Makerspace

3D printing is available for use by current Milwaukee Area Technical College students, faculty, and staff. While printing is typically performed on a first-come, first serve basis, priority is given to objects that are for academic purposes.

We have three different sizes of Qidi Tech 3D Printers.  All of them use FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling).  This means that filament is fed into the machine and heated up, then deposited based on the file that is being read by the printer.  We only use PLA and TPU filament inside the facility.

The X-one[2] (featured image) is suitable for small prints and rapid prototyping.

The Qidi Tech I can print medium sized prints and has a dual extrusion system which allows for two different material types or colors to be printed for the same build without changing out spools.

For larger prints, the X-MAX has a suitable print bed for items which need to be high precision.  Build size is 300mm x 250mm x 300mm / 11.8" x 9.8" x 11.8".  This model also has a double Z axis and dual filament placement (inside or outside of the machine.  Both of the X-MAX machines are on mobile carts for ease of use.

The X-MAX also has a removable plate, making it easier to remove larger models from the print bed. 

All of our machines utilize QIDI Print Slicer, which is free to use and downloadable at https://www.qd3dprinter.com/software/

It is suggested to call ahead for anticipated wait times; currently, files must be sent to us and you will be contacted when your 3D print is ready for pick-up.  

The MATC Libraries reserve the right to refuse to produce 3D prints, especially in cases where copyright concerns are present.

Available in the Makerspace is a Revopoint Range Handheld 3D Scanner for 3D printing of models, as well as a turntable and tabletop greenscreens to place small objects for scanning. 

3D pens are available for use in the Makerspace.  These can be utilized by anyone who reads through the instructional sheet or attends a demonstration tutorial. Priority is given to students who are using the pens for academic purposes and for workshops being led by makerspace staff.

Cricuts are machines which can cut a variety of flat materials.  The type of materials will depend on the machine.  The Cricut Air models that we have will cut paper, cardstock, posterboard, and other thin paper-derived materials.  The Cricut Maker can cut everything the Cricut Air can cut, but is reserved for thicker and specialty materials, such as fabric, balsa wood, and leather.  These machines are robust and accurate, and have been used for prototyping, construction of models, creating board games, and so much more.  We also have a Cricut Joy, which is ideal for smaller projects, and an original Cricut with several of the cartridges. 

All of the Cricut machines use the same software.  Some features are only available via subscription (you are welcome to use the library subscription in-house, but there are numerous options for the basic version. 

Users are permitted to create up to two projects per week using Makerspace materials, or may use the machines beyond this limitation if providing one's own materials.  (Please note: The Makerspace does not keep specialty materials such as leather or balsa wood on hand; these would need to be provided by the user for specialty projects.)

Plastic comb binding and lamination are also available in the Makerspace.  This is ideal for laminating CPR identification cards, binding a loose leaf binder version of a textbook, and other related projects.  We are able to hot laminate up to three items per week per person (you are welcome to bring additional hot or cold lamination pouches if you wish to laminate additional items).  We are able to bind up to two items per week per person (you are welcome to bring additional binding supplies if you wish to bind additional items).  Please note: Due to copyright law, we are unable to bind works which violate copyright law.