ABOUT NICK GRACE
BACKGROUND
Physical Design models and prototypes, moved into digital in 1988
25 years teaching experience
8 years as Head of RapidformRCA, the rapid prototyping, 3D print and additive layer manufacturing centre at the Royal College of Art, London
MA (dist.) Environment Design
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Nick Grace learned his traditional bench making skills at the Medway College of Design, which offered an unusually wide experience in working and exploring metal, wood, plastic and ceramic materials; taught by time-served craftsmen in Engineering, Cabinet Making and Silversmithing, supplemented with part-time tutors from active design studios. After ten years of running his own workshop making physical prototypes for Architecture and Industrial Design, he branched into studio photography and teaching in Further and Higher Education.
Early adoption of digital processes in 1988 led to a position as 3D CAD specialist with Arup Associates, London; by 1992 responsible for all the practice’s 3D digital output, coordinating with laser and CNC bureau for prototype components. After a short period setting up and managing a traditional prototyping workshop, then starting the conversion to digital with laser and cnc.
The move to 3d Print came with the appointment to CAD Advisor for RapidformRCA, the Rapid Prototyping Centre at the Royal College of Art.
From 2008 to 2016, Nick Grace headed RapidformRCA as Business Development Manager, managing a team using a wide variety of Additive Layer Manufacturing technologies, and data input and editing software.
AIMS
To work with industry and education to inform the transition from traditional physical methods to data-driven, electronically controlled processes
To encourage collaborative projects between industry, education and other parties which benefit all participants
To distribute learning and information material relevant to these aims, through Adams Watt Ltd
SKILLS
3D CAD; Rhino, Vector Works, SpaceClaim, Magics, Geomagics, Freeform
3D PRINT or ALM: ABS, Plaster, Resin, Titanium, Wax, Nylon, FDM, SLA, Arcam EBM, Solidscape, SLS
CNC: 3-axis profile and 3d form cutting
DATA INPUT: 3D scanning and digital sculpting (Haptic Arm)
TRADITIONAL: Over 20 years professional experience in wood, metal and plastic
CONTACT
