»Makerspace

The Prototyping Lab is where most users start their journey in the DCI Lab, typically coming in to 3D print something for class, learn how to make a sticker, or try the embroidery machine for the first time. Because much of the equipment in the Prototyping Lab is less intimidating, it provides a more accessible entry for students that come from outside of the engineering department. Since this lab houses high end additive manufacturing equipment, it allows users of the space to experiment with technologies that in many cases are not available outside of industry or research.

Once becoming familiar with the Prototyping Lab, many users begin with the laser cutters in the Manufacturing Lab, giving them a taste of the quicker speed of subtractive manufacturing. Although there is not a mechanical or manufacturing engineering major in the Fowler School of Engineering, there are several classes that make use of the Manufacturing Lab to teach students design and fabrication with projects that use CNC mills, laser cutters, sheet metal tools and more. However, taking a class is not required to use this equipment. Many people will take advantage of the tutorials and staff mentorship to overcome the higher learning curves of some of the equipment to fabricate projects for research or personal use.