I am going to be leading a workshop at The Lovett School in a few weeks, and the topic of the two-day intensive with middle school math teachers is digital fabrication. For readers unfamiliar with the topic du jour, digital fabrication is the process of creating a digital design that is then produced or manufactured in physical form. The Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia is currently examining the ways that digital fabrication might enhance and refine existing curricula as well as pre-service education for elementary teachers.

This post is about how various professionals are using digital fabrication techniques to extend, enhance, and redefine their respective fields.* The sections that follow highlight real life examples of crazy ways that people are using the process to do something different- and making breakthroughs. These examples don’t necessarily shed light on the educational implications of digital fabrication; just what is possible in the most far reaching possibilities, many years away for the target audience (upper elementary and middle school students). At the same time, I wonder if the groundwork established by teachers at Lovett, Crozet, and Punahou aren’t the foundation for future architects, doctors, and filmmakers.

Aside: Most of the examples involve some variation of 3D printing, a component of digital fabrication that relates to the production of physical objects. 3D printing involves machines similar to conventional printers that precisely apply materials other than ink. Think of squeezing frosting through a tube onto a cake in an additive manner that builds the depth and volume of an object and you have a very rough idea of 3D printing. The difference between this metaphor and actual 3D printing is that 3D printing involves the use of computers that add both precision and control to the process. Still confused? Here is a video of me creating a miniature version of UVA’s Rotunda on elementary-appropriate software that is then fabricated using a 3D printer (see 2:48 of the video).

Cinema: Film & Video Game Prototypes

It’s a bit hard to believe that the creators of such hit titles as Ironman 2 and Halo 3 really need physical models. After all, the final medium is entirely 2D (for the most part). Yet, making and creating models is an important facet of the visual reality of video games and movies.

Automobile: Rims, Intake Valves & Other Customizations

Steeda Autosports creates Ford accessories of all types. Regardless of whether it is a “blinging” rim or a new set of shocks and springs, Steeda uses digital fabrication to create quick models (also known as rapid prototyping) that appeal to their clients’ wants and needs.

Read more at 3D printing revs up Steeda Autosports’ R&D.

Architecture: Concrete Printing

Making scale models and printed diagrams have always been a part of the “architect’s handbook.” Both contextual and illustrative, architects often use models and diagrams to convey thoughts and ideas. However, what happens when the architect is able to create with cutting edge processes?

National Security: Surveillance

I wonder how digitally fabricating insect wings and flying objects like those in the video that follows might further my safety. And my love of remote controlled objects.

Medicine: Building Organs

Much of this is Greek to me, but I kind of see it… If you can 3D print the building blocks of an organ, where can you go?

Read more at Building body parts with 3D printing.

*I am of two minds about workforce development topics as it pertains to education. Despite my conflicting thoughts, I thought that it might be helpful for the attendees to understand how various fields are using digital fabrication in the workplace. I feel like this post needs this caveat because it might appear that workforce rationales are the primary justifications for engaging in age/context-appropriate forms of digital fabrication. There are more reasons that pertain to engineering, mathematics, and 21st Century Skills, but I am not going to get into it within this post.