Your First FabLab Visit

Welcome to the College of Design FabLab. Your first visit is about learning how the space works, understanding what your project requires, and identifying the safest and most effective path forward.

You do not need to know which machine to use before you arrive. Bring us the problem, the idea, or the thing you are trying to make.

Start with your intended outcome—not with a machine.

Before You Visit

Before coming to the FabLab:

1. Read the General Rules and Safety Guidance.
2. Review the FabLab’s current staffed hours.
3. Gather any drawings, models, reference images, or assignment information.
4. Identify your deadline and how much flexibility you have.
5. Check whether the process you want to use requires training or an appointment.
6. Wear clothing appropriate for an active fabrication environment.

If your project involves a laser cutter, reserve time through UK’s EMS system.

What to Wear

For your safety:

• Wear closed-toe shoes.
• Tie back long hair.
• Secure loose clothing, sleeves, jewelry, and cords.
• Avoid clothing that could become caught in moving equipment.
• Bring any personally issued protective equipment required by your course or project.

Additional eye, hearing, respiratory, or process-specific protection may be required. FabLab staff will explain what is needed before you begin.

What to Bring

Bring whatever will help staff understand your project.

Useful items include:

• A sketch, drawing, photograph, or physical example
• A digital model or design file
• The intended dimensions
• The material you want to use
• The number of parts or objects you need
• Your assignment requirements
• Your deadline
• Information about what you have already tried
• Questions about anything you do not understand

You do not need to have every detail resolved. Early uncertainty is easier to work with than a finished file that uses the wrong process.

What Will Happen

During your first visit, FabLab staff or a student worker may help you:

1. Clarify what you are trying to make.
2. Compare possible fabrication processes.
3. Identify appropriate materials.
4. Determine which tools or machines are suitable.
5. Explain required training or supervision.
6. Review scheduling requirements.
7. Identify file-preparation problems.
8. Estimate whether your deadline is realistic.
9. Plan a test or first prototype.

A consultation does not guarantee that the complete project can be produced during the same visit.

Access to the FabLab

Entering the FabLab does not automatically authorize the use of every tool or machine.

Equipment requirements vary. Depending on the tool, you may need:

• General FabLab orientation
• A brief staff introduction
• Tool-specific training
• A practical demonstration
• Supervised use
• A reservation
• Staff review of the material, file, or setup
• Project-specific approval

Faculty, staff, experienced users, and students follow the same posted safety and equipment-access requirements.

See Training and Equipment Access for more information.

If You Already Know What You Want to Use

Review the appropriate capability page before arriving:

• Woodworking Lab — “The Shop”
• Laser Lab
• 3D Printing

The capability pages explain typical uses, preparation requirements, materials, training, and important safety rules.

What the FabLab Can Help You Learn

FabLab staff can help you develop:

• Process-selection skills
• Material knowledge
• File-preparation skills
• Safe machine-operation habits
• Prototyping and testing strategies
• Troubleshooting skills
• An understanding of tolerances, fit, finish, and assembly
• More independence for future projects

Our goal is not only to help you produce an object. It is to help you understand the decisions and processes behind making it.

What Not to Expect

Do not assume that:

• Every project can be completed immediately.
• Every machine will be available.
• A reservation replaces required training.
• A familiar-looking material is safe to use.
• Staff can repair an unfinished file during a short appointment.
• The first attempt will be the final attempt.
• A staff member can operate equipment for you instead of teaching you the process.
• An approaching deadline changes safety requirements.

The FabLab will help you identify the best available next step, even when the original plan is not feasible.

A Successful First Visit

A successful first visit may end with:

• A clear fabrication plan
• A recommended process
• A training requirement
• A scheduled appointment
• A corrected file
• An approved material
• A small test
• A prototype
• A revised project scope
• A better question than the one you arrived with

You do not need to leave with a finished object for the visit to be productive.

First-Visit Checklist

• I reviewed the FabLab safety guidance.
• I am dressed appropriately for the space.
• I brought information about my project.
• I know my deadline.
• I know the approximate size and quantity.
• I can identify my material or ask for help identifying it.
• I understand that different equipment has different access requirements.
• I have allowed time for testing and revision.
• I am ready to stop and ask if I become uncertain.

Need Help?

If you are unsure where to begin, visit during staffed hours and speak with a FabLab staff member or student worker.

See Getting Help in the FabLab for guidance on preparing a question, reporting a problem, or asking for project support.