Production of wooden lamps through a hybrid digital and artisanal manufacturing process: functional prototype as a starting point for a University Extension Program

Abstract

This article presents a functional prototype development whose main feature is the hybrid manufacturing process considering part digital manufacturing and handmade part. Production is part of a project/action aimed at training for income generation of members of an artisans association. In the program, it is proposed the wooden lamps production for commercialization. The method includes technical design with the aid of computational tool and parametric/algorithmic modelling, training for product fabrication, from digital laser -cutting concepts using CNC Router equipment to handcrafted assembly using tools and some parts more traditional. The prototype was created as a starting point of the university extension program and the results, both analysis and product, were considered satisfactory, demonstrating potentialities and deficiencies that can be addressed during the artisan training process.