Use of Makerspace equipment requires the completion of the Melrose General Orientation, as well as an additional Orientation and Assessment for each of the machine types. Once you have gained credentials for a machine, you will be able to apply your skills during our Open Lab sessions. Reservations are highly recommended but are not required for use.
Machines available in the Makerspace:
Additional Equipment for Makers:
- PC Laptops – You are free to bring in your own laptop to work on your project, or to use one of ours. We offer use of PCs in the Makerspace that are equipped with specialized software. Please be sure to bring a jump drive to transfer and save your work.
- Soldering Irons – For use in your small electronics projects
- Assorted Hand Tools – Need to borrow a pair of pliers or a phillips head screwdriver for your project in the Lab? We’ve got you covered!
- Airbrush Station – Put the finishing touches on your project! Just bring your airbrushing paints and we’ll provide the tools.
Silhouette Cameo 4 (requires completion of an Orientation and Assessment for use)
With more speed and power than any other Silhouette machine, the Cameo 4 is a desktop cutting machine for the modern maker. The Makerspace has available two Silhouettes. The Cameo 4 that can cut materials up to 12″ wide and the Cameo 4 Plus that can cut materials up to 15″ wide. The Melrose Makerspace does not provide materials for use with the machines during Open Labs, please be sure to bring everything you’ll need to complete your project.
3D Printers (requires completion of an Orientation and Assessment for use)
The Makerspace has available five 3D printers. Two Flashforge Creator 3 Pro, one Flashforge Guider 3 Plus and two Bambu Lab A1.
The Creator 3 Pro has two extruders, magnetic printing plates (smooth and textured PEI plates) and the ability to print with a range of advanced materials such as PETG, ABS, ASA and HIPS. The max build volume is 300*250*200mm.
The Guider 3 Plus has one extruder, magnetic printing plates (smooth and textured PEI plates) and the same range of advance materials as the Creator 3 Pros. The max build volume is 350*350*600mm.
The Bambu Lab A1 is a sling bed 3D printer with the ability to print with multiple colors, up to 4 colors. It has a magnetic textured PEI plate and the AMS Lite which is what allows you to print with more than one color. The max build volume is 256*256*256mm.
We offer PLA in a variety of colors for use in our machines at a cost of $0.05 per gram*. Additionally, you’re able to bring your own filament** as long as it is 1.75mm in diameter. Please note that 3D prints must be done by either the end of your reservation time or lab time. It’s not possible to leave prints after hours.
*Due to the amount of filament waste that the A1s creates, please keep in mind that both the waste and prints will be weighed. The price will still be $0.05 per gram.
**Only Bambu Lab’s branded filaments can be used with the A1s due to the AMS Lite having very specific sizing for the spools. If you buy Bambu Lab filament, please make sure to filter your search for filaments that can be used with the Bambu Lab A1 and AMS Lite. As of right now only PLA can be used with the A1s.
Orion Laser Cutter (requires completion of an Orientation and Assessment for use)
The Orion Motor Tech 55w Laser Engraver and Cutter offers a large working are: 20″ x 28″ for designs in DXF format. The Makerspace does not provide materials for use with this laser cutter during Open Labs, so please be sure to bring everything you’ll need to complete your project. Please note that some restrictions apply in types and thicknesses of materials allowed:
The laser can be used to cut the following materials:
- max 3/16” thickness for plywood (3mm- 4.76mm)
- max 3/16” thickness for dimensional lumber (maple, oak, balsa,) (3mm- 4.76mm)
- max 3/16” thickness for project foamboard (3mm- 4.76mm)
- max 3/16” thickness for cardboard (3mm- 4.76mm)
- max 3/16” thickness for particleboard, LUAN, (3mm- 4.76mm)
The laser cannot be used to cut the following materials:
- Acrylic, plastic, or any material that contains plastic of any type (PET, Nylon, Delrin, vinyl, etc.) Leather (real or synthetic)
- Materials that have a surface treated with polyurethane, varnish, lacquer or finishes that emit toxic gasses
- Tile, Granite, Stone or similar materials
- Rubber or metal of any kind
This laser can be used to engrave the following materials:
- Acrylic
- Plywood and dimensional lumber
- Foamboard
- Leather, denim, fabric, etc.
xTool P2 (requires completion of an Orientation and Assessment for use)
The xTool P2 is a 55w desktop laser cutter and engraver that offers a working area of 23.6″ x 12″. The Makerspace does not provide materials for use with this laser cutter during Open Labs, so please be sure to bring everything you will need to complete your projects. The xTool P2 can process an array of materials.
This laser can be used to cut the following materials:
- Wood
- Acrylic
- Leather
- Cardboard
- EVA Foam
This laser cannot be used to cut but can be used to engrave the following materials:
- Metals
- Stone
- Rubber
- Silicone
An extensive list of materials can be found in the xTool Materials library.
xTool F1 (requires completion of an Orientation and Assessment for use)
The xTool F1 is a portable dual laser engraver. The F1 has a 10w Diode laser and a 2w Infrared laser. The Makerspace does not provide materials for use with this laser cutter during Open Labs, so please be sure to bring everything you will need to complete your projects.
The xTool F1 can engrave or score an array of materials such as:
- Wood
- Leather
- Acrylics
- Glass
- Metals
- Rock
- Rubber
An extensive list of materials can be found in the xTool Materials library.
We reserve the right to refuse cutting any material that may be flammable and/or emit harmful toxic fumes or gasses. If you have any questions about a specific material, please call us at 407.835.7323 and ask for the Melrose Desk for assistance.