Point cloud collage

FABLab

File Processing Procedure
Please bring your questions and digital files down to the FABLab to look over the required fabrication technique for your project. As there may be other options that might suit the project best. The FABLab and Workshop have limits on material processing ability. Therefore speaking with a technician earlier in a project, can assure your work is completed in a timely manner. 
The operation of some tools has a consumable cost associated with their use. These costs come from your Papercut account and are relative to the tool used. These costs can be found under the tool list below.

Please contact the CADLab on how to put money on your Papercut account.

Student operates laser cutter

Laser Cutting

Teams Channel

Laser Cutting

The file type should be one of the following: .3dm | .dwg | .dxf | .ai. Before bringing your file in to be cut. We ask that you practice clean drawing techniques and ‘finish’ the file first. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Keep all information in one file (specified by different layers)
  • Be sure lines are snapped at ends & intersections
  • Delete overlapping lines
  • Close/Join lines
  • Remove any information not to be cut
  • Be sure the objects in the file are physically scaled to be 1:1 of their final cut dimensions (annotative scale will not work when producing files for fabrication)
  • Separate: Cutting, Etching, and Filling information onto different layers
  • Materials that cannot be cut: Polyethylene's, PVC's, Teflon, Vyton

Large Laser Cutter:

  • Bed size: 48" x 48"
  • Maximum thickness 0.5" | 12mm
  • Material Types: Paper + Woods + Plastics + [*others]

Small Laser Cutter:

  • Bed size: 18" x 32"
  • Maximum thickness 0.25" | 6mm
  • Material Types: Paper + Woods + Plastics + [*others]

*Please speak with the FABLab staff regarding 'other' materials.

CNC router mills wood

CNC routing

Teams Channel

CNC Routing

The file type should be one of the following: .3dm | .igs | .dwg

  • Keep all information in one file (specified by different layers)
  • The file should include lines and curves denoting milling edges (2D&3D) 
  • All lines and curves should be closed, without overlapping or intersecting geometry 
  • Unorganized layers (2D curves, 3D meshes, or surfaces need to be on separate layers)
  • Be sure the objects in the file are physically scaled to be 1:1 of their final cut dimensions (annotative scale will not work when producing files for fabrication)
  • For 3D surfaces, there should be no 'holes' in the geometry
  • 'Nest' your 2D parts with no less than 1/2" spacing between them
  • The maximum cutting depth for bit diameters are:
    • 1/8"Ø = 1/2" deep 
    • 1/4"Ø = 1" deep 
    • 3/8"Ø = 1-1/2" deep
    • 1/2"Ø = 2" deep  
    • 5/8"Ø = 3" deep 
    • 3/4"Ø = 2-1/2" deep 
  • Bed size: 8' x 5'
  • Materials Types: Woods + Plastics + Composites + Non-ferrous Metals (speak to FABLab staff)
Technician pulls 3D print out of 3D printer bed

3D Printing

Teams Channel

3D Printing

The file type should be one of the following: .3dm, .stl, .IGS. We ask that you practice clean drawing techniques and ‘finish’ the file first. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Parts must be manifold, see 'non-manifold geometry' in the FORM | FORUM TEAM.
  • Structural geometry should be no less than 1.5mm2 in cross-section
  • Remove any irrelevant geometry, not to be printed
  • Parts should fit within print bed size

Printer Types + Bed size:

  • SLA + 5.7" x 5.7" x 6.9"
  • SLS + 4.3” x 6.3” x 9.1"
LiDAR scanner

3D Scanning

Teams Channel

3D Scanning

Types of 3D scanning available through the FABLab:

  • Photogrammetry
  • White light
  • LiDAR

Please speak with FABLab staff for further information

Rentals

Rentals only available to FAUM students

Rentals are available for one week at a time

 

Rentals Available:

RPAS - DJI MAVIC MINI 3

Augmented Reality - HOLOLENS 1 + 2

Sewing Machine - PFAFF

Serger Sewing Machine - BABYLOCK

FDM Printers - PRUSA Mini

Mechatronics - ARDUINO KIT + SENSORS