Rhino Basics: 2D Design for Laser Cutting

Explore new possibilities in your jewelry making process with Computer Aided Design (CAD)! In this virtual course, students will learn the basics of designing 2D objects and patterns using the Rhinoceros design software and will aim to translate their ideas quickly and effectively into workable computer files in preparations for laser cutting unique jewelry components, production line multiples, or even templates and blanks.

The fundamental skills learned in this course can be applied to laser cutting a variety of metals, including brass, copper, or steel and even non-metal materials such as plexi and wood types. The focus of this workshop will be strictly on 2D design elements - 3D modeling will not be covered.

A base understanding of metalworking and fabrication is both extremely helpful for the design process and necessary (if students plan to apply these techniques to cutting steel, they will need to have previously taken a steel class, as no technical steel working processes will be covered during this class). Specific demos can be requested if applicable to the entire class. Design techniques and alterations will be covered, and students are encouraged to come to class with ideas brewing.