The Electronics, Textiles, and 3D Printing Makerspace offers a variety of equipment, including 3D printers, digital embroidery machines, industrial sewing machines, soldering tools, and laser cutters to help students, faculty, and staff create, fabricate, and prototype. Shop supervisors or student employees are available for support within the Makerspace.

Makerspace Hours

3 Steps to Using the Makerspace

Login to Makerspace Tracker

Sign in to the Makerspace Tracker using your Iowa State credentials. Choose the Makerspace location you want to access, then browse the equipment dashboard to see what tools are available and what trainings are required.

Complete Safety & Online Trainings

Before using any equipment, you’ll need to complete general safety training for the Makerspace, plus an online training module specific to the tool you want to use.

Register for Hands-on Training

After finishing the online training, sign up for a hands-on training session in the Makerspace. Once you complete it, you’ll earn a physical badge for that machine—then you’re free to use it for class projects, personal builds, prototyping, and more.

Equipment and Machines

The Ultimaker S5 is a 3D printer ideal for creating rapid prototypes, functional parts, and custom tools. With its larger build volume, dual extrusion system, and compatibility with a 2.85 mm diameter PLA filament you can produce prints for class or leisure. 

The Bambu Lab X1C and H2D are fast, high-precision 3D printers perfect for making detailed prototypes, mechanical parts, cosplay props, and household gadgets. With smart features like auto-leveling and failure detection, it’s great for quick, reliable printing with 1.75 mm diameter PLA filament. 

FormLabs resin printers, like the Form 3, use stereolithography (SLA) to produce highly detailed, smooth-surfaced prints—ideal for prototypes, jewelry, dental models, and custom parts. They’re great for applications needing fine detail and a professional finish right off the build platform. 

Uniformation resin printers are high-resolution, easy-to-use machines perfect for making detailed models, miniatures, and custom prototypes. With fast print speeds and a spacious build area, they’re great for both hobby and professional use. 

Juki industrial sewing machines offer reliable lockstitch and overedge stitching for professional-quality garments and accessories, and other soft goods. Paired with gravity feed irons and vacuum boards, they provide precise pressing and finishing, making them ideal for both detailed sewing and efficient production. 

Melco EMT16X embroidery machines are industry-leading tools known for their speed, precision, and versatility in custom embroidery. Perfect for adding detailed logos, monograms, and designs on garments, hats, and accessories. 

Universal Laser Systems laser cutters deliver precise cutting and engraving on materials such as wood, acrylic, and fabric—ideal for creating custom projects, prototypes, art pieces, and personalized gifts. They’re versatile tools for design, engineering, and creative work. 

The electronics bench features essential tools like an oscilloscope, waveform generator, hot air rework station, and power supply—perfect for designing, testing, and repairing electronic circuits. It’s ideal for prototyping, troubleshooting, and precision soldering work. 

PLA 2.85mm is the only filament approved for use with the 3D Ultimaker 3D Printers in the Student Innovation Center. PLA with additives (including glitter, glow-in-the-dark, and wood) is prohibited on the Ultimaker 3D Printers.

Electronics, Textiles, and 3D Printing Shop Staff

Our supervisors are here to support you and your ideas. Reach out with questions about the equipment, possibilities, and logistics of this Makerspace. If you have questions please email sictret3dprint@iastate.edu

Headshot of Dillon Napier

Dillon Napier, Shop Supervisor

Headshot of Ethan Thomas

Ethan Thomas, Shop Supervisor

Headshot of Courtney Barbour

Courtney Barbour, Shop Supervisor

Image of the student innovation center.

Tori Neighbour, Student Employee

Headshot of Sushant Chiramana

Sushant Chiramana, Student Employee

Image of the student innovation center.

Eric Reaska, Student Employee