What We Offer
At John and Stella Graves Makerspace, we currently have five 3D printers:
- Prusa i3 MK3S+
- Creality Ender-5 S1
- Bambu Lab X1-Carbon x2
- Original Prusa XL
In addition to the 3D printers, we also make a wide variety of colors available in PLA and ABS to patrons for printing their projects.
Please note: None of the filament we have available is considered food safe. While our filament is suitable for a wide range of projects, it is specifically designed or certified for use with food items. We highly advise against using 3D printed items for food-related purposes, such as utensils, containers, or other items that come into direct contact with food or beverages.
Want to get a part 3D printed?
Send your part our way, and one of our staff members will print it the way you want! Once the print is complete, you can pick it up at the STEM Library services desk.
We no longer charge for this service. However, we will be setting a maximum print time of 12 hours per print.
Requests for 3D printing are done on a first-come, first-serve basis. Because of many unpredictable variables, we cannot make guarantees on turnaround time. Please take this into consideration if you have a tight deadline.
If your print request requires supports, our Makerspace Technicians do not remove them once your print is completed. However, you are welcome to stop by the Makerspace during open hours and utilize the tools in our space to remove the supports from your print.
Ready to print? Fill out our 3D Print Request Form to get started.
Our patrons have the ability to cut, engrave and score with our Glowforge Plus laser cutter.
Glowforge can cut and engrave wood, acrylic, mylar, and more! Due to health and safety reasons, materials not listed must be approved by Makerspace staff before scheduling project time on the Glowforge.
Makerspace also makes certain Proofgrade materials available to patrons for their laser cutting projects.
Our USCutter SC Plotter (1st Generation) is available to patrons to cut intricate designs onto vinyl with high-quality precision and detail. Within the Makerspace, patrons have access to the vinyl cutting software Sure Cuts A Lot Pro 3 (compatible with .SVG files) where they can design or upload their own vector files.
The vinyl cutter's versatility allows patrons to create a multitude of projects and designs, such as:
- Stickers and decals
- Wall art
- Signs and banners
The Makerspace provides patrons with transfer tape and a wide variety of colors in vinyl form.
Immerse yourself in unique educational experiences with our virtual reality (VR) headset.
Currently, we offer one Meta Quest 2 VR headset for patrons to borrow at the Makerspace. Patrons can check out a headset for 7 days at a time, and take home the ability to explore different realities.
STEM library, in partnership with Terrapin Works in the James A. Clark School of Engineering, also provides loanable tool kits which students can check out and use for projects on the go. These kits can be checked out from the STEM Library Circulation Desk for up to three days at a time.
Types of kits that are available are:
- Electronics: Soldering iron, Multimeter, Helping Hands, Wiring, Breadboard and more.
- Fastening: Screw Drivers, C-Clamps, Hot-Glue Gun, Tape Measure, Combination Square and more.
- Woodworking: Hammer, Mini Hacksaw, Scribing Compass, Torpedo Level, Files and more
- General Engineering: Screw Drivers, Files, Mini Pliers, Rachet Set, Hot Glue Gun and more.
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AR Sandbox is an interactive educational and technology that combines elements of augmented reality with a physical box containing white sand. It allows users to model 3D topographic features like mountains, valleys, rivers, or even simulations of ecosystems, displayed in real-time on the sand's surface making it an engaging, immersive and educational experience. As users manipulate the sand, the virtual terrain adjusts accordingly. For instance, digging a hole in the sand might create a virtual pond in the projected image.
Some example applications of AR Sandbox
Geographical and Geological Education: AR sandbox is a valuable tool to understand geography and geology concepts including topographical features, landforms, and geological processes by interacting with a dynamic, 3D representation of the terrain.
Hydrology Education: Users can use AR sandbox to create rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water in the sandbox, and the system can simulate water flow and drainage patterns, helping students grasp principles of hydrology and watershed management.
Environmental Science: AR sandboxes can be used to simulate environmental scenarios, such as the impact of rainfall, sea-level rise, erosion, and sedimentation.
Spatial Awareness: AR sandboxes can improve spatial awareness and understanding of three-dimensional spaces. Users can create and manipulate terrain, helping them develop spatial thinking skills.
Interactive Learning and Team Collaboration: The hands-on nature of an AR sandbox makes it an engaging and interactive learning tool. It encourages exploration, experimentation, research and visualization, and problem-solving. It encourages teamwork and collaboration as users work together to shape the virtual environment or solve challenges presented by the sandbox.
Art and Design: AR sandbox can be adapted for artistic and design experiments. Artists and designers can use them to create 3D sculptures, landscapes, art installations among others.
Overall, AR sandboxes serve as versatile tools that promote research, learning, creativity, and engagement across various disciplines and age groups. They bridge the physical and digital worlds, providing a unique and hands-on learning experience.
Express your creative side with our 1" Button Maker. Print/draw your own design, use a sticker, or upcycle magazines and newspapers. Quick and easy to use, our button maker does not require a reservation and is available whenever the JSG Makerspace is open.
