The Hybrid Making Lab serves as a college-wide resource, providing both students and faculty with access to fabrication equipment and a production space within a multidisciplinary setting. Open to all Westphal students and faculty, the lab is open to host individual classes and various college-wide workshops throughout the academic year, promoting interdisciplinary design, research, and teaching. 

Featuring a range of micro and small-scale tools tailored for model making and small-scale prototyping, the Hybrid Making Lab boasts three Universal Laser Cutters, CNC routers, and a variety of 3D printers. 

The Hybrid Lab has regular weekly hours during the school year. During the fall, winter, and spring term the Lab is open every day, while during the summer term the hours may differ. The Lab is general closed for the holidays and term breaks. Hours are posted outside of the Hybrid Making Lab. 

To utilize the Hybrid Making Lab, all students are required to attend an orientation session, covering the fundamental use of lab tools and the laser cutter. 

Laser Cutting Guidelines at the Hybrid Making Lab

For laser cutting guidelines, cutting file guidelines, and laser cutter materials, please refer to the provided PDF documents:

General Laser Cutting Guidelines [PDF]

Cutting File Guidelines [PDF]

Laser Cutter Materials [PDF]

3D Printing

File Requirements

All printers accept OBJ or STL files. 

Ensure that your files are volumetric and "watertight." 

The printers will not process single surfaces or lines/curves, as including such elements may result in rejection or failure of the print.

Printer details

Both printer types support surface details, with a general recommendation that file elements be no smaller than 1/8" thick. 

Thinner surfaces and members may print well but are prone to breakage during the cleaning process. 

MakerBot Replicator

Fuse 1