Rapid-Prototyping of Rapid-Prototyping Machines:
How to Make Something that Makes (almost) Anything

Tuesdays 1:00-4:00 E14-493
MAS.865 2015

This is a course on the rapid-prototyping of rapid-prototyping machines, covering the theory and practice of digital fabrication. There will be weekly lectures, theory readings, and machine development projects throughout the semester. MAS.863/4.140 (How To Make (almost) Anything) or equivalent experience is required as a prerequisite, including safety training and shop access. Enrollment will be by application.

People
Projects

02/03
Introduction
• history
• goals
• format
Machines
• motivations
• case studies
• development
02/10
Prototyping
• materials
• hardware modules
• software modules
02/17: (Monday classes)
Self-Reproduction
• history
• examples
• design
02/24
Materials
• selection
• specification
• testing
03/03
Mechanisms
• types
• errors
• construction
03/10
Motion
• motor types and testing
• motor control
• actuators
03/17
Processes
• additive
• subtractive
• digital
03/24: (Spring Break)
Manipulation
• gripping
• transport
• locomotion
03/31
Controls
• control theory
• controller design
• implementation
04/07
Measurement
• position
• force
• vision
04/14
Communication
• services
• protocols
• performance
04/21: (Patriots Day)
Computation
• processors
• SoC
• reconfigurable
04/28
Geometry
• representations
• path planning
• scanning
05/05
Manufacturing
• design for manufacturing
• from prototype to production
• documentation
05/12
Project presentations