Solid Rapid Prototyping Lab

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Teaching and Learning

The SRP Lab provides access to experimental and established rapid prototyping methods and integrates them into teaching across art and design. Its hybrid learning environment supports hands-on experimentation, independent exploration, and collaborative knowledge exchange. Students are encouraged to develop practical and critical approaches to emerging technologies and to examine how digital tools can influence artistic and design processes.

A central focus of the lab is the relationship between digital fabrication and traditional workshop practice. Technologies such as robotic fabrication and other digital manufacturing processes are explored in conjunction with material knowledge, craftsmanship, and experimental making. The lab understands digital manufacturing not simply as a means of production, but as a creative medium that can be adapted and reinterpreted through artistic and design practice.

The SRP Lab builds on the Bauhaus 4.0 research project (2020–2022), funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and conducted by the Weißensee Academy of Art Berlin in collaboration with the Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin).

The project investigated how digital technologies—including two six-axis robotic arms—could be integrated into art and design education while maintaining the importance of workshop-based and material practice. A particular focus was placed on developing new forms of teaching and learning that connect digital technologies with artistic experimentation.

The results of Bauhaus 4.0 were published as Open Educational Resources (OER) and have been integrated into the Academy’s curriculum since 2023. These resources provide a foundation for continued teaching and experimentation in digital fabrication, robotics, and hybrid forms of knowledge production.

Today, the SRP Lab serves as a space for students and researchers to explore, test, and critically reflect on emerging manufacturing technologies. Its activities connect digital fabrication, material practice, artistic research, and education, with an emphasis on developing new forms of knowledge through experimentation and making.

Location: Raum H0.09

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The SRP Lab is equipped with a range of digital fabrication and manufacturing technologies that support experimental teaching, research, and artistic practice:

• Collaborative robotic arms for robotic fabrication and material experimentation
• 3-axis CNC milling machines for computer-controlled subtractive manufacturing
• 3D printing systems for additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping
• 3D scanning systems for digital capture, documentation, and the reconstruction of physical objects
• Laser cutting systems for precision cutting and engraving across a range of materials
   

The SRP Lab is equipped with two Universal Robots UR5 collaborative robotic arms, each featuring six rotational axes. The robots can be operated through their control interface or programmed using the Grasshopper plug-in, supporting computational design and digital fabrication workflows.

The systems are available to students and staff for teaching, research, and project-based experimentation. Prior training is required and is provided either as part of the Foundation Year or through a project-specific introduction.

An introduction to the robots and their applications is available through the SRP Lab video resources. Further technical documentation is provided through the Robot Wiki, currently accessible by invitation.

For access or further information, please contact solidrapidprototyping@kh-berlin.de.

The SRP Lab provides two laser cutting systems for digital fabrication, prototyping, and material experimentation:

• Trotec Speedy 300 — working area: 430 × 730 mm
• SpiritGX — working area: 610 × 960 mm

Materials must not exceed 5 mm in thickness. For safety reasons, materials including ABS, FR4, neoprene, PBTP, PC, POM/nylon, PTFE/Teflon, PUR, and PVC—including vinyl and adhesive films—must not be processed. The systems are not suitable for cutting metal.

Booking & Access

Laser cutters can be booked via the lab booking calendar. Each student may book a maximum of two appointments per week, with each appointment limited to four hours.

When booking, please provide your name, department, and email address, and select the appropriate laser cutter in the calendar. If technical support is required, please add “+S” to your name in the event title. Incomplete bookings or appointments exceeding the stated limits may be removed.

Preparation & Support

Users are expected to review the available video tutorials, operating instructions, and safety guidelines before their appointment and to arrive with their digital files and materials prepared. The lab team provides support where needed, but users should familiarize themselves with the basic workflow in advance, particularly during busy periods.

When booking, please provide your name, department, email address, preferred machine, and project/file information. Mark the appointment with +S if technical support is required.

Before the appointment, users are expected to review the available tutorials, operating instructions, and safety guidelines, and to arrive with their files and materials prepared.

The SRP Lab provides a range of additive manufacturing systems for prototyping, material experimentation, and textile and ceramic applications.

Equipment

• 4 Bambu Lab 3D printers — 2 × P1S and 2 × H2D; users must provide their own filament
• Prusa MK4 — dedicated to textile 3D printing
• 2 Ultimaker 3D printers — for textile 3D printing; users must provide their own filament
• Lutum ceramic 3D printer — for additive ceramic fabrication, with a maximum printing dimension of 43 cm along the X-axis

Booking & Access

3D printers can be booked via the lab booking calendar. Each student may book a maximum of two appointments per week, with one 3D printer per day and a maximum appointment duration of four hours.

When booking, please provide your name, department, and email address, and select the appropriate printer in the calendar. Incomplete bookings or appointments exceeding the stated limits may be removed.

Preparation & Support

Users are expected to review the available video tutorials and operating instructions before their appointment and to arrive with their digital files and required materials prepared. The lab team provides support where needed, but users should familiarize themselves with the basic workflow in advance, particularly during busy periods.

Appointments for the Lutum ceramic printer are arranged individually. Please contact the SRP Lab at solidrapidprototyping(at)kh-berlin.de to arrange an appointment.

The SRP Lab provides a range of 3D scanning systems for the digital acquisition, documentation, and further processing of physical objects and materials. The scanners support workflows connecting physical objects with digital modelling, fabrication, and 3D printing.

Equipment

• NextEngine 3D Scanner
• Artec 3D Eva — professional handheld 3D scanner for detailed object capture
• Revopoint MIRACO 3D Scanner — portable, self-contained 3D scanning system

Applications

The scanners can be used to capture physical objects as digital 3D data for documentation, reconstruction, digital modelling, prototyping, and subsequent 3D printing or fabrication.

Preparation & Support

Users are expected to familiarize themselves with the available video tutorials and operating instructions before using the scanners and to prepare their scanning setup and objects in advance. The lab team provides support where needed, while users are encouraged to develop an independent understanding of the scanning workflow.

Appointments for 3D scanning are arranged individually. Please contact the SRP Lab at solidrapidprototyping(at)kh-berlin.de to arrange an appointment.

Monday–Friday

10:00–12:30
13:00–18:00

Phone
+49 (0)30 477 05 283