Laney College’s Engineering and Design focused Digital Fabrication Technology Program prepares graduates for modern Digital Fabrication and Advanced Manufacturing careers in design firms, engineering firms, furniture, cabinet, industrial art, custom installation and parts manufacturing shops. These multi-disciplinary courses emphasize and expand on the fundamentals of computer-assisted design (CAD) and computer-assisted manufacturing (CAM) techniques. Students will learn intermediate and advanced skills in iterative, design-oriented thinking by employing rapid prototyping philosophy framed within a creative problem-solving mindset. Graduates will leave with the ability to: conceptualize a project, 3D model it in its entirety, create the project using computer numerically controlled (CNC) and advanced manufacturing equipment, rapidly analyze and improve a project through iteration, and finish a project using modern and hand techniques. Engineering and design-based thinking will frame the way students approach projects and problems, using skills and techniques in those disciplines to guide solution-based problem-solving.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:

- Safety - Demonstrate proper safety protocols for all tools and equipment in the classroom .

- Skills - Students will be able to use modern industrial computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment to produce projects and apply improvements within the prototyping process using engineering and design principles.

- Materials and Practices - Students will identify, analyze, evaluate, and apply the correct materials to the appropriate production parameters creating efficient workflows for projects with optimal material use.

Careers Opportunities:

CNC operator, CNC programmer, Part designer, Fabricator, CAD/CAM specialist, Design and fabrication consultant, 3D printer operator, Digital Fabrication technician, Production assistant.