Engineering: Foundations of Fabrication

From bridges and airplanes to medical devices and renewable energy systems, the world runs on engineered materials—and the ability to shape them. This two-week immersive course, taught by the Dartmouth Machine Shop staff, introduces students to the fundamentals of fabrication and materials engineering. Students will gain hands-on experience with machining, welding, 3D printing, and computer-aided design (CAD), while also exploring how these skills translate into careers in materials science and engineering.

Alongside technical training, the course emphasizes problem-solving, safety, and creativity in design. Students will visit Dartmouth engineering labs and learn how materials engineering intersects with innovation in fields such as sustainability, medicine, and aerospace. By the end of the program, participants will not only build their own projects but also develop a deeper understanding of how fabrication skills lay the groundwork for future careers in engineering and technology.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate safe practices when working with machining, welding, and fabrication equipment.
2. Use basic fabrication tools and techniques, including milling, turning, welding, and additive manufacturing.
3. Apply computer-aided design (CAD) software to develop and prototype simple projects.
4. Identify key properties of common engineering materials (metals, polymers, composites) and explain their applications.
5. Understand how fabrication skills connect to broader areas of materials engineering and real-world innovation.
6. Collaborate effectively on design-build challenges, applying creativity and engineering problem-solving.
7. Produce a final project that demonstrates learned fabrication techniques and reflects engineering design principles.

Hands-on Activities

Week 1: Foundations of Fabrication

• Safety & Orientation
• Fabrication Basics
• CAD & Prototyping
• Materials Overview
• Mini-Project #1

Week 2: From Materials to Engineering Applications

• Advanced Fabrication Techniques
• Engineering in Action
• Innovation & Careers in Materials Engineering
• Design-Build Challenge
• Final Project Showcase

Information is subject to change as instructors finalize course content and syllabi.