Makerspace

ABOUT THE MAKERSPACE

The Sunway Innovation Labs (iLabs) Makerspace aims to support and foster Sunway University’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through self-initiated and collaborative learning that provides hands-on experiences.

At the iLabs Makerspace, the university’s community of different backgrounds are able to explore their interests, create ideas, and develop prototypes. This enables the university community to test the functionality and effects of their creations on end users. This in turn provides students with market insights which helps to plan their subsequent go-to-market strategies.

While it can be a challenge to develop a vision of a smart city, it is an even bigger challenge to actually transform a city into a smart and sustainable city. Here at the iLabs Makerspace, we are inspired to innovate and develop solutions that ensure good quality of life, for now and for the future. We are not approaching this alone, though. We partnered with industry players to provide the access and resources that students need to create innovative solutions and solve real-world problems.

Opening Hours

The iLabs Makerspace is open from 10:00am – 9.00pm, from Monday to Friday (except public holidays):

• 10:00am to 6.00pm for all members of University Community
• 6:00pm to 9.00pm – exclusively for Maker Wizards only

The Makerspace closes at 9.00 pm every weekday.

Maker Wizards

The iLabs Makerspace is run by a Makerspace Co-ordinator and Maker Wizards. Maker Wizards are trained and certified student volunteers who have undergone the necessary equipment & safety training. These Maker Wizards will provide user supervision for three (3) hours per week, in exchange for Maker Wizard status. In return for volunteering in the iLabs Makerspace, Maker Wizards will have unrestricted access (10am to 9pm) to the iLabs Makerspace, where an access card will be issued to Wizards to enter the iLabs Makerspace after 6pm.

The duties of the Maker Wizards include:

• To work in partnership or facilitate students with prototyping and building projects
• To ensure all equipments are functioning
• To ensure the Makerspace is clean and tidy at all times
• To switch off all lights and to ensure all tools and other materials are placed properly before leaving the premise
• To assist in organising Makerspace events (such as Hackathons, talks and student competitions)
• To run workshops, as part of the knowledge sharing initiatives among the Sunway University community
• To market iLabs Makerspace events to the Sunway University community
• To market internship opportunities to students

Rules & Regulations

Access

• iLabs Makerspace is open to all University community members (e.g. staff members or students), with valid identification, between 10:00am to 6:00pm.
• iLabs Makerspace is open to only Maker Wizards, between 6:00pm and 9.00pm; all Maker Wizards are required to enter the Makerspace with an access card, as well as, to wear the Blue “Wizard Shirt”, for identification purpose by the University authorities.
• It is compulsory for first time users to register themselves via the Makerspace website. They must read and understand the rules and regulations of Makerspace by signing an e-form stating that they will comply with the rules and they are financially responsible for any misuse or damage to Makerspace tools and equipment.

Building a Project

• It is compulsory for all users to complete an e-application form, to provide details to iLabs regarding their project objective, scope and materials or tools required.
• iLabs or the Makerspace Coordinator will assess the possible risks of all new activities and existing activities with new materials.
• All projects must be approved by iLabs or the Makerspace Coordinator, before implementation at the Makerspace.
• Project materials will be provided by Makerspace Coordinator or Maker Wizards to all users, based on information stated on the e-application form.
• Users are not allowed to bring home the materials provided, unless approval is obtained from iLabs. Works in progress should be kept at the Makerspace, on the display shelf.

Equipment Reservation

• Users may reserve the 3D printers via iZone (for students) or Vine (for staffs).

Equipment and Tool

• All equipment must remain within the dedicated area.
• All hand tools must remain within the work stations at all times.
• All users are responsible for putting the tools back to its storage area after use.

3D printing

• All users are required to complete a 3D printing training course, prior to operating the 3D printers; the training will be provided by Makerspace periodically; only trained users are allowed to handle the 3D printers.
• Standard operating procedures must be observed when using the 3D printers.
• Do not touch the build plate and nozzle.
• Keep hands and loose clothing away from the 3D printers when in operation.
• Be careful when removing parts from build plate.
• Do not operate or touch the 3D printer when it is printing someone else’s object.
• Report to Makerspace coordinator or Maker Wizards for any equipment failures.

Soldering

• All users are required to complete a soldering training course; only trained users are allowed to handle the soldering tools.
• Standard operating procedures must be observed for all soldering works.
• All soldering works are to be performed at dedicated soldering station.
• Ensure extractor is operating to remove fumes.
• Beware of hot components.
• Wear safety glasses and/or masks, if needed.

