A 5-day hands-on workshop introducing participants to digital fabrication through laser cutting,
focusing on designing and fabricating a fully functional acrylic table lamp.
Participants will explore how to transform flat sheets into three-dimensional forms using precision-cut
interlocking systems, with a strong emphasis on box joints and press-fit connections. The final
lamp will be assembled without glue, using a seamless construction approach inspired by interlocking
systems similar to LEGO.
Workshop Outcome
Each participant will create a custom acrylic table lamp that includes:
- Laser-cut acrylic panels (structure + light diffusion)
- Precision box joints and slot-fit connections
- A fully press-fit assembly system (no glue required)
- Integrated LED lighting
The program is divided between hands-on sessions at Liwan and self-paced online learning, ensuring
a balanced and flexible learning experience.
Day 1: Introduction & Material Exploration
- Welcome & safety briefing
- Introduction to digital fabrication:
- 3D printing basics
- Laser cutting fundamentals
- Understanding materials:
- Acrylic vs wood vs PLA
- Strength, flexibility, and light behavior
- Design inspiration & sketching concepts
Day 2: Digital Design Development
- Introduction to design software:
- 2D design for laser cutting
- Basic 3D modeling
- Designing lamp components:
- Wooden structure
- Acrylic panels/patterns
- 3D-printed connectors/base
- Finalizing design direction
Day 3: File Prep & Prototyping
- Preparing files for fabrication:
- Laser cutting settings (cut/engrave)
- 3D printing slicing (PLA settings)
- Material testing:
- Test cuts on wood and acrylic
- Small PLA print tests
- Refining designs based on results
2Day 4: Fabrication
- Full production:
- Laser cutting wood and acrylic parts
- 3D printing final components
- Machine supervision & troubleshooting
- Quality control and adjustments
Day 5: Assembly & Finishing
- Assembling all components
- Integrating LED lighting
- Finishing techniques:
- Cleaning acrylic edges
- Sanding wood
- Fitting 3D parts
- Final showcase of completed lamps