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Digital Fabrication Technician

Runs digital-to-physical workflows for the UK model unit: 3D modelling file prep, CNC, laser and 3D printing, plus finishing of printed/milled parts for makers to assemble.

Duties

• Prep clean CAD/mesh files for CNC, laser and 3D print
• Operate printers/CNC/laser under workshop H&S and induction
• Choose materials and orientations for strength and finish
• Post-process: remove supports, wash/cure, sand and fit
• Liaise Sculptors/Seniors on digital masters and revisions
• Maintain printers, filament/resin stocks and machine logs
• Never bypass extraction or chemical rules for resin printers

Reports to

Supervising Model Maker / HOD Model Maker

Works with

Sculptor, Seniors, Mould Maker, Coordinator, outside bureaux when overflow

Career path

Junior Model Maker / CAD route → Digital Fabrication Technician → Senior Model Maker

Day to day

Receive files or scan data; repair meshes; slice/toolpath; run jobs; QC parts; hand to makers/mould/paint; keep machines calibrated.

Call times

Workshop-led: model unit often starts earlier than general unit call for build days. Standby Model Makers match unit call when covering shoot. Overnight cures, paint and last-minute hero makes before shoot days are common — always read the workshop schedule against the call sheet.

What to wear

Workshop PPE: steel toe-caps or production-approved boots; eye/ear protection; gloves suited to task (nitrile for resins, heat-resistant where needed); dust mask / respirator for sanding, spray and chemicals; apron or workshop blacks; hard hat / hi-vis if yard or stage rules require. Clean blacks when delivering to set. Resin-safe gloves and UV/eye protection for SLA; dust control for mills.

Tools & kit

Calipers; finishing kit; USB/drives; PPE; production-owned printers/CNC/laser and consumables.

Tips

Confirm title, agreement, budget band, prep/wrap, kit/machine fee and workshop location on the deal memo. We never invent Bectu figures — check bectu.org.uk / Props Branch Prop Modelling and Prop Painters cards. On smaller shows Model Making may sit under Props as Prop Modelling; larger features often list Model Making as its own department.

Software

• Rhino / Fusion 360 / SolidWorks / Blender
• ZBrush for sculpt-to-print
• PrusaSlicer / Cura / ChiTuBox / Fusion CAM
• MeshLab / Netfabb repair basics
• Excel machine and material logs
• ChatGPT for slicer setting drafts (test; verify)

Related roles

Senior Model Maker, Sculptor (Model Unit), Model Making Coordinator, Mould Maker

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