Health and Safety

• Shoes must be worn all times.
• Long hair must be tied back to avoid entanglement.
• Masks will be provided, if needed, for soldering work.
• For use of any tool with sharp, exposed edges or for working with material with sharp, exposed edges, use of gloves is required. Safety glasses and gloves are available from the tool cabinets.
• No headphones/earphones can be worn at the electro lounge, soldering station and 3D printing station.
• If there is a risk of contamination e.g. skin/eye infection, please use antibacterial wipes to clean glasses before returning them.
• Users are not allowed to use Makerspace if they are feeling unwell.
• A first aid kit is provided – use gloves where necessary to avoid exposure to bodily fluids.
• In the events of an emergency, please use the phone provided to call the University Security Hotline at 03-74918777

Disconnection of Electricity Supply

• In the events of electricity supply interruption, please use the phone provided to call the University Facilities Hotline at 03-74918622

Housekeeping

• No food or drinks are permitted in the area of the Makerspace, but keep hydrated. Bottled drinks can be consumed in the rest area. Seating area outside can be used for consuming food and drink
• The Makerspace must be kept neat, clean and safe at all times
• Lights should be off by the Maker Wizards, before closing the Makerspace at 9.00pm
• The Makerspace is not responsible for any lost or stolen item; thus users should keep their belonging with them at all times

Usage of Internet, Software and Computers

• The Makerspace is not responsible for damage to personal computers, nor for the loss of data or information, nor for liability that occurs from the use of the Makerspace’s internet connection, software, or computers
• All users must save their work on their personal external memory source, such as external hard drive
• In the event of internet connectivity interruption, please inform iLabs or Makerspace Coordinator

Prohibition

• Any objects that are unsafe, harmful and threatening are not allowed to be built at the Makerspace. These include creation of weapons, pornography, and other illegal items

Violation of the rules and regulations may result in disciplinary action, such as sanctions.

E-FORMS

To access the makerspace for the first time, please fill out the Makerspace First-time Registration Form:

Makerspace First-time Registration Form:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=6wgQBUDbSUKezp3z6MP1lHjxHUdYcThEkBnJzyMSc5FUQ1VEVktZNzE1Rjc1VFBRV0lMNk1ZMFFDRS4u

Are you keen to run the Makerspace and gain exclusive access during certain hours? If so, please fill out the Makerspace Wizard Registration Form:

Makerspace Wizard Registration Form:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=6wgQBUDbSUKezp3z6MP1lHjxHUdYcThEkBnJzyMSc5FUOVFGMjRBUVRIRFZQNk9GMTMzR05GNjZRVy4u

Do you have a project in mind, but require some tools and consumables to carry it out? If yes, please fill out the Project Request Form below:

Project Request Form:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=6wgQBUDbSUKezp3z6MP1lJVaBFdU80xPjXnF-TOumNVUMzJQS1pCRU5GSVVOWEs5STRBMzJaNzRIMC4u 

Tools & Equipment

3D printers

3D printing is an additive manufacturing technology that creates a physical object from a digital design. It is commonly used in rapid prototyping and small-scale manufacturing process. There are several associated with 3D printers includes but not limited to electrical/shock, electromechanical force, burns from molten materials, ultraviolet light (UV)/ laser beams, and to health hazards associated with inhalation of ultrafine and/or toxic smoke, fumes, dusts and chemical hazards. Therefore, only trained users are allowed to handle the 3D printers

Model: Ultimaker 3

User guide:
https://ultimaker.com/download/61355/Ultimaker%203%20manual%20%28EN%29.pdf

Specifications:
https://ultimaker.com/en/products/ultimaker-3/specifications

Also see:
https://ultimaker.com/en/resources/23120-starting-a-print

https://ultimaker.com/en/resources/tips-tricks/3d-prints

3D printing pens

The principle that makes 3D pens work is very simple. Heat is used to melt plastic. Just like the simple glue gun, plastic filament is pushed through a heating chamber where it is melted. The temperature varies depending on the materials used to make the filament. The melted filament is then pushed through the extruder nozzle. The pen user (sometimes called doodler) moves the pen to create different shapes and figures. The melted plastic cools down and solidifies quickly once outside the pen, making the shape of the extruded filament permanent.

3D pen plastics must be able to melt fast and solidify quickly when extruded. A handful of plastics meet these criteria. Among them are acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), poly lactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyamide (nylon), glass filled polyamide, polycarbonate (PC), and high density polyethylene(HDPE). The most popular by far are ABS and PLA plastics.

