CNC/3D Seminar in French-speaking Switzerland

On April 6, the Aéro region (model aircraft club of French-speaking Switzerland) organized a CNC/3D seminar in an auditorium at EPFL in Écublens.

Fifty-two participants from all corners of French-speaking Switzerland—and even from across the Sarine River—made the trip. This event was open to everyone, whether or not they were members of our model aircraft federation. We felt it was necessary to raise awareness of our activities outside the FSAM so that all modelers could benefit from and discover the advantages of our association.

An auditorium at a polytechnic school offers all the necessary logistics as well as the audiovisual amenities one could hope for: easy access by car or public transportation, plenty of seating in the auditorium, multiple cameras and screens, and microphones. The challenge was to arrange for the necessary meals for the participants in venues that lacked kitchens (and restaurants on Saturday!).

Before ready-to-fly (RTF) products hit the market, model builders had to build their own models from scratch and acquire a wide range of skills. Those who lived through that era remember the personal pride they felt in building and flying their own models and sharing that joy with friends. Today’s methods have improved incredibly, and some people are rediscovering those joys with sophisticated technologies that are nonetheless accessible to everyone.

The goal of the seminar was therefore to guide modelers on how to access these new techniques. Due to time constraints, the program was limited to CNC milling, laser cutting, and 3D printing. Participants explored the available equipment and software, as well as a few simple yet spectacular and unexpected projects. Live demonstrations—such as one of the laser cutter—were very well received. An exhibition of 3D printers, as well as numerous breaks to learn more and interact with other participants, were spread throughout the day.

One presentation stood out to me: the one on fablabs, which offer modelers the support and training they need to develop their skills, as well as access to technological equipment in a friendly atmosphere (well, well, here we go again!). But the main effort must come from the model maker, who will turn to fablabs for the additional information they need—not to find a kind soul to do the work for them!

After the seminar, I received no fewer than twenty emails—expressions of thanks and positive, enthusiastic comments—which I would also like to dedicate to all the speakers, the kitchen staff, and the helpers who contributed to this success. A big thank you to Pierre for organizing and providing all the necessary facilities. Should we do it again? Definitely. There’s no shortage of fascinating topics. I hope we can organize more seminars: the call is out.

Thierry Ruef