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Visit the Makerspace
Mission
The UW Tacoma Library Makerspace is a peer-to-peer learning environment where students, staff, and faculty collaborate using a variety of tools to create interdisciplinary academic and fun projects. The Library Makerspace is also an anti-racist workspace which has the goal of lowering the bar to entry for folks to use Makerspace technologies and which operates on a "no-mistakes" philosophy that encourages play and exploration. This is a hands-on Makerspace, you will need to come in and use the tools yourself to create projects. Makerspace staff will not make things for you, you must make them yourself! And don't worry if you don't know how to do something, we will either show you how or learn together to make your project come to life.
Everyone who uses the Makerspace MUST read and sign the Makerspace User Agreement. Use of the Makerspace is a privilege and not a right. Use of the Makerspace is contingent on following the code of conduct outlined in the User Agreement. In order to create an open and welcoming space for all folks, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, or other factors, the Makerspace takes a zero tolerance approach to discrimination. Users can and will be banned for racist or discriminating words or actions.
Everyone is welcome to use the Makerspace and drop-ins are welcome but it is strongly encouraged (and in some cases required) for you to book the equipment that you want to use so that we can respect everyone's time. Links to booking information are in each of the sections below.
For faculty who want to book a tour for their students or for any other questions, please contact Tim Bostelle (tbostell@uw.edu) or D'Andre Williams (willid7@uw.edu).
Hours
For Summer quarter 2024 (June 17th to August 16th)
Monday to Thursday: 0900-1700
Friday: 0900-1200
Students use only: Prusa FDM
The STFC funded a Prusa Mk3s in 2019 and it's still going strong! Build volume is relatively small (250 x 210 x 210 mm³) and it's a bit slower than the printers on the market now. But it's great for prototyping, learning, and getting your first 3D print done.
Students can book the Prusa here: https://cal.lib.uw.edu/spaces?lid=1451&gid=13147&c=0
Please take the 3D printer safety test before booking.
Staff, Faculty, and Student use: Elegoo FDM
The Library was given a major donation of an Elegoo Neptune 4 Max! This printer has a large print volume (420 x 420 x 480 mm³ almost DOUBLE the size of the Prusa) and a max print speed of 500mm/s for significantly larger and faster print jobs! This printer is great for printing larger and finer print jobs. Great for high quality jobs for you and your friends.
Any UW affiliate can book this 3D printer here: https://cal.lib.uw.edu/spaces?lid=1451&gid=13147&c=0
Please take the 3D printer safety test before booking.
Students, Faculty, and Staff use: Elegoo resin
Thanks to the Husky Sustainability Fund and a generous collaboration with the School of Engineering and Technology the Library Makerspace also has access to a high quality Elegoo Resin printer. Great for high quality 3D prints that you can paint or use straight off the board, prototyping, and making finished 3D prints that can be used in real life situations. Due to safety concerns this is the only object in the Makerspace which cannot be used hands-on (it is in a locked room).
We would like most resin prints to be made using the environmentally friendly and recycled print resin but other options are available.
Please submit requests for this printer using this form: https://forms.gle/Lcor8RHBPRoaAdh2A
The UW Tacoma Library has an STFC funded 30W Versa Laser which students can use to make small laser cuts in paper, plastic (see Makerspace staff before deciding on this medium because there are many restrictions), and wood. Most supplies are provided.
Laser cutter cannot be used to make items for sale.
Students can book the laser cutter here: https://cal.lib.uw.edu/spaces?lid=1451&gid=13147&c=0
Please take the Laser Cutter safety quiz before booking.
The UW Tacoma Student Technology Fee Committee has funded an HP DesignJet T630 full color poster printer for use exclusively by students and student orgs. The printer can print posters up to 24" wide and 10' long.
Faculty and staff are not allowed to use this device, at all. Units wishing to print advertising for their events must use the printing services in the copy center. Do not send students over to print a poster for your unit's events.
Due to high demand, this printer must be reserved to use. Please use this link to reserve the printer: https://cal.lib.uw.edu/spaces?lid=1451&gid=13147&c=0
Please make sure you take the Poster Printer safety quiz before you arrive.
The Library has 6 Brother sewing machines and 1 Babylock Serger. These devices are available to staff, students, and faculty for use in the Makerspace and Makerspace overflow area. The Makerspace also has two irons, thread, pressing boards, scissors, and other sewing notions for folks who would like to get started on a sewing project.
The Library does not provide fabric. All users must bring their own fabric for their projects.
Reservations are strongly encouraged and suggested booking times are at least 4 hours. Please reserve the sewing machines using this link: https://cal.lib.uw.edu/spaces?lid=1451&gid=13147&c=0
Please take the Sewing Machine safety quiz prior to arrival.
The Makerspace has a huge variety of crafting materials for students, staff, and faculty to use. We have knitting and crochet supplies, painting supplies, glue sticks, glue, a hot glue gun, cutting implements, needlepoint/cross stitch, and origami supplies. Please stop by and check out what we have and if you want us to add something let us know!
The Library has two options for vinyl cutting: a Roland GS-24 (which will handle large pieces of vinyl) and a Silhouette Cameo 4 (12" roll-through cutter).
The Roland GS-24 is only for cutting large vinyl signs and simple shapes (like the stick-figure families that people put on their cars or large signs like the ones that are put on service desks). Makerspace staff can guide you through the process of creating and cutting these objects and also how to apply them to your final location. The Library DOES have heat transfer vinyl and a shirt press if you'd like to make a custom tee-shirt. All supplies for this are free and available for students, staff, and faculty to use.
The Silhouette Cameo 4 is more for smaller projects like stickers and has some additional functionality that you can explore. This device is also available for students, staff, and faculty to use.
Please reserve the vinyl cutters using this link: https://cal.lib.uw.edu/spaces?lid=1451&gid=13147&c=0
You can also take the Vinyl cutter safety quiz before arriving.
