MakerSpace Tools and Training
The below outlines who can access equipment, how and when to use it, and training information for the equipment available in the Design and Prototyping Lab:
Access Types
Equipment in the Stevens Design and Prototyping Lab is assigned an Access Type and classified with a Hazard Class. Access Types describe the access rules for each piece of equipment:
Standard Access: Members are allowed to use this equipment. Access rules are defined by the equipment’s hazard class. Read the Hazard Class descriptions below.
Assisted Use Only: Members are allowed to use this equipment only with dedicated assistance or supervision from a Design and Prototyping Lab staff member.
Staff Use Only: Use of this equipment is reserved for Design and Prototyping Lab staff members only. If a project of yours requires use of this equipment, speak with a Design and Prototyping Lab staff member.
Submit a Job: Use of this equipment is reserved for Design and Prototyping Lab staff members only. If a project of yours requires use of this equipment, submit a request to have your part built using this equipment on the website.
Equipment Hazard Classes
Equipment in the Stevens Design and Prototyping Lab is classified by Hazard Class and Access Type. Hazard classes describe the potential for injury that an operator is exposed to and the associated training and supervision requirements for operating the equipment (if it is categorized as Standard Access).
Hazards: Minor injuries that can be resolved with first aid kit or ice pack
Power: Less than 0.25 HP, 2-4 amps, 120 VAC or up to 18V DC
Examples: Lower power hand tools and small bench tools. Drills, glue guns, soldering tools, heat guns, 3D printers, 3D scanner
Access Requirements: Members must attend a training session and pass tests. Improper use will be punished with a verbal warning.
Supervision Requirements: The Design and Prototyping Lab must be open and a Design and Prototyping Lab staff member must be present in the facility.
Hazards: Minor injuries that can be resolved with first aid kit or ice pack, but potentially requiring additional medical assistance
Power: 0.25-0.5 HP, less than 10 amps, 120 VAC, 18-24V DC, specialized/enclosed CNC machines
Examples: Low to medium power tools. Mid-range powered hand tools, laser cutters, self-standing manual tools (arbor press), desktop CNC mills, routers and lathes (interlocked/enclosed), thermal formers
Access Requirements: Members must attend a training session and pass tests. Improper use will be punished with a verbal warning and a note in the members file and mandatory retraining.
Supervision Requirements: The Design and Prototyping Lab must be open and a Design and Prototyping Lab staff member must be present in the facility.
Hazards: Minor injuries that can be resolved with first aid kit or ice pack, but potential for serious lacerations and minor amputations that require medical attention
Power: Greater than 0.5 HP, greater than 10-amp, 120 VAC, greater than 24V DC
Examples: Powerful portable tools and light industrial tools. 3D printers/processes with toxic/corrosive wash steps, CNC interlocked/enclosed mill, lathe, water jet
Access Requirements: Members must attend a training session and pass written and hands-on exams. Improper use will be punished with a verbal warning, a note in the members file, mandatory retraining, and potential loss of access to the space.
Supervision Requirements: The Design and Prototyping Lab must be open and a Design and Prototyping Lab staff member must approve use of the equipment each time it is used. Staff may deny access or place additional restrictions on the use of this equipment on a per-use or per-person basis.
Hazards: As above, but potential for serious amputations and life-threatening injuries
Power: As above, but self-standing and 3 phase power
Examples: Powder actuated tools, table saws, manual mills and lathes
Access Requirements: Members must attend a training session and pass written and hands-on exams. Improper use will be punished with a verbal warning, a note in the members file, mandatory retraining, and potential loss of access to the space..
Supervision Requirements: The Design and Prototyping Lab must be open and a dedicated staff member must supervise use of this equipment for the entirety of its operation. Staff may deny access or place additional restrictions on use of this equipment on a per-use or per-person basis.
Training
Before using the tools available, please take the Automated Tool Cabinet (ATC) training and test below.
Automated Tool Cabinet FAQ
Find answers to common questions and problems below.
Need to borrow or return a tool? Here's a video on how to open the cabinet and check out a tool.
Have you found a tool that is broken? Mark a tool as unusable.
Found a tool set with a missing piece? Mark the set as unusable.
Tools
Below you'll find specific information on the Automated Tool Cabinet system, including safety and user manuals, and videos for individual tools. If you have questions, read the Automated Tool Cabinet FAQ above.
