---
description: >-
  A satellite space for prototyping in the Advanced Manufacturing & Design
  Centre (AMDC 504).
---

# MiniLAB

The MiniLAB is a studio class space, with laser cutters and hot wire cutters available for use **in class**.

## Epilog Laser Cutters

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="About" %}
<figure><img src="https://3468160604-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FEmJwYrw75bH5cy67oEIs%2Fuploads%2F7NGvPHCHklTFqsXCDu0D%2FEquip_Epilog.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=940acee5-09a2-49c0-9017-1d85823689f7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **Our Machines**

* Epilog Fusion, 2x
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Materials" %}
**Offcuts** and **cardboard sheets** are freely available.

For access to **other materials**, show your design files to a technician to discuss material options and determine the best material for your purpose.

| Material               | Thicknesses       | Max Sheet Size (mm) |
| ---------------------- | ----------------- | ------------------- |
| Cardboard (Corrugated) | 2mm               | 900 x 600           |
| Cardboard (White)      | 0.5mm, 1mm, 2.5mm | 1050 x 700          |
| Cardboard (Grey)       | 1mm, 2.5mm        | 1020 x 700          |
| Polypropylene          | 0.6mm             | 900 x 665           |
| Plywood (Interior)     | 3mm, 5mm, 9mm     | 900 x 600           |
| Acrylic (Clear)        | 2mm, 3mm          | 900 x 600           |
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="File Preparation" %}
File Type: Adobe Illustrator **.ai**

Units: **mm**

Colour Mode: **RGB**

* Cut Lines:&#x20;
  * Stroke Weight **0.01mm**
  * Stroke Colour <mark style="color:red;">**R 255 G 0 B 0**</mark>
* Etch Lines
  * Stroke Weight **0.01mm**
  * Stroke Colour <mark style="color:blue;">**R 0 G 0 B 255**</mark>
* NO Etch Fill

Ensure:

* NO Clipping Masks
* NO Swatch Patterns
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Access" %}
#### <mark style="background-color:purple;">INDUCTION REQUIRED</mark>

#### The Induction Process

1. Watch the video series (20 minutes total) introducing the Safe Operating Procedure for the **Epilog** laser cutters, then pass the associated online quiz.
2. Pass the in-person exam (duration: 45 minutes). In-person exams on the **Epilog** laser cutters are conducted in class.

Once you have passed the in-person exam, you may use the **Epilog** laser cutters in the MiniLAB during class.

{% hint style="info" %}
Start [here](https://swinburne.instructure.com/courses/36937/pages/laser-cutter-training-video-series-epilog?module_item_id=4138469)
{% endhint %}

_The online modules must be **repeated yearly** to maintain your inducted status._
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Hot Wire Foam Cutters

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="About" %}
<figure><img src="https://3468160604-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FEmJwYrw75bH5cy67oEIs%2Fuploads%2FajdDTvgK4eNWcqS4JoUU%2FEquip_Foam.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=633cec46-9f9b-41d0-a4cf-03e1563725a8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

A resistive wire is heated to the melting point of blue foam. The foam must be fed at the rate at which it melts. A template is needed to produce smooth, accurate cuts.

#### **Our Machines**

* Ironcore Transformers P/L H43 T1/1579, 3x
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Access" %}
#### <mark style="background-color:purple;">INDUCTION REQUIRED</mark>

#### The Induction Process

1. Watch the videos (20 minutes total) showing the Safe Operating Procedure for the hot wire foam cutters, then pass the associated online quiz.
2. Pass the in-person exam (duration: 45 minutes). In-person exams on the MiniLAB hot wire foam cutters are conducted in class.

Once you pass the practical exam, you will be able to use the MiniLAB hot wire foam cutters during class.

{% hint style="info" %}
Start [here](https://swinburne.instructure.com/courses/36937/pages/blue-foam-+-hot-wire-training-video-series?module_item_id=2341593)
{% endhint %}

_The online modules must be **repeated yearly** to maintain your inducted status._
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
