The Creative Production Lab offers patrons access to our Makerspace with a laser, heatpress, and crafting equipment for robust multimedia projects.
Whether you need to build out a complex engineering component or finish an introductory arts and crafts project, the CPL Makerspace has the tools and materials needed to take your creative work to the next level. The Makerspace is open for use for both academic and personal project needs.
Laser Cutting & Etching
Patrons can create a diverse range of projects using our 60 watt Epilog Fusion Edge laser. CPL staff can process projects without a patron present using on-hand materials and a correctly formatted file, or you can make an appointment to use the laser directly with staff assistance.
Some common types of projects that can be accomplished:
Engraved and Personalized Items: Patrons can use a laser cutter to engrave intricate designs, names, or messages on various materials such as wood, acrylic, leather, and glass to create personalized gifts, plaques, and awards.
Cut-out Designs: Intricate and precise designs can be cut out of materials like wood, paper, fabric, and acrylic to make decorations, signage, intricate paper crafts, and more.
Jewelry and Accessories: Delicate patterns and shapes can be laser-cut from materials like wood, acrylic, and even metal to create unique jewelry pieces and accessories.
Prototyping: Similar to 3D printing, laser cutting is also used for prototyping. Patrons can quickly create physical prototypes of products, models, or structures from various materials.
Architectural Models: Architects and designers can use a laser cutter to create accurate and detailed scale models of buildings, landscapes, and urban layouts.
Home Decor: Laser-cut patterns and shapes can be used to create intricate lampshades, wall art, room dividers, and decorative panels for home interiors.
Educational Aids: Teachers and educators can use laser cutting to create interactive educational materials, puzzles, and models for classroom demonstrations.
Packaging and Displays: Laser-cut materials can be used to create custom packaging designs, product displays, and promotional items for businesses.
Woodworking: Woodworkers can use laser cutters to add detailed patterns, inlays, and decorative elements to their projects.
Leather Goods: Leather can be laser-cut to create intricate patterns for items like wallets, belts, bags, and accessories.
Textile and Fashion Design: Fabrics and textiles can be laser-cut to create intricate patterns, appliqués, and embellishments for clothing and fashion accessories.
We cannot cut or etch any material containing PVC. Glass can only be etched. Metal cannot be cut, but can be engraved if it has an etchable topcoat such as enamel or paint.
Learn more about material compatibility. Please note that our unit is a CO2 laser, and patrons should ignore any Fiber Laser listing for compatible materials.
We recommend that you only bring replaceable items to use with the laser cutter. Avoid bringing antiques, heirlooms or anything else of high monetary or sentimental value.
The largest possible working area is 23.75"x23.75" with a bed depth of up to 8". Materials and objects that can be cut can be no thicker than 1/4".
The cost for laser cutting is 25¢ per minute for UNO students, staff, and faculty, plus material used per square inch. Non-UNO community members can use the laser for 50¢ per minute.
» Prepare Your Image
- Use a program like Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape.
- Set stroke marks to .001 in Illustrator or Hairline in Corel Draw to ensure proper cuts.
- Save your file as AI, SVG, EPS, PDF or another image file.
If you have a prepared file and are providing an original object or material to be etched, you must be present during processing. Set up an appointment through LibCal.
For remote operations and pick-up service using CPL materials, you can submit a project here.
Questions? Contact lab staff and we can help you with your project.
Creative Production Lab services are not available for commissioned work and profit enterprises.
Clamshell Heatpress & T-Shirt Creation
For patrons interested in making their own shirts, garments, or other project with heat-transfer material, the CPL offers access to a commercial heatpress.
Utilizing our laser to precisely cut decals from Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV), patrons can create their own garment or fabric project quickly and easily. Patrons are responsible for preparing their image file, providing a shirt or other garment, weeding all decals, and applying the vinyl. CPL staff are responsible for laser operation and guided operation of the heatpress. Assistance is available for image preparation.
CPL keeps limited quantities of black and white Siser Easy Weed HTV on hand for purchase at $0.05 per square inch. Patrons needing larger quantities of material or alternate colors are responsible for providing additional HTV subject to material approval.
Patrons must be present for processing. File setup, cutting, weeding, and heatpressing typically take 20-30 minutes per garment and decal to be applied. Set up an appointment through LibCal.
Makerspace Tools & Materials
The CPL Makerspace offers tools, materials, and workspace for the completion of a wide array of craft projects. We have a number of hand tools, power tools, paint, adhesives, and cutting implements available at request for use within the space.
Using our Makerspace area, patrons can sand and post-process their 3D prints, glue together their laser-cut projects, or cut and assemble printed papercrafts.
Crafting space, tools, and materials are available on a first-come-first-served basis during open hours.