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151-3213-00L 4 Credits BSC D-MAVT

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Integrative Ski Building Workshop

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Kristina Shea

Number of participants limited to 12. - Priority is given to students in the Design, Mechanics and Manufacturing Focus Specialization in the Mechanical Engineering BSc - To apply, please send the following information to by 31.08.2023: Letter of Motivation (one page) , CV, Transcript of Records - Permission from lecturers required for all students.

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:15:06

Abstract

This course introduces students to engineering design and fabrication by building their own skis or snowboard. Theoretical and applied engineering design skills like CAD, analysis and engineering of mechanical properties, 3D printing, laser cutting and practical handcrafting skills are acquired in the course.

Objective

The objectives of the course are to use the practical ski/board design and building exercise to gain hands-on experience in design, mechanics and materials. A selection of sustainable materials are also used to introduce students to sustainable design. The built skis/board will be mechanically tested in the lab as well as together out in the field on a ski day and evaluated from various perspectives. Students can keep their personal built skis/boards after the course.

Content

This practical ski/board design and building workshop consists of planning, designing, engineering and building your own alpine ski or snowboard. Students learn and execute all the needed steps in the process, such as engineering design, CAD, material selection, analysis of the mechanical properties of a composite layup, fabrication, routing wood cores, 3D printing of plastic protectors, milling side walls from wood or ABS plastic, laying up the fibers from carbon, glas, basalt or flax, laminating with resins, sanding and finishing, as well as laser engraving and veneer wood inlays.

Resources

Lecture Notes

available on Moodle

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Graded semester performance plus individual evaluation reports.

Registration & Places

Signup End: 03.09.2023

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
practical/laboratory course	Integrative Ski Building Workshop Permission from lecturers required for all students. The course takes place on Wednesdays at 14-18h starting in the second week of the semester.	No time listed	120 h semesterly

Offered In

Mechanical Engineering Bachelor
- Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2010)
  - Focus Specialization
    - Design, Mechanics and Manufacturing (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Dennis Kochmann In order to achieve the required 20 credit points for the Focus Specialization Design, Mechanics and Manufacturing you are free to choose any of the courses offered within the focus. If you wish to take one of the Master level courses, you must get approval from the lecturer. One course in addition to those listed can be requested, on approval by the Focus Coordinator.)