TechLab
Makerspace and emerging technologies lab.
Hours | Location |
|---|---|
Fall 2023 HoursMonday-Friday: noon-8pm TechLab will close for the Fall Semester Dec. 13. We will reopen January 17. Modified Hours:Wednesday 12/13- noon-5pm TechLab will be closed for all university breaks and holidays. | Cox Hall, 2nd Floor |
Resources
Join us, and our partners over at ArtsLab, and just make stuff!
Do-It-Yourself 3D Printing
TechLab supports two options for 3D printing. These options are:
- Do-It-Yourself 3D printing following instructions here. DIY 3D printers are currently located in Cox Hall and the Woodruff Health Sciences Center Library.
- 3D Printing as a Service (more information below).
DIY 3D Printer Material
We strive to keep Dremel branded ECO-ABS available at all times for the printers available for DIY 3D printing. These materials come in black or white.
Printer information
- The max print size is 255 x 155 x 170 mm.
- The nozzle size is 0.4mm.
- A full spool of filament is 500g.
3D Printing as a Service
To have something 3D printed on your behalf, please visit TechLab with either a .stl or a .3mf file. After a quick consultation to determine print attributes (resolution, size, etc.), we will then 3D print your design and email you when it is ready to pick up.
Our Print Service Printers
Prusa MK4
| Prusa MK4 with MMU
| |
Dremel Digilab 3D45
| Form 3
|
Our Prices
| PLA prints: $2 per 100 g | Resin prints: $4 per 50 ml |
3D Scanning
We offer the following scanners for use in our space:
NextEngine
| iSense for iPad
|
3D Modeling:
We offer the following applications within TechLab:
- AutoCAD - a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting tool.
- Autodesk 3DS Max - a professional 3D computer graphics program for making 3D animations, models, games and images.
- Autodesk Fusion 360 - 3D computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer-aided engineering (CAE) tool.
- Solidworks - a solid modeling computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) tool.
- Meshmixer - Sculpting tool useful for editing models, adding supports, blending models together, etc
- Agisoft Photoscan/Metashape - Photogrammetry tool
Additional Resources:
3D Model Repositories:
If you want to browse what other people have already made, edit a model instead of starting from scratch, or just get ideas, we recommend the following locations:
3D Modeling Tools
The following are freely available online for use on personal devices:
- Blender - 3D modelling tool
- Autodesk Fusion 360 - a solid modeling computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) tool. Free for educational users.
- Tinkercad - Easy and powerful online 3D modelling tool - iOS and Android option
- Leopoly - 3D sculpting tool
- Meshmixer - Sculpting tool and tool for editing models, adding supports, blending models together, etc
3D Design Tutorials
- How to prepare a model for printing - taking animated models and turning them into physical things
- Blender Tutorials
- 123D Design tutorial pt01 - Focuses on 123D Design, which is no longer available, but has some coverage of design good practices that can transfer to Tinkercad or Autodesk Fusion 360
- 3D printing tips 01 - Focuses on design and production
- MeshMixer tutorial
Button Making
Our button makers are available for use in our space.
Tecre Model MTD 100
| Tecre Model MTD 225
|
Our Prices
1" buttons: $1 for 10 | 2.25" buttons: $1 for 5 |
Equipment Reservation
If you'd like to reserve one of the button makers for use inside the space, we do not offer reservations for button equipment anymore. We operate on a first-come-first-serve model.
If you'd like to reserve one of the button makers for use outside the space, please see our equipment reservation page.
Helpful Resources
Photoshop template is available here.
See instructions on how to use the button makers at the following links: 1" buttons ; 2.25" buttons.
Our Equipment
We have two Cricut Explore machines for use in our space. With these machines you can make laptop decals, create designs that can be heat pressed onto shirts, and more!
Cricut Maker 3
| Heat Press 225
|
Our Prices
Vinyl and transfer tape: $2 per sheet | Sticker paper: EaglePrint cost |
Our Equipment
Microcontrollers for check out
You can come to TechLab during our open hours and speak to our staff to check out the kits for 1 week. You can reserve a kit for checkout to streamline the process here.
Raspberry Pi kits
| Arduino-like kits
|
Soldering Equipment:
Soldering iron with solder, fume extractor, and third hand.
We also have a variety of other tools such as diagonal cutters, wire strippers, and a multimeter.
