The purpose of this document is to give instructions on how to utilize this space and its machines.
The Makerspace in Kimmel Computer Lab is a public space where people can come learn, collaborate, and work with advanced machining to create various modeled objects. The Makerspace is a multifunctional space that acts as both a computer lab and an engineering space. Housed in this lab, are several computers, 3-D printers, Embroidery Machines, Milling Machines, Laser Engravers, Vinyl Cutters, and Z-space/3-D modeling software.
Visiting the Makerspace:
- The Makerspace is located in the Kimmel Computer Lab. (insert picture: street view) (insert picture: door view)
- The Makerspace operates at the following times:
- Summer Hours:
- Mon-Friday: 10am-4:30pm
- Academic Year Hours:
- Mon-Thurs: 10am-10pm
- Friday- Sunday: 12pm-6pm
- Summer Hours:
- Use of machines outside of 3D printers require appointments and advanced notice.
Steps to Embroidery: (insert picture: of Machine)
- User must first request an appointment with a Makerspace FTE (Fulltime Employee).
- Requests for use can currently be made by calling: 315-443-2677 or emailing: mkrspcpm@ot.syr.edu(insert picture: of website)
- User will need to come with an image they will would like to embroider (insert picture: of test design)
- User will have to digitize the image by one of the following options:
- Option 1: Have someone digitize for you
- Send JPEG image to digitizer website (Ex: Fiverr)
- Company sends preview to user for approval.
- If user approves image, user send digitizer fee (5$ and up)
- Company sends. EXP/. DST file to user
- Option 2: Digitize yourself
- Due to limited licensing availability, user will work with staff at one machine
- User is able to create files using Design Shop (insert picture: of Design Shop)
- User can then go to MecloUniversity.com to view tutorials on operating design shop (view Video content> Basics> Quick tour gives description of design shop software. Next> Digitizing process)
- FTE will assist in tracing image and setting stitch direction (insert picture: screen shot)
- Once finished, user exports OMF file
- User and FTE will Load OMF file into Embroider Machine (insert picture: of usb in computer)
- Consult with Makerspace Staff to determine what materials will be needed concerning backing, colored string, or embroidered fabric (insert picture: of threads)
- When design is loaded Staff centers design on machine (insert picture: of loading)
- All materials require various preparation
- Hooping: Staff secures fabric on a “hoop” (insert picture: of hoop)
- Backing: materials will get “stabilizer” or backing to stabilize fabric while machine is embroidering design. (insert picture: of backing)
- Topping: if necessary, a clear sheet of plastic is applied over design. After topping is applied it is dissolved when washed. (insert picture: of topping)
- When fabric is locked in place, machine will do broad overlying stitch to secure stabilizer to fabric (insert picture)
- Simple prints take 2-5 minutes; more complex design may vary (insert picture: of finished test design)
- Staff recommends testing designs before sewing onto final product
Steps to Laser Engraving: (insert picture: of Machine)
- User must first request an appointment with a Makerspace FTE (Fulltime Employee).
- Requests for use can currently be made by calling: 315-443-2677 or emailing: mkrspcpm@ot.syr.edu(insert picture: of website)
- User comes in with desired image and file (including Illustrator/CAD files) (insert picture: of test design)
- User brings in materials; (Plastics are not permitted). (insert picture: of Materials)
- Machine is limited to: 1ft x 2ft materials; ¼” cuts/score/etches
- Makerspace Staff uploads design on connected computer (insert picture: of Computer)
- Staff adjusts laser speeds and line size (insert picture)
- Staff primarily sets up and runs laser for safety reasons (insert picture)
- Average jobs 5-10 minutes, cuts are quicker than engraving (insert picture: of test design)
Steps to 3D Printing: (insert picture: of Machine)
- User walks up to the employee station (located right as you come down the entrance ramp) to request a print. (insert picture)
- User can bring in a .STL file or sit and learn Tinkercad at a workshop or one-on-one consultation. (insert picture)
- The employee will ask for the user’s information and create a work order. They will also attach the user's original STL file to the order in case problems occur.
- Employee and user will take STL file and import it into the MakerBot application on their computer. (insert picture: test design)
- Size, position, and placement changes can be made to the print.
- Raft, supports, infill and other printing options can be modified to the user's desire
- Printers available are: Makerbot 5th Gen, Makerbot 2, Makerbot 2X, and Gigabot (used for bigger prints) (insert picture)
- The print file is previewed so the user can see what the final product will look like (this includes print time, and print weight) (insert picture)
- The print file is exported and saved to the thumb drive and now ready for printing
- Employee will plug usb into the printer and save the print file into the internal memory
- Employee will load/change filament before printing. (insert picture: of filament)
- Makerspace provides materials (basic colors and 1.75 filament) up to 150G Prints.
- IF PRINTS ARE OVER 150G, USER MUST PROVIDE THEIR OWN FILAMENT
- USERS ARE PROVIDED ONLY 200G OF FILAMENT PER WEEK
- SU Bookstore supplies filament on their 3rd floor
- The user will receive an email with their work order (they will also receive an e-mail when the print is finished).
- Prints can be loaded until closing
- Please note that prints are processed on a first come first served basis and may take several hours. (insert picture: of test print completed)
Steps to Vinyl Cutting:
- User walks up to the employee station (located right as you come down the entrance ramp) to request a print. (insert picture)
- User provides computerized image to print (i.e.JPEG)
- Employee will import file, load, and trace file in Roland Cut Studios (insert picture)
- Makerspace does provide limited materials/colors to print
- Employee will change vinyl for multi-layered projects (insert picture of vynl)
- Oracal 631 is used for indoor vinyl and 651 used for outdoor
- Employee will cut piece (insert picture)
- User can then “WEED” vinyl and remove excess vinyl from piece. (insert picture) (insert picture of final piece)