3D modelling workshops (digital CNC fabrication)

Find out about the range of Digital CNC Fabrication equipment available at the Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation.

The Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design’s 3D Modelling Workshop provides a range of digital fabrication equipment for physical modelling production. It is used by students from all levels from first year through to master’s and PhD students.

Specialist technical staff provide a workshop induction to all students wishing to use the workshop resources, then follow up with specific training, supervision, and technical advice as required.

Most equipment can be used by students independently, however some is provided as full-service such as the Techno CNC router and HAAS CNC lathe.

Our equipment

ABB Robotics lab

The ABB robotics lab is supported by both academic and specialist technical staff and contains a large fixed robotic arm with a 2.6m reach and a smaller portable robotic arm.

The large fixed ABB Robotic Arm (IRB 6700-200/ 2.6m) is housed in a Jakob polycarbonate safeguard fenced cage to safeguard operators from fast, autonomous robot operations.

The IRB 6700 robotic arm includes a tool changer for:

• Festo HGPT-80-AB pneumatic gripper used for grabbing and stacking functions.
• 7.5 KW variable speed spindle used for machining and milling operations, transforming the robotic arm into a 6-axis CNC mill.
• Spare heads for interchanging locally manufactured various 3D printing assemblies, enabling printing experimentation with clay, PLA, concrete, and other materials.

The ABB robotic arm is used to investigate full scale additive and subtractive manufacturing. As well as other programmatic CNC controlled parametric applications using Robot Studio and other programs such as Rhino and Grasshopper.

The second robotic arm (IRB 1200-7/ 0.7m), is a smaller portable unit with a reach of 700mm. This is used mainly for small scale testing and demonstration of robotic operations.

Both robotic arms can be used in slow-jogger mode for safe close interaction with operators, or in auto mode behind the safety fencing.

Techno CNC router

The faculty has a full sheet (model LC 48"x96") flatbed CNC router with approximately 2400mm x1200mm machining size. It is operated in self-contained room to limit noise and sawdust and ensure operator safety.

The router is used for:

• production of full-scale models and prototypes of fabricated building parts
• machining topographical architecture models
• small scale prototyping
• experimenting with parametric modelling and designing using Rhino Cam for the toolpaths.

Due to the complexity of the toolpaths and safety of autonomous machining operations most jobs are completed by our technicians on behalf of students and staff. This also enables use of the technology without the steep learning curve associated with the machine, which allows digital designs by students to be produced on-site very quickly and economically.

ULS laser cutters

The workshop has a range of laser cutters (VLS 4.60, V460, and ILS9.60). Students use Illustrator or Autodesk files to produce raster or vector cuts. The laser cutters are 60watt Co2, and will cut most modelling plastics, cardboard, and up to 8mm MDF or laser plywood.

Laser cutters are provided to students and staff to use independently. The ease of use, technical support available, and installed safety equipment means they are ideal learning and production platforms for students.

HAAS CNC lathe

The HAAS SL-20 is a CNC metal lathe with an auto-multi-tool changer. The lathe uses SolidWorks CAD/CAM for design of toolpaths and production of the Shop CNC file and is operated by a specialist technician.

Due to the complexity of the toolpaths and safety of autonomous machining operations most jobs are completed by our technicians on behalf of students and staff. This also enables use of the technology without the steep learning curve associated with the machine, allowing for digital designs by students to be produced on site very quickly.

Rolland Modella table top CNC (MX-40 & MX-50)

The workshop contains two MX-40 and two MX-50 table top CNC machines. Students use these for production of smaller prototype parts and experimentation and training with Rolland SRP player, Rhino, and Rhino-CAM for later use on the Techno CNC router.

The desktop CNC mills can be used by students and staff independently. The ease of use, technical support available, and installed safety equipment means they are ideal learning and production platforms for student use, and are a stepping stone for those wishing to use the larger Techno router or HAAS CNC lathe.

Equipment bookings

The laser cutters and CNC machinery are booked through the Resource Centre. Bookings can be viewed online via the online booking system. 3D digital modelling equipment is provided to students at significantly subsidised rates, so is only available to currently enrolled year 2–5 student, and faculty staff.

Technical assistance

If you need help with our technical facilities, get in touch with our technical staff.