sustainability, cultural awareness, and digital fabrication. My goal moving forward is to be more intentional in embedding both environmental responsibility and cultural inclusivity into project design, rather than treating them as separate topics.
Tools¶
-Laser cutter -Vinyl -Basswood board - 3D Printer - Filament - Gelatine - Glycerin - Water - Sand