Makerspace

Makerspace Course Track

 
Explore, innovate and create in hands-on classes that empower you to take your idea from concept to design to reality. Our Makerspace provides training on the use of 2D and 3D design software and use of our cutters and printers.  Visit our events calendar to register and view a complete listing of our classes, workshops, orientations and assessments.

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.
  • Button Maker – Ever wanted to make your own custom-made buttons? We have a button maker available in our makerspace. Our button maker can make 2.25” buttons. Just bring your materials and we’ll provide the tools.
  • Epson ET-8550 Printer – Need to print out something? We have available a wide format printer that allows borderless printing up to 13″ x 19″ inches. It can print lab quality graphics and photos as well as print on specialty media (cardstock, photo paper, sticker paper, etc.). Each print costs $0.15 per page. Please be aware that you must bring your own sticker paper or any other specialty paper.

Silhouette Cameo 4 (requires completion of an Orientation and Assessment for use)

The Cameo 4 is a desktop cutting machine for the modern maker. The Makerspace has available two Silhouette Cameos. 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 cameo can be used with our Epson printer for its print and cut feature. 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.
 

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. 

xTool P3 (requires completion of an Orientation and Assessment for use)

COMING SOON! The XTool P3 is an 80w CO2 desktop laser cutter and engraver that offers a working area of 36″ x 18″ with a pass-through feature and speeds of up to 1,200 mm/s. It is able to process thicker materials up to 20mm natural wood and 25 mm clear acrylics.
The XTool P3 can process a variety of materials. For more information on what type of material this laser is able to process and its settings, please visit the xTool Materials library.

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.
 

xTool F2 Ultra (requires completion of an Orientation and Assessment for use)

COMING SOON! The XTool F2 Ultra is a portable dual laser engraver. The F2 Ultra has a 60w MOPA laser and a 40w Diode laser. It’s able to cut some metals (up to 2mm), color engrave on metals, emboss, deep engrave and more. It has a working area of 8.6″ x 8.6″ with a max working speed of 15,000mm/s. For more information on what type of material this laser can process, please visit the xTool Materials library.
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.
 

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.

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