Makerspace
With so much of today's design occurring digitally, it makes sense to have tools that can take information directly from the computer and turn it into a real object. The Architectural Engineering Maker Space, or AEMS, is a space built to do just that. Equipped with laser cutting, 3D printing, CNC machines and more, AEMS offers a diverse range of high-end digital fabrication equipment.
Each major piece of equipment in AEMS has its own set of training and scheduling procedures, see the Equipment sections below for more information. Please note that while AEMS is open to anyone in the University, students in the Architectural Engineering program have priority access. In addition to this, all work performed in AEMS must be academic or work related, and all users must perform safety training before they can use the facility.
We are open from 9:00am until 4:00pm excluding the lunch hour (12:00pm-1:00pm) Monday through Friday. Bookings are expected to be prepaid, no scheduling will be done without payment. We’re located on the ground floor of Carl Pollock Hall in Room 1320.
Equipment in the makerspace
Laser Cutter
The AEMS shop has two Trotec SP500 Laser Cutters available for use. Refer to the Laser Cutting Manual for more information.
3D Printer
For the Spring 2023 term, the AE Maker Space 3D Printers are parked at the Rapid Prototyping Centre in Engineering 5, Room 2002. All UW Engineering Undergrads can 3D print on these machines free of charge. There are two dedicated AE machines which, given 24-hours notice, will be cleared for AE undergraduate use. Please set up your files according to their available documentation. Contact engsdc3d@gmail.com for more information or to book your time slot with our AE printers.
CNC Machine
AEMS has two CNC milling machines:
The first is a 3-axis AXYZ mill with a bed size of 60” x 48” (1500mm x 1200mm) and vertical clearance of 12” (300mm). It is equipped with a 7-position tool changer and vacuum table. It is capable of machining through parts up to 8” (200mm) thick and is able to machine foam, wood and some plastics.
Refer to the CNC User Manual for instructions on how to book, and use, the CNC machine,