Fabrication Shops Digital Tools | College of Design University of Minnesota

Fabrication Shops

The Fabrication Shops are available for College of Design academic work by appointment only.

A working document of our modified operations can be found here. Please note, this document is subject to change. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility. Safety is our primary concern and our continued operation is dependent on all shop users wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and maintaining physical distancing.

The Fabrication Shops are supported primarily by College of Design collegiate fees, access is limited to work directly related to College of Design courses and research activities.

3D printing, CNC routing and self-service laser cutting are available to all University areas with associated fees; however, College of Design coursework and research always has priority access.

Appointment Scheduling

Students may schedule appointments for completion of College of Design academic work in our facilities by following the links. If you are experiencing any COVID symptoms, please cancel your appointment and stay home.

Rapson 139
The Wood Shop

Rapson 127
The Metal Shop

Rapson Courtyard
Making Space: The Bowl

Digital Fabrication Service Bureau & Materials Store

Digital fabrication resources are provided as a service bureau. Instead of coming into Rapson to laser cut, rout, and 3D print, students can submit work requests to be processed by staff. Students can pick their completed orders at the Materials Store (Rapson 129) or the McNeal Laser Lab (rm 334A, laser cut orders only) or arrange with staff to ship them (allow for extra time).

Students will be expected to submit properly prepared files (see templates and guides on the right sidebar) and plan ahead! Our demand will fluctuate, and projects that are designed last minute may not be fabricated in time. Please respond promptly to our questions about your work requests to ensure the process goes smoothly. Please do not come to our facilities until you've received an email that your order is ready.

Submit requests here.

Rapson Pick-Up Hours

Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Friday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Saturday: 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Sunday: 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

Making at Home

Here are some recommended tools for making projects at home. This list is certainly not exhaustive, so please let us know your favorite tools, and we’ll add them!

We can help you even if you’re not in the shop. If you’d like a virtual consultation with one of our technicians, please email designfab@umn.edu.

Contact Us

139 Rapson Hall | designfab@umn.edu | 612.624.9093

Staff

Molly Sanford, Fabrication Shop Director

Justin Kindelspire, Digital Fabrication Specialist

Annie Henly, Fabrication Technician

Austin Kedrowski, Fabrication Technician

Ben Herda, Fabrication Technician

Greg Flanagan, Fabrication Technician

How can we do better? Submit your feedback. (feedback is anonymous)

CURRENT EQUIPMENT
7)ULS 18" x 32" 150 watt Co2 laser cutting systems Acad to Laser Rhino to Laser Illustrator to Laser	6 at 129 Rapson 1 at 334A McNeal $.20/minute for academic work non-academic work is not permitted $10 GopherGOLD account balance required
3)Dimension SST1200es FDM printers 3D Print Request Form	10"x10"x12" build envelope ABS+ plastic 5 monochrome colors .010" and .013" layer resolution $5.00/cuin CDES academic work $5.00/cuin + $.69/min staff time for non-CDES academic work
1)Stratasys Fortus 250MC FDM printer 3D Print Request Form	10"x10"x12" build envelope ABS+ plastic 5 monochrome colors .007", .010" and .013" layer resolution $5.00/cuin CDES academic work $5.00/cuin + $.69/min staff time for non-CDES academic work
CAMaster CR408ATC CNC router	48" x 96"x 12"* capacity 12" x 96" rotary axis RhinoCam used to make toolpaths z capacity determined by part geometry $.20/min CDES academic work $62.40/hr non-CDES academic work
CAMaster CR404ATC CNC router	48" x 48"x 12"* capacity 12" x 96" rotary axis RhinoCam used to make toolpaths z capacity determined by part geometry $.20/min CDES academic work $62.40/hr non-CDES academic work
ShopSabre SideKick4 CNC plasma cutter	50" x 53" cuts mild steel up to 1/2" thick RhinoCam used to make toolpaths $5.00/15 minutes CDES academic work $100/hr non-CDES academic work