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Kenan Science Library Makerspace: Tools & Tech

3D Printing Service

3D Printing Service

KSL Makerspace 3D Printing Webpage
Visit the website for 3D printer specs, model repositories and modeling software information, the 3D Print Request Form, and FAQs. 

At the Kenan Science Library Makerspace, there are three types of 3D printers:

  • Ultimaker S3
  • Ultimaker S5
  • Form2

The Ultimaker printers work by heating and extruding layers of thermoplastic filament; the Form2 uses liquid resin solidified by a laser, followed by a wash and curing process. All of the KSL Makerspace printers are operated by Makerspace staff. Affiliates of UNC at Chapel Hill can use the 3D printing service free of charge. To submit a 3D print job, save your file in STL format and fill out the 3D Printing Form.

an Ultimaker 3 3D printer

Photo by Rich McCue on Unsplash

Software

Overviews and links to 3D modeling programs as well as repositories of existing 3D designs are available on the Kenan Science Library Makerspace website's 3D printing page. Additionally, affiliates of UNC at Chapel Hill can use Linkedin Learning to learn programs like Fusion 360, Tinkercad, and Meshmixer.

3D Scanner

3D Imaging

KSL Makerspace 3D Imaging Webpage
Visit the webpage for FAQs, software information, or to book a consultation. 

At the KSL Makerspace, two 3D scanners are available:

  • NextEngine 3D Scanner
  • Sense 3D Scanner

The Sense 3D scanner can also be borrowed for 3-day checkout. 

Electronics/Soldering Station

Electronics

KSL Makerspace Electronics & Soldering Webpage
Visit the webpage to access soldering training and view the workshop schedule.
 

Available Electronics

An assortment of electronics making kits are available:

  • Arduino SparkFun Inventor's Kit 
  • Little Bits Deluxe Kit 
  • Makey Makey 
  • Raspberry Pi Starter Kit

The Arduino and Raspberry Pi kits may be checked out from the KSL front desk for a period of three days. 

Soldering Station

Just outside G301A near the craft and modeling supplies is a soldering station with a Hakko-FX888D Soldering Iron. In order to use this tool, read the Standard Operating Procedures and watch the video below. Once you've completed these steps of the orientation training, notify a library staff member.

Overview/Getting Started

Overviewa quilt with the word "Makerspace" on it

Technologies 

At the Kenan Science Library Makerspace, the following are available:

Note: Prior to using the Cricut Maker, sewing machines or soldering station, completion of a short orientation and liability waiver are required. Visit the tools' respective webpages or ask a library staff member to get started on the waiver and orientation. This orientation is not required for use of the 3D printing service in the KSL Makerspace because the printers are operated only by makerspace staff, but online training is required prior to use of user-operated 3D printers at other BeAM network locations. 

Lending

A 3D scanner, Raspberry Pi and Arduino kits, and even a telescope are available for 3-day checkout from the Kenan Science Library front desk. Visit the Equipment & Software webpage for a complete list of makerspace equipment that may be borrowed from the KSL desk. 

Consultations

Request a consultation with makerspace staff to ask about use of the KSL Makerspace 3D printing service or to discuss other making or design-related topics. Email kenanmakerspace@unc.edu to ask questions or make an appointment to chat.

Other BeAM locations and Online

Tools Available at Other BeAM Locations

The KSL Makerspace is a part of the BeAM network of makerspaces at UNC at Chapel Hill. For a list of tools offered in the other BeAM makerspaces, the locations of each and required trainings, visit the BeAM Tools webpage. 

  • BeAM Training
    • BeAM 101 training and subsequent specialized tool trainings are required for use of tools at other BeAM locations like the laser cutters, user-operated 3D printers, and vinyl cutters. Initial stages of the training are completed electronically on Sakai, followed by hands-on components in the makerspace. 

Digital Making

Below are some programs useful for digital modes of making. Linkedin Learning courses for building skills in many of the tools listed below are available to members of the UNC community. Find activation instructions and FAQs through the UNC ITS Software Distribution.

3D Modeling

  • Tinkercad
    • Autodesk's Tinkercad is a free online modeling tool suitable for beginners. It's best known for 3D modeling, but check out the electronics and Codeblocks spaces as well!
  • Fusion 360
  • Blender
    • Blender is a free, open-source 3D modeling software. 
  • Meshmixer
    • Autodesk Meshmixer is a free software for working with 3D meshes, downloadable for Windows and macOS.

Vector Drawing

  • Illustrator
    • Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics design program with many tools and applications. Illustrator is available for free to the UNC community through the UNC ITS Software Distribution. 
  • Inkscape
    • Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics software. It can be downloaded, distributed, and modified, and is capable of importing and exporting Adobe Illustrator file types. 
  • Vectr
    • Vectr is a free, web-based vector graphics program. It operates within a web browser and can export SVG, PNG, and JPG files. 

Coding

  • Codecademy
    • Codecademy has online courses in a variety of languages including Python, Java, Ruby, and HTML & CSS. Some beginner courses are available for free, while other "Pro" courses require a paid monthly subscription. 
  • Microsoft MakeCode
    • Use colorful codeblocks to program a virtual board, robot, or game, then test your code. Toggle between the codeblocks and their equivalent written programming language in the project workspace. Many tutorial projects are available. 

Multimedia/Other

Cricut

Cricut Maker

KSL Makerspace Sewing and Cricut Maker Webpage
Visit the sewing/Cricut webpage to view the training and access tutorials. 

Tools and Materials

The Makerspace's Cricut Maker is equipped with many tools, such as a fine-tipped blade, rotary blade, and scoring pen. There are also LightGrip, StandardGrip, and FabricGrip cutting mats, 12"x12" squares of vinyl, sheets of cardstock, and fabric available for use. Check with a staff member about material use and availability. 

Software

The Cricut Maker uses Cricut Design Space, which you can download to your personal computer to prepare your projects. 

Sewing

Sewing

KSL Makerspace Sewing and Cricut Maker Webpage
Visit the sewing webpage to access the required training and view upcoming sewing workshops. 

The Kenan Science Library makerspace offers two Janome S-3015 sewing machines, as well as fabric scraps and basic sewing notions for both machine and hand sewing like needles, thread, embroidery floss, a rotary cutter, cutting mat, scissors, and pins. 

Janome Schoolmate Machine Features

Knitting and Crochet

Knitting and Crochet

Knitting needles, crochet hooks, and yarn are available at the Kenan Science Library Makerspace. 

Modeling/Crafts

Other Modeling and Crafts

Additional available supplies include Legos, clay, paper and paper cutters. Visit this page for a complete list of supplies. 

shelves containing craft supplies

The Makerspace @ KSL has areas suitable for group work and collaboration. Users may rearrange wheeled tables just outside G301A near the KSL service desk, as well as tables inside G301A. In G301A, there is also a whiteboard and an Eiki ceiling projector. 

  • Last Updated: Aug 14, 2023 11:48 AM
  • URL: https://guides.lib.unc.edu/makerspace