Check out this story from ABC7 news featuring the library's Makerspace. The video story showcases some FGCU students using the Makerspace for their class and creative projects. Our own Creative Commons Lab Coordinator, Matt Losey, also makes an appearance, to talk about the the purpose of the space.
Our Makerspace is back and better than ever now that it has moved to a larger location in Library West. Supplied with all the great machines and technology it had before, students, staff and faculty are now able to work on their projects on their own time after completing an orientation with the Creative Commons Lab Coordinator, Matt Losey.
Once you become an “approved user” for each device, the Makerspace is available for you to utilize during open hours. We are fully equipped with 3D printers, a Cricut machine, a Glowforge and a CNC milling machine which all have different printing abilities and project uses. Cost is minimal for most projects as we are charging for materials only.
Professors are encouraged to utilize this space when assigning course-related projects. There are no restrictions regarding major or program when using the Makerspace. Students, faculty and staff have used these machines for a variety of projects from diagrams or prototypes for class to 3D printing an adaptive writing device.
It may seem overwhelming or complicated to decide which machine is needed when starting a project, but Matt will be there to give personal orientations or consultations when needed. Whether you are an enrolled student, or are a faculty or staff member, know that you are never alone in this process and we are here to help!
The computers in the Makerspace have also been updated and equipped with faster processing abilities to better manage the design needs of prospective users.
For more information, request a consultation or orientation, or submit project files please visit https://library.fgcu.edu/makerspace
To show how some of the equipment in the FGCU Library’s Makerspace works, Coordinator Matthew Losey carved teddy bears using lasers. It’s all taking place in a machine called a Glowforge, a laser engraver that can sear and slice designs into wood planks. The process was faster than a walk across campus. Details were etched into the wood in twenty minutes, and the laser cut the outlines of their bodies in seconds. To some, this sounds like an opportunity only a few will receive. But to FGCU students, it’s another wonderful library service available to all.
In addition to the new Glowforge, the Makerspace offers access to 3D printers for students to bring their designs and prototypes to life, currently by appointment only. To get started using the Glowforge or 3D printers, all you need to do is submit the appropriate file using the submission forms below. Students pay only for the materials. In the future, the process will transition to a hands-on model, where students will be able to complete a brief training course and use the machines themselves.
The Makerspace is as dynamic as the projects within it, as several expansions are being planned. A CNC machine is next in line for joining the Makerspace, which carves students’ designs from a block of solid material, such as wood, aluminum, and various types of plastic. The space is expected to expand and accommodate more students, machines, and technologies. Students will learn skills in an environment that collaborative and fun, preparing them for future careers. The Makerspace is a growing hub for FGCU’s creativity.
3D printing submission form: https://library.fgcu.edu/3dprint
Glowforge submission form: https://library.fgcu.edu/glowforge
If you have a design you would like to create, contact Matthew Losey at mlosey@fgcu.edu to begin planning.
The University Library Makerspace has been a hub of innovative projects, and we're excited to showcase a selection of student creations!
This prototype was created to help prevent the loss of drones if accidents happened over bodies of water. The housing would contain a water sensor, a small inflatable, and an air canister. If the water sensor was triggered it would use the air canister to inflate the raft, hopefully causing the drone to float on top of the water, and not sink. These designs were able to be iterated multiple times, thanks to the quick capabilities of the 3D printers.
Writing bird and card holder
These projects were completed by two students in the Occupational Therapy Master’s program as projects for a class. The writing bird assists those with low hand and wrist mobility with writing and drawings. The form of the writing bird allows for ergonomic holding and the wheels on the bottom allow for fluid movement across the writing surface. The holder was designed to be used in a variety of card games by an individual who has low dexterity in their hands and finger.
Solar Car & Dragster
This project is part of a technology competition by some of FGCU’s Dual Enrollment students at Dunbar High School. Their project is to design two cars. One that will be solar powered and must complete a course, while carrying a ping pong ball in the back. The other one, a dragster, will use a CO2 canister to see how far their design will allow the car to go. These vehicles had to adhere to a specified weight and size to meet the requirements of the competition, showcasing the precision and accuracy of translating the 3D models to physical ones. We also 3D printed a variety of other parts such as gears for the motor and used the Glowforge to create some housings and buffers between the moving parts and the ping pong ball.
Fans
As part of an engineering course here at FGCU, the students used the 3D printers to create their fan designs. Through this they can see which fan blade shapes and configuration yielded the most effective airflow. This project provided valuable insights into aerodynamics and design principles, allowing the students hands on learning of concepts they discuss in class.
These projects exemplify the creativity and problem-solving skills of students within FGCU's community.