First time users will be trained by student mentors on how the different machines can be used to help you create your idea or design. There is no experience prerequisite to use the space - first time visitors with no experience are welcome! Please view the Mentor hours listed in our calendar to find a time for your visit.

(If you are already an experienced maker, we encourage you to apply to become a Makerspace mentor.)

The Makerspace at the ECenter offers an UltiMaker 3D printer, two Creality CR10S Pro 3D printers, two Prusa i3 MK3S 3D printers, and a Formlabs SLA printer.

The software we use for the printers is Cura, which includes a slicer for your .STL files. The 3D printers typically use PLA filament and, depending on the printer, takes either 1.75mm or 2.85mm filament. We provide the filament in the Makerspace. We also provide the resin for the SLA printer. 

The training process for the 3D printers is an overview of the process of setting up the job and machine, which includes starting a print. A demonstration of knowledge is expected to become qualified to operate the 3D printer. If you intend to print a model which uses a considerable amount of filament, please consider bringing your own spool. The Makerspace (and the ECenter) are donor-funded so we appreciate thoughtfulness with supply use.

The DATRON Neo CNC Milling Machine can be used for R&D, rapid prototyping, short run production of small parts, milling aluminum and plastics, and 3D engraving with precise detail. Only a CNC mill trained mentor can operation the mill. It features:

• 20.5" x 16.5" X, Y travel
• 40,000 RPM spindle 
• 24-tool automatic tool changer
• Cast polymer-concrete construction
• Touch-screen control software
• 3D probe/camera measurement
• Camera-assisted setup
• Intuitive App-style functions
• Up to 1,100"/min. max. rapid/feed rate

The Epilog laser can be used to cut or engrave various materials. It has a working envelope of 18 inches (width) by 12 inches. The laser is 40 watts which allows it to cut into wood-based materials such as plywood, cardboard, fiberboard, and paper products. It can also cut acrylic plastic. The maximum thickness of these materials is around 0.25 inches. The laser also has an engraving function to engrave vector and raster based images.

It can engrave the cutting materials listed above, and other materials, such as certain metals. Text, logos, and images are commonly engraved. The laser will leave burn marks on wood which in some cases can be sanded off.

The laser creates very precise cuts and can be used to make parts which fit together. To create files for a laser job, you can use most vector based programs such as CorelDRAW and Adobe Illustrator. The training process involves an instructional portion and a demonstration of knowledge, which includes cutting and engraving using the laser.

The vinyl cutter is used to create “decals” which are adhesive backed or non-adhesive backed. The decals can be stuck to a variety of surfaces. The vinyl cutter uses a roll of vinyl (typically single color) which feeds into the back side. A computer controlled knife cuts out the outline of a vector based image in order to produce the decal.

The training process for the vinyl cutter is instruction of the use of the cutter control software and a demonstration by a mentor of the physical setup and machine specific setup instructions. A demonstration of knowledge is required to be qualified on the machine. If your design requires a considerable amount of vinyl stock, please provide it yourself.

Sailrite Ultrafeed LS-1 Industrial Sewing Machine can be used for prototyping or design.

The electronics station includes a soldering iron, power supply, prototyping breadboards, a variety of electronic components, and other tools. Proper electrical safety procedures must be observed while using the equipment.

• Solidworks
• Autodesk Fusion 360
• Google SketchUp
• CorelDRAW
• Cura