3DBigDataSpace, Session 3, Fabrication Methods & Materials

This is the third of five training sessions offered by the Hunt Museum as part of their contribution to the 3DBigDataSpace project.

This 2hr session (6pm to 8pm) focuses on turning 3D models into physical artefacts. We cover slicer settings (orientation, supports, infill, layer height), material choices for tactile clarity and durability (PLA, flexible filaments, resin), and finishing methods to improve touch experience. The live demo uses Cura and PreForm to prepare models for FDM and SLA printers. Breakouts guide participants to prepare a slice plan for their model. Safety and sustainability considerations for public displays are discussed.

From 8pm to 9pm, there is an optional tutorial hour with the facilitator.

This workshop will be facilitated by Tadhg Charles - PhD researcher, focused on inclusive museum access; experience in 3D digitisation and tactile interpretation. Guest access consultants and museum staff will be present.

Who should attend?

Museum professionals including curators, access officers, learning staff, exhibition designers, conservators and museum professionals new to 3D capture.

What will be covered:

1. Welcome & aims
2. Overview: FDM, SLA, CNC, laser cutting, material properties
3. Live slicing demo (Cura / PreForm)
4. Breakout: prepare a slice plan with facilitator help
5. Discussion: finishing & safety for public touch
6. Homework instructions

Learning Outcomes:

• Prepare print-ready files using slicing software (Cura/PreForm).
• Select appropriate materials and finishes for tactile use and durability.
• Understand safety, cost, and sustainability considerations in fabrication.

Participant Pre-work

• Participants should watch the 15 minute video on slicing basics
• Review sample print images
• A Onedrive link will be shared with participant so that they can access these resources.

What to bring

• Laptop with brower and webcam
• Participants must have access to the pre-work sample print images

Access & Consent

Live captions will be used for demonstrations. Transcripts and large-print handouts available on request.

Braille copies available if requested at least 7 days before.
Sessions will be recorded for research with participants’ consent.

You can opt out of any public sharing of your outputs.

Registration Policy & Consent

By registering you agree to participate in research activities associated with this training. Recordings, files and survey data will be retained for research with participant consent. You may opt out of public sharing of any specific model.

Contact tadhg.charles@northumbria.ac.uk for data queries.

Privacy & data handling: All data handling follows institutional GDPR and research ethics guidelines. Personal data is retained separately from model files; model metadata can be anonymised prior to research outputs.

Cancellation policy: Please notify in advance if you cannot attend to release your place.

Organisers reserve the right to reschedule if necessary.