Fabrication Lab

FALL 2021 SUPPORT UPDATE

We currently have limited support for the sewing machine and some other Knapp tools, meaning that we cannot provide training or full reservation schedule. If you are interested in using a Knapp tool and would like more information on the current status, please contact wellesleymakers@wellesley.edu.

3D printing is currently unavailable for both personal and academic pursuits. Please check back later for more information. Until we are able to support 3D printing in Knapp, we suggest students utilize the Babson Foundry for 3D printing and other maker projects.

Fabrication Lab

The Wellesley FabLab is an environment dedicated to helping students bridge their different disciplines and interests to collaborate on groundbreaking projects at the intersection of art and technology.

A big part of this collaborative work includes what we generally term "Making and Fabrication." We call it "Making" to encourage projects of a wide variety of mediums; from Adobe Creative Cloud to Virtual Reality, or circuitry to 3D printing, we consider creation in nearly any form a valid one of making. More specialized resources exist in other spaces on campus, including the Wellesley Engineering (WE) Lab, machine shop, and many of the art spaces in Pendleton West. Members of the Wellesley College community can find support on campus for just about any kind of project they can imagine.

 

 

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3D Printers

We're hoping to start supporting 3D printing in Knapp by October 17th, 2021. Please check back for updates.

 

Cost

Printing costs $0.10/gram and filaments come in a variety of colors. If cost is a financial burden for a student's ability to print, please email wellesleymakers@wellesley.edu

 

Training

  • Patrons are required to undergo a safety and usage orientation before using the 3D printers. This orientation is only required once, and usage permission is granted for the duration of a patron's time at Wellesley.​
  • In addition, patrons must fill out our 3D Printing Usage Agreement form (sent after training is complete), which provides a more detailed list of our policies that the patron must acknowledge before being given access to the 3D printing computers.

Prohibited items for printing include drug paraphernalia, weapons, and offensive items.

 

Reservations

Once you have attended a training and filled out the agreement form, you can reserve appointment slots for hour-long periods. Note that you can, and will likely need to, reserve multiple sequential slots.

 

Afinia     |      Afinia 2     |    Creator Pro1     |     Creator Pro2     

 

Printer Information

Afinia

Uses Afinia 3D Studio for its printing interface. Recommended for people with simpler prints as supports are typically harder to get off than the Creator Pro. Offers the largest build plate of our printers though fewer customization options for printing process.

Build dimensions (xyz): 10 x 8 x 8 in (254 x 203.2 x 203.2 mm)

 

Creator Pros

Uses Simplify3D for its printing interface. Is recommended for prints which require precise support, or for users who want more customization options for their print. Gives users the option to choose settings such as precise infill percentage, infill pattern, and support density. Note that it has a smaller build plate than the Afinia, which may be a deciding factor for some prints.

Build dimensions (xyz): 8.8 x 5.7 x 5.9 in (225 x 145 x 150 mm)

 

Contact

Questions/Concerns: wellesleymakers@wellesley.edu

Schedule Printing Orientation: kpc@wellesley.edu

Virtual Reality

Oculus Rift VR headsets are set up on all 10 Alienware PCs (second row) in the Knapp Center. All students are welcome to explore the world of VR, but priority is granted to those pursuing academic projects.

 

If you have any questions about using the VR headsets for coursework, contact wellesleymakers@wellesley.edu.

 

Documentation: HTC Vive | Oculus Rift

 
Sewing and Embroidery

The Knapp Center is home to the fiberspace resources on campus. This includes a sewing machine, embroidery hoops, craft needles, thread, pins, a variety of designs that students can use to create their own clothing, an iron, and more.

 

These resources are available free of charge for students.

 

Sewing Machine

The Knapp Media and Technology Center requires anyone who would like to use the sewing machine to attend a short orientation on its use. For people familiar with using sewing machines, we introduce you to our particular model (Husqvarna VIKING) and ask that you demonstrate what you already know, in order to make sure your knowledge and safety precautions are in line with our policies.

 

For people who haven't used a sewing machine before, or have forgotten how, we walk you through basic safety, usage, and sewing design strategies. Fall 2021 update: we don't currently have the staff to support sewing machine training, but if you know someone who is willing to teach you basic sewing machine usage and safety skills, email wellesleymakers@wellesley.edu to reserve a time! The person should be able to confidently cover the items on this checklist.

 

We also strongly encourage anyone wanting to use it to make a reservation. This will ensure that you have priority to use the machine, and can help avoid conflicts over time. To make a reservation, visit the Sewing Machine Reservation calendar.

Embroidery Supplies

Supplies for embroidery projects are located in the fabrication area and available to students any time during library hours. Embroidery kits can also be checked out from the circulation desk, and include an embroidery hoop, needle, and thread. Students may use fabric and thread located in the bins in Knapp free of charge, as those supplies are donations to the space.

 
Circuitry Supplies

Circuitry supplies are available on the shelves in the FabLab section of Knapp. These supples are first come, first serve basis. Please direct questions to wellesleymakers@wellesley.edu.