TechLab

Do-It-Yourself 3D Printing

TechLab supports two options for 3D printing. These options are:

1. Do-It-Yourself 3D printing following instructions here. DIY 3D printers are currently located in Cox Hall and the Woodruff Health Sciences Center Library.
2. 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.

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

TechLab offers three types of virtual reality systems:

1. an HTC Vive Pro Eye headset to be used within our space
2. an Oculus Rift S, which can be checked out for use with your own VR-capable computer
3. four Oculus Quest all-in-one systems, also available for checkout.

Reservations are required to use our equipment. Please see our reservation policies below for more information. 

• Book loanable Oculus headsets: https://emorylibraries.libcal.com/reserve/vr. 
• Book our in-house HTC Vive Pro Eye: https://emorylibraries.libcal.com/reserve/techlab/inhouse. 

• We recommend that only the current player be in the designated VR play area during active use. No one else should enter the VR play area, touch the player, or otherwise interfere with play. Spectators should enforce this policy for the safety and security of the player.
• Players must take great care with the equipment. Players may not drop the headset, touch its lenses, set the headset down face-first, or otherwise mishandle the equipment. Players are responsible for any repair or replacement costs that result from their misuse of the equipment.
• The VR headset and controllers must be reserved by noon of the prior weekday. Monday requests must be submitted by noon on Fridays.
• Reservations are mediated. Requesting individuals will receive an email once their request has been processed.
• Headsets may be reserved up to 14 days in advance. 
• Groups arriving 15 or more minutes late after their scheduled start time will forfeit their entire reservation. 
• Academic use of the VR headset takes priority over recreational gaming use.

Button Making

Our button makers are available for use in our space.

Our Prices

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!

Our Prices

Helpful Resources

Instructions on making decals.

Instructions on making stickers.

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.

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.

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 certification and Muse certification by Full Spectrum Laser and show a screenshot of the e-certificate from each to a staff member. You will then be trained 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.

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.

Equipment Reservation

If you'd like to reserve time on the Carvey, please see our reservation page.

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.