Resources
See our FAQs below for common questions about the FabLab. If these FAQs fail to answer your questions, don’t hesitate to reach out using our online contact form.
TinkerCAD
Nice design software for someone that is not experienced with CAD and 3D design.
OnShape
Traditional parametric CAD that is web-based and works in a Chrome browser. You can create 3D models and access on any computer, phone or tablet. Free to join but your files are public unless you translate your account into an educational license (which is easily done).
Autodesk Fusion 360
Traditional parametric CAD with 3D sculpting and CAM/CNC capabilities. Requires a download to use. Web-based version is in development. Your files save to the cloud and you can sign in on any device with your info and access your files. Free for hobbyists, makers, educational use. Commercial license is available at about $360/year (super cheap compared to other CAD).
SolidWorks
We get access to a special 1 year (renewable) Fab Lab/Maker License. Email or talk with the fab lab manager to inquire about how to set this up.
Educational License
Startup/Entrepreneurial License
Blender
Blender is the free and open source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, even video editing and game creation.
Sculptris
This is a free 3D design, sculpting software. You can make things like characters and other more “organic” shapes. You start with a ball of “clay” and form it from there.
SketchUp
There’s a reason SketchUp is synonymous with friendly and forgiving 3D modeling software: we don’t sacrifice usability for the sake of functionality. Start by drawing lines and shapes. Push and pull surfaces to turn them into 3D forms. Stretch, copy, rotate and paint to make anything you like.
– Free + Premium options available
OpenSCAD
The programmers solid 3D CAD modeller
Cura – Is an open-source 3D printing slicer that works with most open-source printers. We use it in the fab lab.
– Free
Prusa Slicer – Is an open-source 3D printing slicer that works with most open-source printers. We use it in the fab lab.
– Free
Simplify 3D – Is software for processing your 3D models and preparing them for 3D printing. S3D has been big in the industry for a while but slow to update. It is a solid slicer but the free, open source ones are honestly good too with many new updates
– $150 for 2 seats (share with a friend!)
A lot of the files at these sites are FREE but many sites are going to having some PAID models as well, which is great! Support the creators!
Canva.com – Collaborate with your team to create marketing materials such as flyers, posters, social media graphics and collaborate with your team
Inkscape
Free vector design software, very similar to CorelDraw. Popular among hobbyists and makers
Corel Draw
Paid vector design software. We use it in the fab lab.
Student version available for about $100
Web-based (not installation needed). Free and paid version available.
BoxySVG
Vecteezy
Vectr
SVG-Edit
2D Vector Files:
PAID, $30/yr, easy to use sign customization website. Free Trial available.
3axis.co – FREE
https://designbundles.net/ – FREE/PAID
https://www.makerunion.com/ – FREE
Laser Cut Ready Leather Files – PAID
Etsy.com – PAID
Case Template Builder – gives you a ready to cut box/case
Online file generators for laser cutting
- Things like case, box or puzzle generators
Boxes.py is an Open Source box generator written in Python.
It features both finished parametrized generators as well as a Python API for writing your own. It features finger and (flat) dovetail joints, flex cuts, holes and slots for screws, hinges, gears, pulleys and much more.
Laser Cut Maps Website & Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vt2qn2atWCo
Use this link to get the Style optimzed for the Epilog Laser:
https://snazzymaps.com/style/135826/epilog-laser-maps-thin-lines
Software: VCarve Pro Makerspace Edition
You can download for free on your personal device. You cannot export toolpaths, this must be done on a fab lab PC. Go here for more info.
Torchmate CAD/CAM Student Edition
Free to download the student edition for use at home. It will let you design, add toolpaths but not export a file. To export, open the Student EDU file on the PC connected to the Plasma Cutter and you can then export the path.