DIGITAL FAB
FOCUSED ON 2D CAD FUNDAMENTALS
ROOM: DELTA E & F
SESSION 1
Mastering 2D CAD Design
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Unlock the essential digital fabrication skills that bridge creative design and production-ready output. This foundational session teaches you how to confidently generate professional 2D CAD files using CorelDRAW and Vectric Aspire, tailored specifically for fabrication workflows such as laser cutting and CNC routing. Whether you’re a total beginner or refining your design toolkit, this hands-on class delivers practical techniques you’ll use right away on real projects.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
CorelDRAW for Precision Laser-Ready Design
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Foundational drawing: Create clean geometry and precise vectors
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Alignment & shaping: Master object placement, symmetry, and shape edits that elevate your final outcome.
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Offsets & patterns: Build layered, repeatable elements for structural accents and decorative components. Live Laser Cutting & Fabrication Techniques
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Live demonstrations: Watch on-screen walkthroughs of files going from screen to real cuts.
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Paint masking workflows: Learn how to protect surfaces for crisp, clean finishes and professional edges.
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Pressed grille jig builds: Step-by-step laser jig creation for perfect repeatability.
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Hands-on laptop practice: Bring your device and project files design and test in class.
Friday 8:00am - 9:15am | Saturday 8:00am - 9:15am
INSTRUCTORS: MATT SCHAEFFER & GARY BELL
SESSION 2
Fabrication & Project Assembly
COURSE DESCRIPTION
With your 2D CAD foundation in place, Session 2 shifts from screen to shop floor. This hands-on session is all about execution taking a finalized digital design and turning it into a physical, finished component using real fabrication workflows. Participants will work through the complete process of preparing files, Laser cutting parts, assembling components, and applying professional finishing techniques.
This session bridges the critical gap between digital design and hands-on fabrication, reinforcing how design decisions directly impact fit, finish, efficiency, and repeatability in real-world builds. You’ll leave with both practical experience and a completed project that reflects production-ready standards.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
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Design Finalization for Fabrication
Finalize a custom design in CorelDRAW with proper setup, tolerances, and cut strategies for real-world production. -
Live Group Fabrication
Collaborate as a class to run files, cut components in real time, and understand machine workflow, sequencing, and material handling. -
Assembly Techniques
Assemble pre-cut components using proven methods that ensure accuracy, alignment, and structural consistency. -
Finishing & Paint Masking
Apply masking, prep, and finishing techniques to achieve clean edges, sharp details, and a professional final appearance. -
Design-to-Build Workflow Insight
Understand how digital choices affect assembly time, finish quality, and repeatable results in future projects.
Friday 9:30am - 10:45am | Saturday 9:30am - 10:45am
INSTRUCTORS: MATT SCHAEFFER & GARY BELL
SESSION 3
Mastering 2D CAD: Design to Fabrication
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This advanced session completes the Digital Fab workflow by refining how 2D CAD designs are engineered for real-world fabrication, finishing, and integration. Building on the tools and techniques introduced in Sessions 1 and 2, attendees will move beyond basic geometry and into layered, fabrication-aware design strategies that directly impact fit, finish, and efficiency.
Participants will learn how to structure files for complex assemblies, account for material thickness and finishing processes, and design parts that assemble cleanly while supporting upholstery, lighting, and decorative elements. This session focuses on thinking like a fabricator while designing like an engineer—so what you draw is exactly what gets built.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
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Advanced 2D CAD Workflow
Refine work envelopes, geometry control, and file organization for accuracy, repeatability, and production-ready output. -
Design Efficiency & Precision
Master offsets, trimming, alignment, and pattern strategies that reduce rework and speed up fabrication. -
Complex Layering Techniques
Design multi-layer components that hide mounting hardware, add depth, and support clean assembly. -
Part Gapping & Tolerance Planning
Pre-design proper gaps for upholstery, paint, coatings, and finishing materials to ensure flawless final fit. -
Functional Mesh & Grille Design
Create speaker grilles and open patterns optimized for laser cutting, airflow, strength, and visual impact. -
Upholstery-Integrated Design
Use laser-cut components to create advanced insert panels and upholstery features that elevate interior finishes. -
Accent Lighting Integration
Design layered components that transfer and diffuse light cleanly between materials for professional lighting effects.
