Maker Studio

Maker Studio provides a space for students to freely use equipment with proper training.

Hours of operation

Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.*


After hour access is based on the availability of staffing and interest. If granted, hours will be Monday through Friday – 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday 8:00 a.m. to Noon and certain equipment will be restricted.

*Subject to change

 

The VCU College of Engineering Maker Studio is a 9,000 square foot facility located on the first floor of the Engineering Research Building (ERB). This facility provides faculty and students with state-of-the-art traditional and advanced manufacturing capabilities. The studio offers training courses to students while providing professional services to the entire university research community.

This facility consists of several distinct areas designed to support the collaborative and multidisciplinary environment the college of engineering fosters within the VCU community. The main collaboration space allows all student users an innovative work area where they can work through all phases of a project in one central location. A user of this facility can take their project from initial design straight through to the final functioning assembled product. Other advanced work areas in the space are comprised of the following:

  • 3D Printing, Laser Systems, and Other Digital Fabrication Processes
  • CNC Machining Equipment
  • Workshop consisting of various woodworking equipment
  • Project Storage
  • Project Finishing Room

Safety, of all users, is a top priority in all functions and operations. Strict guidelines are in place providing a safe, clean, and organized space while fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.

The VCU College of Engineering Maker Studio offers the following:

  • Design assistance, assembly, fabrication, and repairs of laboratory components, equipment, and machinery using a wide range of materials available in-house or through special order
  • Fully equipped machine shop with modern precision tooling and machinery including CNC Machining
  • Additive manufacturing equipment, laser systems vacuum forming and digital fabrication processes
  • Workshop equipped with woodworking tools and various power tools
  • Safety Training Courses that lead to makerspace use
  • Supervised student courses/workshops that allow hands-on access to equipment and machinery for undergraduate and graduate engineering students involved in design and fabrication for class and/or research projects
  • The makerspace is available to engineering student organizations that are involved in design related intercollegiate projects

How to use the space

The space is open to all students who have obtained the proper certification and training. Students seeking to use this space must first complete Makerspace Orientation and General Safety Training and demonstrate the ability to operate basic equipment before access is granted. For more advanced equipment and tools, higher level training courses will be available and required.