Digital Fabrication Technology--Wood Technology

Laney College's Wood Technology focused Digital Fabrication Technology Program prepares graduates for modern Digital Fabrication and Advanced Manufacturing careers in 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 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.

Career Opportunities

CNC operator CNC programmer Part designer Fabricator CAD/CAM specialist Design and fabrication consultant 3D printer operator Digital Fabrication technician Production assistant Manufacturing technician Shop fabricator Fabrication technician Fabrication lab manager Advanced manufacturing teacher Shop manager Process engineer Engineering Equipment Technician Makerspace and Instructional Support Technician Sign fabricator Fablab instructor Laser cutter operator

Program Learning Outcomes

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

1. Safety--Demonstrate proper safety protocols of all tools and equipment in the classroom .
2. Skills - Students will be able to use modern industrial computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment to produce projects and apply improvements within the prototyping process.
3. Materials and Practices - Students will identify, analyze, evaluate and apply the correct materials to the appropriate production parameters creating efficient work flows for projects with optimal material use.