Modern Construction Technologies at Your Fingertips

Seeing the proliferation of CNC milling machines and 3D printers in our modeling community, it seems that many have already mastered these new technologies. We’re experts at giving others advice on how to make things, but—as I’ve experienced firsthand—when it comes to putting that advice into practice, there are far fewer people willing to do so.

When we consider our skills as the sum of many areas of expertise, it’s difficult to master both design software, the programming required to translate designs into machine instructions, and the machine itself. What’s more, if keeping up with the modern world means I have to invest in a CNC router and a 3D printer in addition to my hot-wire cutter, a drill, and a sander, it starts to put a serious strain on the household budget: expertise becomes the preserve of the wealthy... Not at all—solutions do exist! The time for sharing has arrived.

I remember the days when ProAéro subsidized the purchase of toolboxes. We’d gather at our workshop and, over a friendly drink, discuss the modifications needed to a model to increase its chances of surviving on the field on Saturdays. We pooled our expertise. Nowadays, this sharing often happens one-on-one right at the airfield. The camaraderie of our get-togethers is struggling to survive, and when we buy “ready-to-fly” models, we ask ourselves fewer questions about how to build them.

Fablabs are technology spaces equipped with all those machines we’ve always dreamed of. We’re entering the age of sharing. This space, filled with geeks, offers us the expertise and camaraderie of the kind of gatherings we’d come to miss. At a reasonable cost, they often offer the courses we need to advance our skills: this is lifelong learning. All that remains is to let the many fablabs in French-speaking Switzerland know what our specific needs are so we can build the most beautiful flying machines.

The Romandie AéRo region is organizing the first CNC/3D seminar in Lausanne on Saturday, April 6, at the EPFL campus. The topics covered will address the many questions you may have about how to acquire knowledge and advance in this new world of construction: which design software to use, which machines, the latest innovations, live demonstrations, and presentations of numerous projects within your reach. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, the topics will be varied. You’ll learn where to turn for continuing education and have the opportunity to network.

One thing is certain: this event will inspire you to experience the joys of designing and bringing your future personal projects to life.

Thierry Ruef
(CNC/3D seminar on April
6 in Lausanne; registration
required).