Digital Fabrication Lab

General Information

Digital Fabrication Lab: General Information

How do I access the resources in the Digital Fabrication Lab (DFL)?

Make a reservation.

  • All equipment use by faculty, staff, and students is accessed through scheduled appointments. Reservations are made through our online scheduling portal found at www.newpaltz.edu/dfl.

Have a good file ready.

  • Anyone making an equipment reservation must have their file prepared in the formats specified on the File Preparation page.

  • If your file does not meet the specifications laid out in the File Preparation page, it is not ready for your appointment and you will be asked to reschedule. 

  • The lab staff are here to facilitate your job, but we do not have the capacity to fix files for users on a case-by-case basis.

Understand the software.

  • The lab staff is here to assist with software questions, but we are unable to teach software from the ground up to individual users. The school provides resources to students, faculty, and staff allowing them to learn the necessary software to use equipment in the DFL. Educational resources can be found on the Helpful Links page.

Have your materials ready.

  • A list of materials for sale in the lab can be found on our Pricing Information page.

  • When specifying project materials, please check the Permissible Materials document for the machine you are reserving to make sure that material is permitted for use on the machine. 

  • Our Suppliers page has a list of resources for the purchase of materials not found in the DFL. Before purchasing any material, please check the Permissible Materials document to make sure what you are buying is a permissible material for the machine you are reserving.  

How can I get advice or answers to questions I have about a project I'd like to do?

Individuals needing assistance beyond the information and resources provided here regarding equipment access or materials may contact the DFL technician by email at kelloggb1@newpaltz.edu to schedule an IST Consultation appointment. 

 

Digital Fabrication Lab: Faculty Information

How can I get trained on the equipment in the lab?

Training on a machine for supervised operation during open lab hours will be offered by the IST to faculty and staff on a case by case basis at the discretion of the technician.

  • Please have files prepared for a project you are currently working on which pertain to the machine on which you are requesting training. You will be asked to provide these files and any necessary materials during the training session.

  • A single training session is not enough to gain the skills required for use of equipment. Individuals being trained on a machine will be asked to schedule follow-up appointments with the DFL IST to ensure retention of information. Machine access will not be granted to those who have not completed all required training sessions. Equipment competence will be determined by the DFL IST or their designee. 

I have a student who would like to use equipment in the DFL for a course project. 

Students may be sent to the DFL as a component of their work within another class. Prior to coming to the lab, they should be made aware of the following criteria for machine use. 

  • Students must have a good file prepared and ready for the machine. Individuals with files that do not meet the criteria laid out on the website will forfeit their appointment and be asked to reschedule. The guidelines for file preparation are found on the DFL website.

  •  Student project needs must require the use of lab equipment. The lab is not a short cut for other processes; lab staff may direct students toward other equipment which may be better aligned with their desired outcomes. 

  • Students will be required to pay for materials and services from the DFL out of pocket. Fees paid for other course are not applicable to costs incurred in the DFL. The IST will not monitor and transfer funds on a case-by-case basis.

I have a question about a project I am thinking of pursuing using DFL equipment.

If you need assistance outside of the information and resources provided above regarding equipment access or materials, please email kelloggb1@newpaltz.edu or schedule an IST consultation appointment at www.newpaltz.edu/dfl. Note that the IST does not serve as a collaborator or design adviser.

If you would like to run a class in the DFL and use the resources for demos and class projects for a full semester OR integrate the DFL into a workshop, class project, or assignment, please email kelloggb1@newpaltz.edu for guidelines.