Digital Fabrication Lab

Digfab 31

The Digital Fabrication Lab (D1340) is a serial production and prototyping facility which leverages computer-aided design (CAD) for output. The Digital Fabrication Lab supports 3D printing, laser cutting and CNC milling.

General Contact
digfab@ecuad.ca (Laser + 3DP)
cnc@ecuad.ca (CNC)

Logan Mohr
Technician (Laser + 3DP)
Office: D1340
loganmohr@ecuad.ca

Steven Hall
Technician (CNC)
604. 844. 3800 x2850
Office: D1339
stevenhall@ecuad.ca

Book Appointment

Please review appointment types outlined below prior to booking.

Access, Workshops + Appointments
General AccessStudents, faculty and staff from all program areas are welcome.
OrientationLab safety orientation is either given in 1-on-1 appointments, or delivered through course workshops.
Appointment:
File Review and
Project Consultation		Book if you are unsure of what process or technology you need to use to achieve project outcomes. Following this consultation, book an appointment for Laser Cutting and 3D Printing Output or CNC Consultation and Output Scheduling.
Appointment:
Laser Cutting and
3D Printing Output		Book if your file is ready for production, or after completing your File Review and Project Consultation appointment. During the laser cutting process, students are required to monitor their project.
Appointment:
CNC Consultation
and Output Scheduling		Book for an initial discussion on CNC output (idea, required files, material considerations, job cut time). Once project requirements and outcomes are established, your project will be scheduled for output. You are welcome to attend your scheduled output time.
Equipment
Tool + What You'll NeedDescription
Computer Aided Design
(CAD) Software

Adobe Illustrator, Rhino 3D,
SolidWorks, Tinkercad

A variety of 2D and 3D modelling programs are used in digital fabrication processes.
3D Printers

3D Model (.STL, .OBJ)

3D printers use an additive process in which material is deposited layer by layer to create a three dimensional form. 3D printing can be used to create unique forms and quickly explore ideas through a range of materials.
Laser Cutters
Illustrator File or Image		Laser cutters use a focused laser beam to cut through or etch the surface of flat materials. Laser cutting is very precise, can output complex designs, and can be used with a wide variety of materials.
Three-Axis CNC

2D Vector File
(such as .AI, .DXF, .SVG)
or 3D Model
(such as .3DM, .IGS, .STEP)

CNCs use physical contact (router bit) to cut through or score the surface of flat materials. CNCs can produce 2D or 3D forms. CNC machining is very precise, and great for processing thick, dense, or large-scale materials.
3D Scanners

Existing Object

3D scanners capture data from a physical object’s surface, and translate this information into an accurate 3D model of the object.
Water Jet Cutter

2D Vector File (.AI, .DXF, .SVG)

Water jet cutters use a combination of pressurized water and abrasive material to make cuts; these machines can cut through material that can’t be cut on a laser cutter or CNC such as glass, steel, aluminum, and ceramic tile.