Skip to content
Snippets Groups Projects
Last edited by Konstantin Leonenko

Home

THIS PAGE IS DEPRECATED. FIND NEW RESOURCE HERE

Computing Digital Fabrication Facilities

Opening times

  • G11 (lecture / electronics room) - general college opening schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00-22:00, Saturday 7:30-22:00, Sunday 8:30-18:00
  • G12-13 (laser cutting, 3D printing and woodworking workshops) - office hours only: Monday-Friday 10:00-13:00, 14:00-17:00

Storage Policy

  • anything stored in the lab has to be placed in a cardboard bin and clearly labeled with the contact details of the owner
  • maximum of 3 bins per owner
  • if anything does not fit in the bin - its storage has to be negotiated with the member of staff
  • items that are not in line with this policy will be given a 1-week notice prior to their disposal

Expectations management

  • the lab is full of incredible tools machines that allow you to make incredible things
  • machines, though incredible, are pretty dumb and are very limited in their abilities
  • learning how to operate every machine safely is rather fast and straightforward, and is covered in regular 1-3 hour inductions
  • mastering any machine and process is a long path of trial and error
  • develop complexity of your projects with any machine/process gradually, allowing a lot of time for tests, failures and experiments
  • fabrication time grows exponentially with the project size

DO's

  • ALWAYS INSPECT YOUR TOOLS AND MACHINES BEFORE USING THEM. If you notice a problem - report immediately. If the problem is noticed by staff, then the last person known to have used the tool is likely to be held responsible.
  • do ask stupid questions
  • Use the right tool for the job - if you're struggling - you're most likely using the wrong tool
  • do clean up after yourself.
  • do use the vacuum cleaner.
  • do use the cardboard bins to store your stuff.
  • do mark cardboard bins with your contact details and the date they went on the shelf.
  • do leave a note next to the 3D printer with your contact details on a long job
  • do play music
  • do play slow tv on the main projector
  • do use microscope to inspect and document your work (there's usb slot in the back to save images)
  • do use the infinite background photo rig
  • do tweet your pictures/videos to @goldcomputing
  • do help others learning about the lab and how to use it safely

DON'Ts

  • NEVER USE FORCE - if you have to engage your muscles - STOP AND ASK.
  • do not step on the chairs/tables to reach ceiling sockets. Use the pink step stool instead.
  • do not take any of the tools out of the lab. not even for a quick 5-minute job. If you need a tool to borrow - just ask (and soon you'll be able to book all the kit online)
  • do not misuse tools. if you can't find the right tool for the job - just ask. we'll find a solution.

Machine access policies

  • First come - First serve (while we're working on setting up automated booking system)
  • Laser jobs longer than 30 minutes have to be planned with the lab technician
  • 3D printing jobs longer than 3 hours have to be planned with the lab technician
  • G12/13 workshops will be closed at 17:00 - please plan your work accordingly

Should you experience any difficulties in operating any of the tools or machines

  • A picture is worth a thousand words - snap a photo and email it to facilities@doc.gold.ac.uk with a brief problem description
  • During business hours - call TechTeam hotline (2127) from the phone in the lab or pop by HH1 and get help.

Tool/Machine Guides:

General prototyping suggestions:

  • Do everything out of cardboard first - it's cheap, quick and easy to test and adjust

Video playlists / Links: