Workshop Sample

Location: Jacksonville University’s 3D Complex and computer lab.
2800 University Blvd. N Jacksonville, FL 32211

Presenter: Brandon Lettow blettow@ju.edu (904)256-7654 (208)310-1374 cell

Title: Think it, draft it, cut it, print it, pour it, cast it, manipulate it:
incorporating modern manufacturing processes into sculptural arts

Short title for ease of reference: PrintCast

Abstract: I have experience with a number of mechanical manufacturing devices (CNC router, 3D printer, laser cutter, etc.) which have artistic applications. What I propose to do is provide an introduction to the devices and assist with the development of artistic creations made by students on said devices. In essence this could be looked at as tool training, but the real intent is to give students an idea of how these machines can be useful in creating artwork. Ideally I would work in conjunction with another professor who could bring their casting expertise to the curriculum because this opens options in designing with glass or metals, otherwise not possible with my devices alone. The greatest benefit for me is the ability to formally teach/lead a group of interested individuals through a process in a subject I am passionate about. This is an opportunity for me to take a mentor’s role in an academic setting. One of the biggest takeaways is that by using a mechanical device, reproducibility becomes much easier and matching opposite pieces can be much more accurate. Target audience is a small class (10 people +/-) of undergraduate art students studying three dimensional sculpture and who are interested in lost casting methods.

Introduction: Casting has been around for thousands of years and plays a significant part in many of sculptures seen in the art world today. While the procedure for casting has not changed significantly for centuries, the methods by which we crate the forms or models have. With the advent of the computer and machines that can be controlled by them, higher levels of accuracy and detail can be achieved. The machines that I am referring to are 3D printers and CNC routers. You will be introduced to software used to create models and experience the process of casting a model in metal as part of this workshop.

Course Objectives: The student shall be able to apply and demonstrate proficiency in the following areas from participation in my residency:

Understanding concepts of the presented 3D machinery and how they operate
Identifying when and why these devices would be useful or necessary in art creation
Rudimentary competence with software used to create objects (model making)
Identifying the procedures necessary to take a model created and utilize it in another artistic method (lost casting)
Application of practical finishing techniques on various materials used in residency.

Results: By the end of this 5 day workshop you, the participants, will not only be more familiar with these new machines but also how they can be used to create models used in the casting process. At the completion of my time, the devices and materials I provided would be removed and the products you have created by participating will be removed, recycled or taken away for you to cherish. On the final day an opportunity will be taken to hear from the participants and give feedback through an open discussion to better serve the workshop in future presentations.

Syllabus: See the last page(s) of this document

Expanded Timeline: Location: Computer Lab (CAVE) 3D Complex

Day 1) history of 3D printers and CNC routers plus an introduction on how to use the software.

Included in this day’s lecture would be the limitations with these new processes (gravity, size, cooling effects, etc.)
- Homework) start thinking about what model you would want to create.

Day 2) Continue fluency with software by giving exercises then provide time to work on own model.
- Homework) work on model.

Day 3) Produce model on either device (3D printer or CNC router) and prepare for casting process.

Since many of the devices take some time to work, while they are working the background would be a perfect time to explain what to expect in the casting process
- Homework) preliminary surface finishing and preparation for casting

Day 4) Finish preparation for casting, create investment and set molds.

This is primarily a work day, however some time can be taken to do a demonstration prior to setting the class’s models in investment
- No homework

Day 5) “Hot Day” melt aluminum in furnace and pour into molds. Break away mold and finish as necessary.

At the end of this period I would like to take time to do a group critique and offer a feedback session in group form. We came through the process as a group and likely would be able to share what worked and what didn’t in an informal discussion.
- No homework

Materials list: (Estimated budget $125-$150)

Access to aluminum melting equipment with safety gear and computer lab

CNC router and 3D printer(s) provided by me

Spools of PLA and/or ABS filament for printers (2 - 3 spools necessary @ $20 ea.)

½” extruded polystyrene “blue foam” for router (1 - 2 sheets necessary @ $16 ea.)

LocTite PL300 Foamboard adhesive (1 tube necessary @ $12 ea.)

Acetone (1 qt. @ $7.50)

Various grit sand paper ($10)

25-lb Plaster of Paris ($16)

50-lbs Play Sand ($4)

Hot-glue gun ($2)

Hammers

Used milk jugs and other small containers

Aluminum cans and other scrap aluminum (these can be collected/acquired weeks before the workshop once presentation dates are determined)

Backup plan: If it is deemed too unsafe or above the skill level of the students then perhaps I can make this a weeklong demonstration/observation rather than a participation event. Due to the uncertainty of the aluminum melting resources on JU campus, I may need to manufacture a small furnace of my own to provide for the workshop. Alternatively, I could change the metal used to lead with a significantly lower melting point. The purpose is to go through the process and either material would work for educational purposes.

Reflection: Bridging the gap form the computer to the tangible world has always and will continue to be one of my biggest career goals. The computer, whether it be an aid, or a crutch, is a significant part of our everyday life and being able to incorporate it into creativity and artistic freedom all the while capitalizing on its precision and usability are tremendously important to me. This workshop will give insight into the learning processes of others interested in the same topics and the outcome of the experience can provide valuable information that could be used to tailor another workshop and re-evaluate my approach to group educating.

Documentation: I will use camera to photograph and perhaps video portions of the residency. Showcasing not only my ability to teach but my ability to take the class on a journey and allow them to explore as well. Information extracted from the final day discussion and the photographs/ possible video footage will be resources that can be reflected upon and synthesized into a better teaching approach for my future workshops/demonstrations. The photographs will also serve as visual evidence and will be useful when proposing this workshop in the future.

References

3DTOPO. (2013, April 30). Lost PLA 3D Print to Metal Casting; Complete. Retrieved March 16, 2015, from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWVVSZP3Au4

Flowers, D. (2014, March 3). From 3d printed part to metal, the lost pla/abs method. Retrieved March 16, 2015, from www.instructables.com: http://www.instructables.com/id/From-3d-printed-part-to-metal-the-lost-plaabs-me/?ALLSTEPS

Jeshua. (2012, June 7). Lost PLA. Retrieved March 17, 2015, from 3dtopo.com: http://3dtopo.com/lostPLA/

Syllabus

PrintCast

Think it, draft it, cut it, print it, pour it, cast it, manipulate it:
incorporating modern manufacturing processes into sculptural arts

Location: Jacksonville University’s 3D Complex and computer lab.
2800 University Blvd. N Jacksonville, FL 32211

Presenter: Brandon Lettow blettow@ju.edu (904)256-7654 (208)310-1374 cell

Target participants: This workshop is open for up to 10 JU art students who are studying or have an interest in three dimensional sculpture and lost casting methods.

Introduction: Casting has been around for thousands of years and plays a significant part in many of sculptures seen in museums today. While the procedure for casting has not changed significantly for centuries, the methods by which we crate the forms or models have. With the advent of the computer and machines that can be controlled by them, higher levels of accuracy and detail can be achieved. The machines that I am referring to are 3D printers and CNC routers. By the end of this 5 day workshop you, the participants, will not only be more familiar with these new 3D machines but also how they can be used to create models used in the casting process. You will be introduced to software used to create models and cast a model in metal as part of this workshop.

Course Objectives: The student shall be able to apply and demonstrate proficiency in the following areas from participation in my residency:

Understanding concepts of 3D machinery and how they operate
Identifying when and why these devices would be useful or necessary in art creation
Rudimentary competence with software used to create objects (model making)
Identifying the procedures necessary to take a model created and utilize it in another artistic method (lost casting)
Application of practical finishing techniques on various materials used in residency.

Course Requirements: This is a participatory workshop. Attendance every day is critical to keep up with the rapid learning nature of this instruction. While there are no tests, positive attitude and willingness to participate are important as well as being prepared with completed homework assignments and necessary materials/proper attire for the day.

Timeline: Location: Computer Lab (CAVE) 3D Complex

Day 1) history of 3D printers and CNC routers plus an introduction on how to use the software.
- Homework) start thinking about what model you would want to create.

Day 2) Continue fluency with software by giving exercises that provide time to work on own model.
- Homework) work on model.

Day 3) Create model on either device (3D printer or CNC router) and prepare for casting process.
- Homework) preliminary surface finishing and preparation for casting

Also please watch the following video outlining the print to cast process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWVVSZP3Au4

Day 4) Finish preparation for casting, create investment and set molds.
- No homework

Day 5) “Hot Day” melt aluminum in furnace and pour into molds. Break away mold and finish as necessary.
- No homework

Disability and Academic Honesty policy:

Disability Support Services - 256-7070 Student Life Office – Davis Student Commons A Student Life professional staff member is the university’s coordinator for Disability Support Services. The University recognizes that some disabilities are primarily physical, while others are psychological or involve specific disabilities of the learning process. Available resources include assistance with course scheduling, adjustments to full-time status requirements, coordination of services with other University departments such as Residential Life and Counseling Services, counseling in faculty/peer relations, guidance in lifestyle management and community agency referrals. Accommodations in the classroom may include: priority seating, change of classroom, tape recording of lectures, extra time for tests, alternative test formats, etc. If you seek assistance or request “reasonable accommodations” under the ADA Section 504, you must provide complete medical and/or psychological documentation to the coordinator for Disability Support Services. Documentation must be current - not more than three years old. Requests for “reasonable accommodations” must be done in a timely manner so faculty/staff can plan for the accommodations. Students with disabilities are responsible for maintaining the same academic levels and appropriate behavior as other students. Students must request “reasonable accommodations” each semester of enrollment to receive the accommodations. Students with hearing and speech related disabilities should call the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8771 for TDD assistance.

Academic Honesty It is up to each instructor to determine the criteria by which students will be graded. Both knowledge of class material and the quality of work submitted by the student may be factors in grading a course as the instructor thinks appropriate. To facilitate the success of all students, specific criteria for assignments or grades, as well as the number of graded assignments and the weight attached to each, should be clearly explained in the syllabus and may be supplemented by explanations in other course materials. Instructors should also inform students of any class attendance and participation policies that will affect their final grade. Faculty may provide work for extra credit but are under no obligation to do so. Since Jacksonville University students are expected to adhere to the highest standard of academic honesty, grades for courses may also be affected by academic misconduct. To underscore the importance of truth, honesty, and accountability, students and instructors should adhere to the following standard: I do not lie, cheat, or steal nor do I condone the actions of those who do.

Academic misconduct is defined as follows: Any form of cheating, including concealed notes during exams, copying or allowing others to copy from an exam, students substituting for one another in exams, submission of another person’s work for evaluation, preparing work for another person’s submission, unauthorized collaboration on an assignment, submission of the same or substantially similar work for two courses without the permission of the professors. Plagiarism is a form of Academic Misconduct that involves taking words, ideas or any other material from a source, either verbatim or in paraphrase, without acknowledging the original author through proper citation(s). Cutting and pasting from any source including the Internet, as well as purchasing papers, are forms of plagiarism. (Warshauer, M., 2002.)* * Matthew Warshauer, History Department, Central Connecticut State University, Academic Misconduct/Plagiarism Questionnaire; http://www.history.ccsu.edu/ Such conduct may be subject to disciplinary action including: • Penalizing a student’s grade on the assignment or examination in question • Assigning a failing course grade • Dismissal from the University (in cases of especially egregious or repeated offenses).