The Digital Fabrication Lab is a place for all students, faculty, and staff to learn from and experiment with some of the more contemporary devices in the manufacturing world. The lab is a space oriented towards projects related to Digital Design and Fabrication, but is by no means limited to that. These tools can be used by individuals from any number of backgrounds. Fields of study from biology to anthropology, engineering to sculpture, can use these tools to accomplish some amazing results. The goal of the Digital Fabrication Lab and its staff is to facilitate student learning and expand their modes of production through the use of these tools.  As techniques such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC routing become more and more prevalent within the worlds of art and engineering, we feel it is beneficial for students to understand the capabilities of these tools so they may have a better understanding of how it could affect their work today and in future work.

GUIDELINES FOR THE SPACE: 

To begin, we look forward to working and collaborating with students from all backgrounds within the SUNY community. In our experience, the ideas and innovations developed by individuals from different backgrounds working together, cross pollinating techniques and ideas, can be astounding. For those of us working here, new projects and ideas, which inherently hold their own sets of problems, are what drive us. Discovering new methods and processes is always beneficial and just as exciting as a successful final product. We are here to help and can’t wait to work on any project or wild idea you may bring our way. That being said, there are a few rules and regulations pertaining to the space which ensure everything runs smoothly.

YOU MUST A HAVE FILE PREPARED: Unfortunately, we are not in a position to be developing files from scratch with individuals. We request that if you are looking to utilize one of the tools in the DFL space that you come in with a file for that machine already prepared. Of course we are here to help when guidance is needed to fine tune a file, but we do ask that individuals come in with a certain degree of preparedness. The file types accepted by the machines can be found on their respective pages here on the DFL site. Also on this site is a page devoted to linked tutorials on how to get started with some of the software we use here.

MACHINES ARE NOT OPEN ACCESS: For a number of reasons the tools on site can only be used with the permission, guidance and oversight of a lab technician. We want everyone to play a role in the process of using these machines, and you will. Individuals are required to be present at the machine for the duration of their job’s run time, but the initial setup and authorization of a job will always be done by a trained technician.

SCHEDULING FOR LAB BASED WORKSHOPS IS REQUIRED: For faculty and staff looking to utilize the lab as part of their curriculum, awesome, we look forward to working with you. The only request we have is ample notice of your intentions so that we may set the lab aside for your workshop to avoid overlap between open lab hours and your private class session. To set up workshop dates and times, please contact the IST, Conor Landenberger, his information can be found on the Contact Information page. We also have a calendar posted here on the site listing open hours. This is a great reference for all to see when may be a good time to come work in the space.

THERE ARE FEES FOR MACHINE USAGE: As you will see on the Pricing Information page, there are fees attached to the machines and materials we have available. If you are enrolled in a class that is using the space as part of a workshop, chances are your lab fees will cover that cost. If you are a student working in the space independently, you can pay fees right here on-site with our easy online system.