Model:
User guide:
Specifications:

Laser Cutter

Laser cutting is a technique that uses a focused laser beam to either etch patterns or cut through materials including wood, plastic, rubber, paper, or glass. Because of the small size of the focused laser beam and its CNC system, laser cutters can provide extremely accurate and precise cuts.

Images designed for the laser cutter can be created using any vector graphics software, such as Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, and even Microsoft Powerpoint. The image interpretation is rather simple, designated lines or paths are cut while everything else is etched into the material. Designating cut paths can differ from software to software, but generally any line which has a “hairline” width is cut (in Inkscape this is a line-width of 0.001″). It is often simplest to save your design as a .pdf file in order to print to the laser cutter.

Different cut and etch settings can optimize the performance of the laser cutter depending on the material being used.

Only trained users are allowed to handle the soldering tools.

Model: Hobby Series 20 x 12 CO2 Laser
User guide:
Specifications: https://fslaser.com/Product/Hobby

Soldering Station

Soldering involves a material called solder that melts when placed on a hot object; the melted solder cools and forms a bond between the electronic components, which allows them to be electrically joined and also held in place. Minimal heat will be generated from the soldering work and fume may be visible; wear safety glasses and masks, if needed.

The main soldering tools in this station are:

• Hakko 24W soldering iron
• Soldering stand
• Soldering lead
• De-soldering pump

Only trained users are allowed to handle the soldering tools.

Soldering Usage Guide:

Pre-soldering

1. Check general work area to ensure no slip/trip hazards are present.
2. Ensure bench top work area is clear.
3. Examine the power lead and soldering iron/heat gun for obvious damage, including tip damage.
4. Turn on fan prior to starting the soldering iron or heat gun.
5. Leave the soldering iron/heat gun in the stand when it is warming up.

During Soldering

1. Adjust the tip temperature to suit the required thermal transfer during soldering (nominally 340⁰C for tin/lead solder, 370⁰C for lead-free).
2. Place the soldering iron/heat gun back in the stand immediately following each use.
3. Avoid positioning your head directly over the soldering process. Soldering creates flux fumes that can irritate the lungs and eyes, and may cause sensitization.
4. Clean the hot tip with either the brass coil or a damp sponge before tinning.
5. “Tin” the tip by placing some solder onto the iron. This allows for more thermal conductivity with the conductor you are about to solder.
6. When trimming leads, contain the lead with a finger to prevent the cut lead becoming a projectile.
7. Press the hot iron against the joint between the two conductors you wish to solder. Be careful the tip does not also touch nearby components so as not to heat them up.
8. Feed solder into the heated joint.
9. When using flux or solder paste, always clean the work piece upon completion to remove residue.
10. Allow all tools and work pieces to cool down before handling or storing.

After Soldering

1. Ensure that the soldering iron tip is well tinned before switching off the soldering iron.
2. Switch off, unplug, and allow the soldering iron/heat gun to cool down before storing.
3. Leave work bench in a safe, clean and tidy state.
4. When using solder containing lead wash hands after completion.

Electro Lounge

The electro lounge is composed of various electrical components and tools, among them are:

Arduino kits       

Arduino is an open source computer hardware and software company, project, and user community that designs and manufactures single-board microcontrollers and microcontroller kits for building digital devices and interactive objects that can sense and control objects in the physical and digital world.

Raspberry Pi (various models)

A Raspberry Pi is a credit card-sized computer originally designed for education, inspired by the 1981 BBC Micro. Creator Eben Upton’s goal was to create a low-cost device that would improve programming skills and hardware understanding at the pre-university level. But thanks to its small size and accessible price, it was quickly adopted by tinkerers, makers, and electronics enthusiasts for projects that require more than a basic microcontroller (such as Arduino devices).

The Raspberry Pi is slower than a modern laptop or desktop but is still a complete Linux computer and can provide all the expected abilities that implies, at a low-power consumption level.

Equipment Reservation

To best manage the demands for the high-level equipment, certain equipment in the makerspace have to be reserved in advance for use. These are:

1. 3D printers
2. Laser cutters

Students can book the equipment for use through iZone.

For Sunway University staff, please book the equipment through Vine -> E-Applications -> iLabs Makerspace Equipment Booking.

Maker Resources

Events / Workshops / Hackathons

Location & Contact us

PitchIN Crowdfunding Projects