Making Knots: Digital creation, physical fabrication, and online dissemination

with Laura Taalman

Workshop Description

In this workshop we will create, fabricate, and share a wide variety of knots digitally and physically. Participants will follow a choose-your-own-adventure experience to learn:

different ways to create their own digital 3D models of knots using software such as Tinkercad, OpenSCAD, KnotPlot, and Mathematica;
how to prepare these digital files for 3D printing and virtual reality using tools such as Cura and Sketchfab;
how to physically manufacture knots using desktop 3D printers and online service bureaus such as Shapeways; and
how to share models online with other knot enthusiasts on Thingiverse and other platforms.

Participants should bring their own laptop to the workshop, with certain free software tools pre-downloaded as part of a small before-workshop homework assignment (see below).

About Laura Taalman

Laura Taalman is a Professor of Mathematics at James Madison University who combines research interests in knot theory, games, puzzles, patterns, and fiber arts in her academic and artistic pursuits. Also known as "mathgrrl," Dr. Taalman is a computational designer inspired by mathematical structures such as spatial graph configurations, optimally-rolling knots, and combinatorial patterns. She has worked for 3D printing companies MakerBot, Ultimaker, and Shapeways, created and shared hundreds of digital models with the 3D printing community, and published a large collection of articles and tools to help others get started with digital fabrication technologies. She is a Project NExT Fellow, a recipient of the Alder Award, Trevor Evans Award, and SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Award, and has been featured on Thingiverse, Adafruit, and Science Friday.

Before the Workshop

Let Laura know about your previous experience and what you'd like to get out of the workshop through this form.

Also, download free software you'll explore during the workshop.

Software for 3D Printing & More

Are you THAT student who prepares obsessively for class? Or do you just want to get a head start before the workshop? Here are links to software and tools that you can explore before the workshop if you are so inclined:

KnotPlot - Free downloadable software for exploring knots
Seifert View - Free downloadable software for visualizing Seifert Surfaces
Mathematica - Not free, but if you have it then we can discuss what it can do with knots
Tinkercad - Free in-browser drag-and-drop modeling tool that is easy to learn
OpenSCAD - Free downloadable code package for creating 3D-printable models
Cura - Free downloadable "slicer" for preparing digital models for 3D printing
Shapeways - Online service bureau where you can order 3D prints in various materials
Sketchfab - Online community for sharing digital models for virtual and augmented reality
Thingiverse - Online community for sharing 3D-printable digital models

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