Other supplies:
While we have some basic electronic components that can be used in our space, such as various resistors, capacitors, and transistors, we do not guarantee anything specific is in stock. If you have a specific project you are looking to work on, please plan on bringing your own materials.
Helpful Resources:
A general overview of working with electronics: Getting Started with Electronics
In depth information on electronics: Basic Electronics by Tayal.
Guides to soldering: How To Solder Guide and Make: Getting Started with Soldering by De Vinck.
We are partnering with ArtsLab to provide access to textile focused equipment. The equipment is housed in ArtsLab, just across the room from us.
Equipment
Sewing machines require you to be trained by our staff members before using.
- Hand sewing supplies
- Embroidery and crosstich supplies
- Crochet and knitting supplies
- Brother SE400 Sewing and Embroidering Machine
Software
- SewArt embroidery digitizer
Materials:
We have some scrap fabric that is leftover from previous people's projects. You are free to use these scraps. If you have a specific project you are looking to work on, please plan on bringing your own supplies.
Helpful Resources:
A guide on hand sewing: How to Sew
A guide on hand embroidery: Embroidery 101
An overview of using sewing machines: Use a Sewing Machine and the manual for our machines.
A series of video guides on using SewArt Embroidery Software (please note, you will need to scroll to the bottom of the page and expand the "Video Tutorials" accordian/dropdown.)
Our Equipment
You can use the laser cutter with any approved materials. You must present proof that the material is that which you claim, either with a label on the material or a receipt showing what it is. We do not guarantee material availability and encourage you to bring your own.
To use the laser you must first complete the Laser Safety training. Please email sdl@emory.edu to get access to our laser safety training. After completing the laser safety training online, you will then complete a skills assessment one on one with our staff. Training consists of helping you acquire beginner laser training skills by engraving a design that you then cut out.
In addition, you must have a trained staff member verify your cut settings before starting a cut, for the first 3 times you use it.
If you would like to design projects for the Muse laser cutter outside of the space, you can use the Virtual RE3 Software Environment. Please note, you will need an account with Full Spectrum Laser to use this software. Once you have designed your project, you can export it as an .re3 file and import the file once you have access to the laser cutter.
Muse Laser Cutter
| Boss 2440 Laser Cutter
|
Equipment Reservation
If you'd like to reserve time on the laser cutter, please see our reservation page.
Additional Resources:
Laser 101 Projects- Improve your laser cutting skills with a series of increasingly difficult projects.
Laser Tips- Tips for using the laser cutter.
Laser Projects from FSL - Get inspired with these laser projects from Full Spectrum Lasers, with more added every week!
Laser Project ideas from Instructables - See what other people are making with laser cutters!
Our Equipment
Our CNC mill can cut most materials softer than aluminum such as MDF, plywood, and HDPE. You must be trained by one of our staff members to use the machine.
Inventables Carvey
| |
Additional Resources:
Easel Projects - See what other people have made with the Carvey and other Inventables CNC machines!
Easel Classes - Watch videos teaching you how to use Easel and the Carvey!
How to Carve a Tile - Learn how to do our training project before using the machine!
Carvey Forum - See what other people are saying about this machine!
Our Equipment
You can come to TechLab during our open hours and access a variety of tools for use within the space. We have a small collection to tools and eqiupment that do not require any training to use. If you would like training, just let us know and someone in the space can demonstrate proper usage.
Hand Tools
Currently in TechLab, we have a few types of manual saws, hammers, pliers, wrenches, socket sets, vises, clamps, screwdrivers, and more.
Power Tools:
TechLab has a Dremel Rotory tool, a power drill and an impact driver for your use.
Materials:
We currently mantain a collection of MDF, acrylic, and hardware for folks to use as needed and within reason. We cannot guarantee any particular size or type of material will be available, nor can we guarantee any particular hardware assets. If you have a specific project you are looking to work on, please plan on bringing your own materials.
The same applies to adhesives, tapes, and other consumable that might be needed for the completion of a project. We might have some, but if you want to guarantee availability, you should plan ahead!
Helpful Resources:
A general overview of Power Drill Usage
The Illustrated Guide to Theater Production provides a good introduction to construction materials and methods.
To learn how to use our equipment, stop by whenever we are open or attend a workshop or event.
TechLab is supported by students for students. If you’d like to join our team, visit our student employment page.
To report any issues, make service requests, or share your ideas on technologies that could support your work, please contact us: