In addition to basic workshop tools, the Science Maker Lab boasts a growing range of specialized equipment in the lab, including:

• A 16” x 16’ x 8” deep vacuum former capable of producing a part once every minute.
• Two filament-type 3D printers.
  • High Resolution machine, max object size 150 x 150 x 150 mm.
  • Older machine, large format. Max object size 500 x 300 x 200 mm.
• A 100 W laser cutter/engraver with a bed size of 600 x 900 mm.

These capabilities mean that you can make a 3D object by building it from “nothing,” by carving it from a larger block, or by cutting sheet wood and assembling it into a 3D structure (great for making frames).

To develop and create ideas, and produce promotional materials for your products, the lab is equipped with a state-of-the-art computer, loaded with the entire Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite and Dassault SolidWorks for 3D computer-aided design (CAD), as well as DesignCAD for tuning and optimizing files for laser cutting in 2D. Peripherals include a colour printer/scanner/fax and a Wacom Intuos Pro artist’s input tablet. You can do everything from making promotional videos and slideshows to animating to simulating the flow in an injection-molded part with this powerful set of programs.

So… what can you create in the Laurier Science Maker Lab? Anything you can touch, feel, hear, or see!

In-Lab Equipment

The Science Maker Lab has a variety of tools to allow for the following kinds of in-house activities:

• Creating wooden or foam parts and plugs for prototypes.
• Cold casting parts.
• Mold-making and fibreglass/Kevlar/carbon fibre layup.
• Vacuum forming housings, mold cavities, 3D signage.
• 3D printing prototype parts or assemblies.
• Laser cutting/etching.
• Assembling and electrical components/circuits.
• Creating electronic circuits.
• Measuring temperatures (surface and air).
• Accurately measuring component dimensions.
• Assembling functional prototypes by integrating handmade specialized parts with off-the shelf components.

Access to More Physical Resources

Faculty of Science Resources

Science Entrepreneurship goes beyond the Science Maker Lab physical space. If you need more specialized equipment available in other Faculty of Science labs, such as a mass spectrometer, fume hood or glassware stirrer, we can arrange access to those resources for you, ensure you meet all the lab safety requirements such as training and supervision, and arrange for any necessary mentorship in the relevant discipline. This access will be on an as-needed, as-available basis and is subject to the availability of the equipment and appropriate supervisors.

See more information about lab equipment at the Science Research Centre and Centre for Cold Regions and Water Science.

External Capabilities

When the job is too big, too dirty or too risky to be done in the lab, our experienced lab staff and mentors can help guide you through the process of developing specifications and tendering this work. We can help you find and contract component suppliers, machine shops, foundries, tool and die companies, contract injection moldering companies, packaging companies and shipping companies.

Computer Capabilities

The Science Maker Lab is equipped with two powerful computers that have the software and hardware needed to turn your imagination into reality. The computers are available to the lab clients for the research and design of their products, as well as for producing professional-quality presentations, videos, animated shorts, flyers/posters, renderings or any other support materials needed to speed you along the way to business success. You also have access to the following: