Course detail

Generative Design and Digital Production

FSI-YRPAcad. year: 2025/2026

The content of the course is algorithmically controlled computer design, also known as generative, parametric, performative or informed design. The essence is the connection to the following production process based on a digital 3D model. Students will acquire competencies in the field of algorithmic modeling and direct digital manufacturing. They will be able to customize digital data according to selected parameters and convert real geometries to digital and back. The course includes teaching the principles of optical digitization, additive manufacturing (3D printing), including an introduction to robotic additive manufacturing. Students will work independently with a hand 3D scanner and desktop 3D printer in the student FabLAB, where they will produce selected generative designs.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

2

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Ing. David Škaroupka, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Machine and Industrial Design (ÚK)

Entry knowledge

Knowledge in area of CAD systems, particularly Rhinoceros 3D.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Course-unit credit is awarded on the following conditions: active participation in the seminars, submission of given semestral project and 3D data in digital form. In total it will be possible to acquire 100 points. Resulting classification will be defined by the ECTS scale. If some of the projects are awarded less than half of the maximum pts., final evaluation of the course is "failed". According to the article No. 13 of Study and Examination Rules of Brno University of Technology ECTS evaluation degree scale is used. . If some of the projects are awarded less than 50 pts., final evaluation of the course is "failed". The course is evaluated with the following grades: ECTS EVALUATION DEGREES / PTS. RATING / NUMERIC RATING: A / 100 - 90 / 1 / Excellent; B /89 - 80 / 1,5 / Very good; C / 79 - 70 / 2 / Good; D / 69 - 60 / Satisfactory; E / 59 - 50 / Sufficient; F / 49 - 0 / 4 / Failed.
Attendance at seminars is obligatory and checked by the teacher. Compensation of missed lessons depends on the instructions of course supervisor. Students have to be present in scheduled hours in the computer lab and work on projects and wait for consultation. The absences are possible only due similar reasons as by work law, e.g. Illness. Unexcused absence may cause denial of credit.

Aims

The aim of the course is to familiarize students with the possibilities of using 3D optical digitization, reverse engineering and rapid prototyping technologies in industrial design. The aim is achieved by teaching advanced software tools and hands on experience with optical scanning of spatial objects and 3D printing plastic parts.
Students will be able to design and prepare parts for additive manufacturing, process the scanned data of 3D objects and transform it into surface models useable for further design work. Students will utilize gained experience during preparation of diploma thesis, in further doctoral program or in practice for development of new products. Knowledge of additive technologies and optical digitization will expand the skills required for the design and implementation of pre-production models.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

GIBSON, I., D. W. ROSEN a B. STUCKER. Additive manufacturing technologies: rapid prototyping to direct digital manufacturing. New York: Springer, c2010. ISBN 1441911200. (EN)
NABONI, Roberto a Ingrid PAOLETTI. Advanced Machinery. In: Advanced Customization in Architectural Design and Construction. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2015, 2015-12-5, s. 29-75. SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-04423-1_3. ISBN 978-3-319-04422-4. Dostupné také z: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-319-04423-1_3
TEDESCHI, Arturo. AAD_Algorithms-aided design: parametric strategies using grasshopper. Brienza, Italy: Le Penseur Publisher, 2014. ISBN 978-88-95315-30-0. (EN)

Recommended reading

DRUMM, Brook, James F. (James Floyd) KELLY, Brian ROE, et al. Make: 3D printing projects. San Francisco: Maker Media, 2015, xvii, 263 stran : barevné fotografie. ISBN 978-1-4571-8724-7. (EN)
FRANCE, Anna Kaziunas. Make: 3D printing. Sebastopol: Maker Media, 2013, xv, 213 s. : barev. il. ISBN 978-1-4571-8293-8. (EN)
KLOSKI, Liza Wallach a Nick KLOSKI. Začínáme s 3D tiskem. Brno: Computer Press, 2017, 211 stran : ilustrace. ISBN 978-80-251-4876-1. (CS)
Toru Yoshizawa . Handbook of Optical Metrology: Principles and Applications, Second Edition. 919 pages. CRC Press; 2 edition (April 9, 2015). ISBN-10: 1466573597 (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme B-PDS-P Bachelor's 3 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Computer-assisted exercise

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. David Škaroupka, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Generative design - introduction to algorithmic modeling Rhinoceros 3D Grasshopper
2. Generative design - parametric modeling with complete history (Grasshopper)
3. Generative design - use of evolutionary algorithms Grasshopper - Galapagos)
4. Generative design - form finding - Grasshopper Kangaroo, or alternatives)
5. Generative design - Generating structures (Grasshopper Paneling tools, or alternatives)
6. 3D optical digitization - ATOS system, GOM Inspect software, Sense
7. 3D optical digitization - Sense system, EinScan, or other hand scanner
8. Rapid prototyping - preparation of the model for 3D printing, closing the model, error correction
9. Rapid prototyping - preparation of production on a desktop 3D printer, slicing
10. Production of parts using rapid prototyping (practical training FabLAB)
11. Production of parts using rapid prototyping (practical training FabLAB)
12. Robotic fabrication and CNC - (RhinoCAM, Grasshopper - KUKA PRC, or alternatives)
13. Basics of working with a 6-axis industrial robot (KUKA KR 60 HA - practical example)