Today we would like to give you an insight into how the Mr Beam is used by students at RWTH Aachen. Simon took extra time to answer our questions.
Simon introduces himself
Hello Simon, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions and giving us an insight into how you use Mr Beam in your department. Please introduce yourself briefly and tell us why you chose architecture.
My name is Simon Jochade, I am 25 years old and have just completed my master's thesis and thus my architecture studies at RWTH Aachen. I am looking forward to real working life and am excited about the challenges ahead.
Why architecture? I find it fascinating how a building emerges from an initial idea or a small sketch. You have the opportunity to permanently change or even optimize a small part of the environment.
Mr Beam as a supporter in architecture studies
Which Mr Beam do you use, and how did you first find out about us?
We started with the Mr Beam II dreamcut and recently received the dreamcut [x] upgrade kit. The update was well received in our student council, as we can work much faster with more power. At our university we have our own wood and metal workshop and other workshops. In these workshops there is already an industrial laser, a CNC milling machine and the like. However, it was very convenient to just drop off a file and the material at the workshop and get the finished lasered product back.
That's why I had the idea of using a smaller and more easily accessible laser to enable students to engage more intensively with the topic and to laser themselves.
What I particularly liked about Mr Beam was how easy it is to try something out. With a short introduction and helpful videos, you can hardly go wrong. After contacting you and a long bureaucratic process with the university, it finally worked, and we are very pleased with the new possibilities.
How to use the Mr Beam
You said beforehand that the students simply handed in their materials and then got the finished work pieces back. How important do you think it is that there is now an extra step in this process, since everything is lasered using the Mr Beam?
I don't think it's important for everyone to understand the process of lasering in detail. For many, it remains simply a service. However, there are enough students who find it interesting to delve deeper into the subject and explore the possibilities of a laser, rather than just taking the easier standard route. By experimenting, you understand the advantages and disadvantages much better and can thus create architectural models that make the most of the advantages and minimize the disadvantages.
What is the general feedback within your department?
The laser is very popular in the student union, and there are already little nerds who spend their free time with the laser. Especially before the submission phases, you have to be careful that not several students want to use the laser at the same time. It pays off if you have already familiarized yourself with the Mr Beam in advance and have found the best settings. However, we need to promote the idea of dealing with the laser in more relaxed phases and not just when you have to submit something straight away.
The perfect laser cutter for architects
Why is the Mr Beam so suitable for architects? What are the advantages and do you see any potential for improvement for us to support your work?
The Mr Beam offers a great opportunity, especially for small architectural offices. With relatively little effort, model making can be simplified and optimized in smaller architectural offices. The Mr Beam is also ideal in terms of sustainability, as it can reuse partially used cardboard, and you don't have to insert a new original-sized cardboard every time you use it. This advantage comes from the camera available for alignment. Although the size is good for experimenting, it's a shame that an A2-sized cardboard doesn't fit into the laser.
Can you imagine using the Mr Beam at work in an architecture office after you finish your studies?
I can definitely imagine continuing to use the Mr Beam after I finish my studies. Even though model making is often neglected in offices, I am toying with the idea of buying the Mr Beam for my own personal use. Maybe I can convince my future boss to do it. I just enjoy experimenting and trying things out so much.
Is Mr Beam also used by other student councils? What kind of creations are implemented there?
We always try to advertise the laser as much as possible so that as many students as possible can benefit from this offer. However, given the size of the university, it is difficult to make the offer accessible to everyone. Nevertheless, we would not turn anyone away. Since there are also many videos available to familiarize yourself with how the laser works, a short introduction is often enough to be able to work with the laser. However, our focus is definitely on model building and experimentation at our faculty.
Creativity is not neglected
Have you been creative with our laser cutter, even when you were away from studying architecture? If not, can you imagine lasering a few gifts for your loved ones?
Of course, I have also made Christmas presents and similar things with the laser. This offers a great opportunity to develop new ideas for the next architectural model, especially when it comes to actively using and working with burn marks. It allows for great creativity and collection of ideas in various areas.
Thank you for the fascinating insight, Simon! We are delighted that Mr Beam supports you so well in your studies and is enthusiastic about your architectural models !
