Welcome to the Design Technicians website

Kia ora!

Welcome to the Design Labs blog! This is the virtual home of the design technicians and where we post articles, links, and general information related to design technology.

Please check back on a regular basis and feel free to contact the technicians with all of your tech-related questions.

Nga mihi

New to the Design Lab?
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Our Equipment & Machines

3D Printing

Additive manufacturing technique for rapid prototyping that uses filament

Spatial Computing Lab

Hybrid computer space for film, mocap, and content creation

Soldering Stations

Join two metal surfaces together using solder – used for electronics

Electronics

List of components that we have in the workshop ready for you to purchase

Laser Cutting

Cut and etch into a variety of both flat and round materials/objects

Water Jet Cutting

Similar to a laser cutter but cuts using water at high pressure

CNC Routing

Moving a tool to a specific x, y, and z coordinates to cut away material

Vacuum Forming

Heat up a plastic sheet and form  it over your object – good for mould making

Spray Booth

We have 2 types of paint spray-guns that you can use with waterbase paints

Machine & Material Credits

See what materials we have in the lab and purchase them through the CAI store

Sewing Station

Use our craft station complete with an overlocker to create patterns and garments

Embroidery Machine

Our new digital embroidery machine converts digital artwork into textiles

Vinyl/Sticker Cutting

Print and cut out custom stickers and vinyls that can be used for decorations

Badge Making

Easily create custom badges with a variety of backing options

Workshop Calendar

Our standard hours are 9am – 4pm but these can vary depending on deadlines etc.

Meet the Technicians

Jamie

Jamie

Senior Technician (He/Him)

With a background as a Mechanical and Software Design Engineer, he is a great all-rounder in hands-on creation, digital fabrication, programming microcontrollers, electronics, CAD Design and general tinkering. With special interests in automation, electronics design and vehicle engines.

Steve

Steve

Technician (He/Him)

Steve is our model making expert and loves 3D printing!
If you need to make something physical Steve can help you work out how. From crafting to surface finishing, computer modelling to fabrication, you’ll learn a thing or two and pick up new skills from him.

Aldo

Aldo

Technician (They/Them)

Electronics and game development master. Aldo has gained industry experience through their NZ game design company along with their tenure at multiple game development companies. They are a tinkerer who is always ready to share their knowledge.

Jillian

Jillian

Technician (She/Her)

Having worked as a graphic, packaging, and industrial designer, Jillian has industry experience with both digital and physical mediums. She is passionate about silicone and ceramic casting, sewing, 3D printing, and the Adobe Creative Suite.

Where to find us

We are located in the Design Lab within the engineering building 402, level 3, room 340.

The Design Lab is next to the Design Studios and one level under the Unleashed Space.

Our standard hours are 9am – 4pm but these can vary depending on deadlines etc.

Contact Us

For more information, you can drop in or contact us via email at designtech@auckland.ac.nz

This blog is primarily for students at the University of Auckland

Check out our Projects page for tips and tricks

Fusion 360 basics

Fusion 360 basics

by | May 15, 2023 | , , ,

Fusion 360 is a great, all-in-one parametric cad solution. Find out how to get started below. Parametric CAD (Computer-aided Design) refers to things, sketches, objects, shapes, and or points having a parameter, dimension, or size. This is great for parts that fit...