MakerSpace

Can make both sticker vinyl and heat transfer vinyl (HTV). Sticker vinyl is created by cutting individual colors and overlaying them to make one large sticker. This vinyl can be applied to most surfaces and should last under outdoor use as well. Heat transfer vinyl uses a heat press to apply the vinyl to fabric such as hats and t-shirts. Wall stickers, door logos, instructional shirts, as well as event t-shirts are only some of the many things that have been made in the MakerSpace.

The MakerSpace wide format printer can print full color inkjet photos, small decorative posters, portraits, demonstration posters, and large wall posters up to 36” wide. Types of paper include matte, gloss, and satin in both 24” wide and 36” wide.

3D Printing is one of the most popular activities in the MakerSpace. 3D printing is an Additive Manufacturing process where an object is built from nothing by adding layers together. There are two types of 3D printing that are done in the MakerSpace. The type of 3D printing that most people are familiar with is called Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) or Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). This is the type of 3D printing where a roll of filament is melted into a fine line, and layer-by-layer your object is constructed.There are more 3D  printing opportunities available as well!

Our textiles stations feature standard sewing machines, a serger, and an embroidery machine. The sewing machines and serger can be used for costuming, fashion, cosplay, functional parts, and stuffed animal making. The embroidery machine has been used to embroider everything from shirts, to stoles, to other plush designs.

Soldering in the makerspace is focused on learning for everyone from beginners to more advanced users. We offer training kits in both through-hole and surface mount soldering, as well as a large rework station with several parts to cater to the use of the space. Some of the clubs that typically use our space often use the soldering stations to improve their club projects and extracurricular projects as well.

One of our most popular tools to use in the MakerSpace is our Glowforge Laser cutters. Laser cutting is a Subtractive manufacturing process where parts are cut from an initial sheet. The Glowforge can interpret most vector filetypes (.SVG and .PDF) to be used for an engraving or a cut, and it can interpret most raster image types (.JPG or .PNG) for engraving only. These machines are very easy to use and with Proofgrade™ material most users are up and running within 15 mins. Proofgrade™ material includes various types of woods and acrylics. The machines have a maximum cutting area of 12” x 20” and a maximum cutting depth with Proofgrade™ material of ¼”.

Much like laser cutting CNC Routing is a Subtractive mixing process. Subtractive manufacturing begins with a sheet of material, typically wood for the CNC, and then cuts parts from it. Our X-Carve CNC routers can cut wood up to 29” x 29” x 2”, though the design constraints may change that. The CNC routers can import 2D files in .SVG format, an can sometimes import .STL 3D files for 3D engraves. Though, these have been completed with limited success. Typically laser cutting will give you more accuracy than a CNC machine, but for building larger parts, the CNC is a must!

The MakerSpace woodshop is filled with many of the standard tools that you would find within a woodshop, and it can complete a wide variety of projects.

The tool in the woodshop include:

• 12” SawStop Table saw
• 10” Miter Saw
• 12” Planar
• Tabletop Lathes
• Router Table
• Belt Sander, Disc sander, & Orbital Sander
• Many hand tools including drills, saws, screwdrivers, palm sanders, etc.

Note: Woodshop hours are limited, check schedule for tool availability.