Self-Guided Training
To help you get the most out of your Idea Lab experience, we recommend exploring the self-guided training resources below, available for many of our machines and software programs. These tutorials can help you build confidence and get you started on your project. Idea Lab staff will be available as able to answer your questions, provide guidance, and assist with troubleshooting as needed.
3D Printer
The Bambu Lab P2S is a high-speed FDM 3D printer that creates parts by extruding melted plastic filament layer by layer from a digital design. It features an enclosed build chamber, automatic calibration, and currently supports PLA Basic Filament. You may choose a design from Bambu Studio or MakerWorld to print while you're here or at home before you stop in to get an idea of project length and cost. You may also bring in your own compatible file to print on a flash drive.
Cricut
The Cricut Maker 3 is a powerful, fast smart cutting machine designed for DIY enthusiasts and professionals, capable of cutting over 300 materials—from delicate fabric to thick balsa wood. It features 2X faster cutting than other models and supports "Smart Materials" for matless cutting up to 12 feet.
Digital Media Conversion Station
This station allows you to scan photos and documents using Epson FastFoto FF-680W Scanner along with the FastFoto software as well as play and record VHS tapes and DVDs and convert them into digital files using the OBS Studio app.
Embroidery & Sewing Station
The Brother CS7000X Sewing Machine is a 70-stitch computerized sewing and quilting machine designed for beginners to advanced user, featuring an automatic needle threader and LCD screen. The Brother SE700 Combo Kit is a computerized sewing and embroidery machine that stitches fabric and automatically adds decorative designs or patterns using built-in or imported digital files. This station also includes access to Brother's Artspira app to choose and send projects directly to the Brother machine.
Glowforge Laser Cutter
The Glowforge Laser Cutter/Engraver uses a high-powered, computer-controlled laser to precisely cut and engrave designs into materials like wood, acrylic, glass, and leather.
Laminator
The BONSEN A3 Laminator L3103 is a thermal laminating machine that uses heat or pressure to seal documents in protective plastic pouches, preserving and strengthening items like paper, photos, and certificates.
Large Format Printer
The HP DesignJet Z9+dr 44" Large Format Dual-Roll PostScript Printer is a professional large-format inkjet printer that produces high-quality, wide prints (up to 40 inches) using dual paper rolls and automated cutting for efficient production of graphics, posters, and technical documents on paper or vinyl.
The Large Format Printer is only operated by staff. You must submit your design in the exact dimensions you want printed to an Idea Lab staff member to print. Designs must have one side a maximum of 40" or less. We recommend Canva for image creation and saving.
Sublimation Station
The Sawgrass SG500 Sublimation Printer is a desktop printer designed for sublimation, producing high-quality transfer prints that are heat-pressed onto items like apparel, mugs, and other coated surfaces. The Sublimation Station is also equipped with two presses to complete your projects: a heat press for shirts and other flat items and a mug press for mugs and tumblers.
You must bring a design you want to print and sublimate. We recommend Canva for image creation and saving.