Digital Manufacturing
Maker
A space to build, experiment, and turn an idea into a real object.
The Maker Area is the heart of the lab: a space dedicated to building, prototyping, and hands-on experimentation.
Here you can use digital fabrication tools and technologies to create objects, prototypes, and personal projects. The lab is designed to be accessible even to those who are new to the world of fabrication.
Three Ways to Work with a Material
The machines in the Maker area are divided into three categories, depending on how they interact with the material.
1
Cutting and Engraving
A laser or a blade follows the outline of a file: that's how the three lasers, the cutting plotter, and the Cricut work.
2
Remove material
A milling cutter shapes the workpiece from a block of wood or plastic: that is the job of a CNC milling machine.
3
Shaping with Heat
Heat and pressure shape plastic or transfer a design onto fabric: that's the job of a thermoforming machine and a heat press.
What You Can Create
Five things you can do with the Lab's machines, from laser cutting to fabric transfer.
Beambox Pro CO2 Laser
A Layered Map
The outline of a coastline carved into wood, set atop a layer of colored acrylic: multiple laser-cut layers assembled within a frame.
xTool F2 Ultra MOPA
A steel nameplate
Engrave a name or design onto steel with extremely high definition.
xTool F2 Ultra UV
An engraved business card
The UV laser is cold and leaves no heat marks: engrave a business card with your logo.
Roland GS-24 Plotter
A sticker with your design
From file to vinyl: the plotter cuts out the shape, and you get a custom sticker.
HP3805 Heat Press
A Custom T-Shirt
A graphic transferred onto the fabric using heat and pressure.
Have you never driven a car?
Laser-Cutting HelloWorld: Start from Scratch—No Experience Necessary, Just a Desire to Learn.
The machines
Eight machines, ranging from lasers to cutting plotters, from milling machines to thermoforming machines.
Beambox Pro
50 W CO2 laser
It cuts and engraves materials such as wood, acrylic, and fabric with precision, making it ideal for prototypes, personalized items, and creative projects.
xTool F2 Ultra
60 W MOPA fiber laser
It engraves steel, brass, aluminum, titanium, and precious metals with extremely high definition; it cuts thin metals and applies colored markings to stainless steel.
xTool F2 Ultra UV
355 nm cold laser
It marks glass and crystal without leaving heat marks, even with internal 3D engraving, and works with plastic, acrylic, wood, leather, and ceramic.
Roland GS-24 Cutting Plotter
Vinyl and Thin Materials
Cut the vinyl along the outline of a file to create custom stickers and graphics that become objects.
Cricut Maker 4
Paper, vinyl, and fabrics
A versatile machine for cutting lightweight materials such as paper, vinyl, and fabric, ideal for creative projects and rapid prototyping.
Evo-One CNC Milling Machine
Wood and Plastic
It works with wood and plastic by precisely removing material, and is used to create objects, engravings, and components.
Robotfactory Thermoforming Machine
Molded plastic sheets
It allows heated plastic sheets to be molded onto a mold; it is used to create shells, containers, and three-dimensional shapes.
HP3805 Workline Heat Press
Printed Designs on Fabric
It transfers graphics onto fabric using heat and pressure, making it perfect for customizing T-shirts and other products.
How to Get Started
1
Become a Member
The membership fee is €60 and includes 25 Asperastra credits: that's enough for a HelloWorld.
2
Follow a HelloWorld
Laser cutters, cutting plotters, and Cricut machines each have their own course: you’ll work at the machine station, and by the end, you’ll be able to use the machine on your own. The laser cutting course costs €30 for non-members.
3
Bring Your Project to Life
You can use the Lab's machines to create objects, prototypes, and personal projects. Asperastra credits cover courses and use of the machines.
Workshops and Activities
Throughout the year, we organize workshops, meetings, and hands-on sessions focused on the maker movement and digital fabrication.
Below are the upcoming events related to this area.
Would you like to test drive a car?
Become a member and use the Lab during its hours of operation.
Sign up for Asperastra