Lightbound Vessels: Adapting Laser Welding to a New Material Future
Session 6 | August 24–30
Measuring tool in development by Jake Horsey, 2024. 954 bronze, hardened tool steel, stainless steel hardware, 1” x 6”.
Jake Horsey’s residency will focus on and model how further developing the tools and techniques used for exploring what is possible with petroleum-free polymers is key to accelerating their adoption. Laser welding of plastic films is already a well established method of fabrication for fluidic devices, often gated by high cost and expert knowledge. Low cost, low energy, desktop CO2 lasers present a unique opportunity for material researchers and product developers to build functional, high fidelity prototypes with a piece of equipment that is often already sitting in the lab or studio.
Jake Horsey (he/him) is a product engineer with a background in fabrication, making his design work forever influenced by ways of making. As a founder and partner at Cofab Design, a design and engineering firm, his work has focused on turning research and technology concepts into hardware you can hold. In addition to his work in industry, Horsey teaches CNC machining and digital design tools to support students in realizing their own visions of art and technology.