FabLab Area

Attention! This page or section is out of date. Help us out by modifying this page.
Details: missing details and access policies

General Information

MakeICT's FabLab is an open 300 sq ft area dedicated to fabrication and rapid prototyping. Here is where you can test ideas, and concepts before moving on to more expensive materials or processes. Or, simply enjoy the creative process and see what you can make. The FabLab currently houses 3D printers, foam cutter, and LASER engraver/cutter.

Per MakeICT policy, all machinery and tools require prior instruction and certification before use. We want all our members and guests to be safe, and the equipment kept in top condition so all can enjoy.

Bryan Barr is the Benevolent Dictator over the FabLab.

Classes

• Intro to CNC: a Foam Cutting Workshop
• Intro to 3D Printing
• Advanced 3D Printing and Modeling
• LASER Cutter Basics Class

Machine Access Policy

DRAFT (currently under review)

Clean up! Users are responsible for clean up after themselves; failure to which may result in loss of FABLAB Privileges.

3D Printers

Use of the 3D printers requires attendance in a certification workshop or certification from an approved peer-certifier.

• Any member who has been certified to use the 3D printer may peer-certify other members
• Certification instruction must at least include
  • Fundamental knowledge of each printer's working principles
  • Proper use and control of each printer
  • Software workflow
  • How to change filament
  • How to pay for material
• Certification must be documented (link to instructions or form) prior to use
• List of 3D Printer approved users is listed below

Foam Cutter

Use of the foam cutter requires attendance in a certification workshop or certification from an approved peer-certifier.

• Any member who has been certified to use the foam cutter may peer-certify other members
• Certification instruction must at least include
  • Fundamental knowledge of foam cutter's working principles
  • Proper use and control of foam cutter
  • Software workflow
• Certification must be documented (link to instructions or form) prior to use
• List of Foam Cutter approved users is listed below

LASER Cutter

• To use the LASER Cutter you, must take the LASER Cutter Basics Class
• Certification must be documented (link to instructions or form) prior to use
• List of LASER Cutter approved users is listed below

FabLab Area Safety

1. Do not use any machine you are not trained on and comfortable using. If at any time you are unsure of what you are doing, stop immediately and ask for help.
2. Do not use any machine that is not in good working order. Stop, unplug and leave a note on the machine and notify the FabLab BD OR Mike Doolittle.
3. NEVER ASSUME A TOOL IS PROPERLY ADJUSTED. Always check the tool prior to use.
4. NEVER MODIFY OR HACK THE 3D PRINTER, FOAM CUTTER OR LASER CUTTER.

LASER Cutter Specific Safety

LASER cutters pose a fire hazard. LASER cutters use a high intensity beam of LASER light that can produce extremely high temperatures as it comes into contact with the materials it is engraving, marking or cutting.

The LASER cutter is a potentially dangerous piece of equipment which must only be operated by members who have received appropriate training and who take due care. The top things to always remember when using the LASER cutter are:

1. ONLY USE THE LASER CUTTER IF YOU ARE ON THE LIST OF TRAINED USERS
2. NEVER LEAVE THE LASER CUTTER RUNNING UNATTENDED
3. NEVER CUT MATERIALS THAT YOU DON'T KNOW ARE SAFE
4. NEVER OVERRIDE THE LASER CUTTER SAFETIES
5. KNOW WHAT TO DO IF A FIRE BREAKS OUT
   1. HIT the BIG RED button on the LASER control panel
   2. A Carbon Dioxide (CO2) fire extinguisher is located next to the LASER cutter

Before starting the LASER cutter:

1. Check the cooling solution window in the back of the chiller before starting any project.

After starting the LASER cutter:

1. Before cutting make sure the air compressor and the fan motor are on.
2. Refer to the cutting manual for appropriate engraving and cutting Power and Speed settings for varied materials.
3. Beware of FLAMMABLE materials while using the machines.
4. Certain materials are NOT ALLOWED in the LASER cutter including any PVC material, reflective materials
   1. Watch this video Polymer Identification by Burnination
   2. You should read this (pdf) chemistry lab written by [David A. Katz] to learn how to identify what type of plastic it is

Tips:

• The LASER cutter will generally not cut anything greater than 0.25” (6mm), anything thicker will require several passes.

Equipment List

Picture	What	Manufacturer	Model	Power	Status	Expert	How To
	3D Printer	SeeMeCNC	Rostock Max v2	110	Working	Bryan Barr	MatterControl Touch Wiki overview
	3D Printer	RepRap		110	Working	James Lancaster	Information
	3D Printer	Ultimaker	Ultimaker II	110	Working	Tom McGuire	Instructions Overview Specs Troubleshooting
	Foam Cutter	Tom McGuire		110	Working	Tom McGuire	Basic Use Guidelines
	LASER Cutter	Rabbit Laser	QX1290	230	Working	Mike Doolittle	Laser Cutter Guidelines Manuals Materials list (coming) QX1290 Specs

3D Printer Users (to be changed to Certified Users once approved)

Name	Notes	Certification Date	Peer Certified Name
Bryan Barr	FabLab BD
James Lancaster	3D Printer instructor
Mike Doolittle
Dustin Richey
Dom Canare	Mentor
Tom McGuire	Mentor
Kip	Mentor
Jeff Eck

Maintenance Technicians

Name	Notes
Bryan Barr	FabLab BD
James Lancaster	3D Printer instructor
Tom McGuire	Mentor

Foam Cutter Users (to be changed to Certified Users once approved)

Name	Notes	Certification Date
Bryan Barr	FabLab BD
Tom McGuire	Foam Cutter instructor
Dom Canare

LASER Cutter Approved Users (to be changed to Certified Users once approved)

Name	Notes	Certification Date
Bryan Barr	FabLab BD
Mike Doolittle	LASER Cutter instructor
John Alexander
Jerry Carpenter	Mentor
David Springs
William Davisson
Brad Cooley
Ivan Quiroz
Jonny Fosnight
Stephen Reckers
Mike Hutton