FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)¶
How do I get access to MakerLab/become a MakerLab member?¶
How do I get help or advice making things?¶
Join The MakerLab Discord, and then ask in how-make.
Can MakerLab 3D print something for me?¶
MakerLab does not make things for people, we teach them how to use our printers so they can make it themselves. An exception to this are the specialty printers - see their FAQ item further below.
In order to use MakerLab's printers, you need to have taken the Welcome to MakerLab course and the 3D Printing course. Keep an eye on the Campus Groups for when these are scheduled, or ask in the general channel.
Rose offers the Kic3d desk for class projects. If you have a class project and you need parts printed, you can email .stl or .obj files to kic3d@rose-hulman.edu. It is important to note that Kic3D and MakerLab are two separate and unrelated entities, which exist for entirely different purposes.
Can MakerLab print this poster for me?¶
MakerLab does not make things for people, we teach them how to use our printers so they can make it themselves.
We have a BN-20 Vinyl print/cutter which can be used to make stickers or iron-on t-shirt designs, but it isn't really meant for posters.
We suggest you send posters to the Rose printing service to be printed instead. To summarize, the process works like this:
- You send in the pictures you want and the size you want it in and request to pay by invoice
- They will print them out
- They will send you an email when it is printed with the link to the invoice
For more info, contact posters@rose-hulman.edu (a separate service from MakerLab)
How do I get my part resin printed?¶
Because of the intricacies of resin printing, and the significant chance for hazardous material spills as a result of minor mistakes, the resin printer is not available for general member use. Check out resin-print-queue for instructions, previous projects, and a place to upload your files. An officer will assist you in printing your parts.
What if I want something printed on the Ultimaker (MakerLab’s large format Dual Extrusion printer)?¶
Due to the fact that the Ultimaker S5 costs more than the rest of our printers combined, and the fact that we are not able to repair/service it ourselves, the Ultimaker is not available for general member use.
How about the x1c?¶
We do have an X1C, access to this printer is only run by the 3D printer officer. Check out x1c-print-queue for instructions and a place to upload your files so that an officer can assist you with printing.
What filament does MakerLab have?¶
Currently (and for the foreseeable future), MakerLab stocks gray MatterHackers Build Series PLA. If you would like to print in a different color or material, reach out to an officer for assistance.
How do I take the Welcome to MakerLab class?¶
How do I get trained on the (Laser, 3D Printer, etc)?¶
This process is roughly the same for all equipment that requires training:
- Take the
Welcome To MakerLab Class - Take Machine Specific Training.
Machine Specific Requirements:
- 3D Printers
- Attend a 3D Printing training class.
- Cricut/BN-20 vinyl cutter/printers
- Attend a Cricut or BN-20 training class.
- Laser Cutter
- Attend a Laser Cutter training class.
- Sewing Machines
- Contact the MakerLab Sewing Officer and plan a time to get trained.
- X-Carve CNC
- Contact the MakerLab CNC Officer and plan a time to get trained.
- 3D Scanner
- Contact the MakerLab 3D Scanner Officer and plan a time to get trained.
To see if new classes have been released, check Campus Groups or for the most recent news on our plans for hosting classes check officer-meeting-minutes.
How do I get trained on the Waterjet Cutter?¶
We don't manage the waterjet - talk to Tom Rogge in the KIC about this.
Where is the MakerLab Constitution?¶
It can be found linked from the CampusGroups page, or via this link.
If this link is broken, it's Campus Groups' fault, so please let us know in general so we can fix it
We also have a copy of it on this website, linked here.
Who are the officers of MakerLab?¶
They're listed on the Campus Groups linked here, and there is a list on our website.
Where can I find what happened in the last officer meeting, or when the next officer meeting is?¶
Meetings are held weekly, check outofficer-meeting-minutes to see what day of the week and time the last one was at. When are officer elections held? End of February! Once elected, officers-in-training will be trained by the past officer over Spring Quarter. If you want to be an officer but don't feel you know enough, don't worry, we'll teach you.
How do I invite people to the Discord?¶
- Use the invite link: discord.gg/tzBHVw2
- Send them this website, or have them scan the QR code: Join Discord Page
- Have them join by scanning a QR code in the Makerlab Space.