Digital fabrication is the way of the future, and this laser lab allows you to engage in this process that joins design with production through the use of 3D modeling software or computer-aided design (CAD) and additive and subtractive manufacturing processes.
The "Fab Lab," as we call it, contains equipment for designing and making 1:1 prototypes of building and furniture components, as well as smaller-scale models. Located in the Architecture Building, room 031, the lab is part of the CAP shops, which includes the woodshop, metal shop, and paint room.
For more information, contact Judy Kreiger.
You may only enter the Laser Lab through AB 031 and the Wood Shop in AB 029. If either door is closed, that respective area is closed. For more information visit our website.
About the Laser Lab
The Laser Lab in the Architecture Building is a CAP STUDENTS only facility.
Individuals and groups outside the college must have permission to use the laser lab. Contact CAP Dean, David Ferguson for permission.
- CAP students may only use the laser cutter after they have gone through the online training and certification process by either a makercorps student, your studio professor, or other faculty. Certification will be tagged to your ID and will enable sign up. This training/certification process is required for use of AT 141 and BSU CAP Indy lasers too.
- Certified students are required to schedule appointments to use the lab (see ‘Scheduling’ below).
- Always sign in and out at the check‐in desk. Provide your: First Name, Last Name and Class (ex: ARCH 263, LA 211, etc) and Time of arrival.
- Individuals are required to complete a CAP Laser Lab - Laser Lens Responsibility Form prior to laser cutting.
- Never leave a project unattended while the laser is in operation. YOU MUST REMAIN IN THE ROOM, ensuring that your project cuts safely. If you leave your project, it will be shut down.
- CAP 1st Year Students may not use the lasers.
Scheduling
To make reservations, please go to WebCheckOut – Patron Portal. A link to system can be found on
my.bsu, under “Additional Tools”. Individuals who have had training, will be granted access to reserve a machine.
Laser Lab Reservation with WebCheckOut : Step-by-Step Process
Students are permitted to sign up for 1 hour per day, no less than 30 minutes in advance. If there is no one scheduled on the machine after you, you may stay beyond your scheduled 1 hour appointment.
Available Machines:
- 4 machines are available for scheduling: 3 large 18 x 32, 1 medium, 18 x 24, 1 hour per day, per person.
- Unreserved time slots will be used on a first‐come first‐served basis.
- It is anticipated that if you schedule an appointment for one of these laser cutters that you will arrive on time for that appointment. If you are 4 minutes late for your appointment, it will be given to the next person in line. Missed appointments will be noted by the FAB Lab Attendant on duty.
Individuals who fail to show up or cancel appointments will receive a non‐refundable $10 fine to their Bursar account for missing their appointment. If you need to cancel your appointment Visit My Account, on WebCheckOut – Patron Portal.
Laser Cutter Instructions
Materials
The laser lab is for model making. Material settings are provided for the following:
Permitted Materials
- Acrylic (from the CRC)
- Mat Board
- Illustration board
- Balsa Wood
- Bass Wood
- Chip Board
- Plywood
- Masonite
Other materials not listed require special permission from Judy Kreiger.
Materials not permitted
- Foam Core
- PVC
- Vinyl
Steel or any other metal
- Vinyl
- Cement or Concrete
- Other materials not listed require special permission from Judy Kreiger
Material Restrictions
Maximum material thickness to be cut in the laser is ¼ inch. Material thicknesses greater than ¼” should use a different cutting method.
NEVER leave a project unattended! While your file is cutting on the laser, YOU MUST REMAIN IN THE ROOM, ensuring that your project cuts safely. If you leave your project, the machine will be shut down.