MakerLab FAQs

  • Library of Things

    The mobile hotspots have a loan period of 10 days. After 3 days of being overdue, the mobile hotspot will be disconnected and a reconnection fee of $25 will be placed on a patron's account. This charge will be in addition to the $1 per day late fee.

    The majority of SDG Library of Things items have a borrowing period of 21 days, however there are some exceptions due to popularity (Mobile internet Hotspots have a loan period of 10 days). For more information, on the item you are looking to borrow, please view the description of the item in the catalogue, or ask Branch staff.

    No. Due to limited space and nature of the items, Library of Things items must be picked up and returned in person to one of our fifteen SDG Library Branches.

    If a patron borrows an item with multiple pieces, all pieces must be present at time of return. If a patron does not return with all the pieces, then they cannot return the item. The patron will need to wait to return the item until all components are together.

     

  • 3D Printing

    The MakerLab can support various 3D print file formats, however, STL files are preferred.

    PLA Prints (FDM):

    • Max build volume: 223 x 223 x 205 mm (Width x Depth x Height).
    • Print may be limited by a 4-hour time restriction.

    Resin Prints:

    • Max build volume: 153.36 x 77.76 x 165 mm (Length x Width x Height).
    • Print may be limited by a 4-hour time restriction.

    Content Restrictions
    The MakerLab is committed to responsible and respectful use of this service, and we will not be able to print:

    • Weapons or weapon components.
    • Inappropriate paraphernalia.
    • Any 3D print that goes against the Library’s code of conduct.
    • Designs that are too large or complex for the 3D printers (although we will try and work with you on alternative solutions if possible).

    All prints are subject to staff approval.

    Respecting Copyright
    Ask us to learn more about creative commons licensing formats including how attribution works.

    1. Create your own design or download an existing design from one of the suggested online resources.
    2. Download your design onto a USB stick or storage device.  The MakerLab can support various 3D print file formats, however, STL files are preferred.
    3. Contact the MakerLab to book an initial consultation where you will meet with a member of the MakerLab team to ensure your artwork meets all the requirements. 
    4. Staff will review the details of the job and provide you with a cost estimate.  Once you provide your approval and acknowledgement of the cost, we will print the object. Completed objects can be shipped to any SDG Library Branch for payment and pick up.

    The 3D printer is available for use at no cost.  The cost for 3D prints depends on the 3D printer filament used and weight of the final print.

    PLA Filament:

    • Standard colours: $0.10 per gram.
    • Specialty (e.g. silk, ombre, sparkle): $0.15 per gram.

    Resin:

    • $0.50 per gram.
    • Prices include any applicable taxes.
    • Any 3D print support structures are included in the cost.
    • Completed objects can be shipped to any SDG Library Branch for payment and pick up.  Payment is due on pick up.  We accept cash, credit or debit.

  • Button Maker

    You can print or download your button design onto a USB stick or storage device if choosing to print it at the MakerLab.

    To prevent damage to the button makers, all button components (the mylar cover, button shell, and pin back) must be purchased from the MakerLab to ensure compatibility.

    The MakerLab has button makers that can produce three (3) sizes of round buttons; 1”, 1.25”, 2.25”. 

    The cost per button includes all the components (except for the button design itself).  

    • 1” round: $0.50 per button.
    • 1.25” round: $0.50 per button.
    • 2.25” round: $1.00 per button.

    If you need to print templates or your finished button design, the MakerLab offers a printing service:

    • Black and white: $0.25 per page.
    • Colour: $1.00 per page.
    • Prices include any applicable taxes.
    • We accept cash, credit or debit.

    There are currently no limits on the number of buttons that can be made during your visit.  However, we do suggest if you are making a large quantity of buttons (over 50) please confirm with MakerLab staff at the time of booking to ensure we have enough supplies to cover your appointment. 

    Yes, it's recommended that you contact the MakerLab or use the online book form to schedule your visit to the MakerLab.  This is to ensure that equipment and supplies will be available.

  • Die Cut Machine

    Yes, it's recommended that you contact the MakerLab or use the online book form to schedule your visit to the MakerLab.  This is to ensure that equipment and supplies (if needed) will be available.

    The Ellison Prestige Pro die cutting machine can cut a variety of shapes, letters, and numbers.

    • Letters: 2” and 4” 
    • Numbers: 4” 
    • A wide variety of shapes including seasonal (pumpkin, snowman, sunglasses), animals, transport, and fantasy (castle, dragon, fairy).

    View our entire die cut catalogue.

    The die cut machine can cut through a wide assortment of materials including:

    • Aluminum
    • Balsa wood 
    • Cardstock 
    • Fabric 
    • Felt 
    • Foam 
    • Magnet sheets 
    • Paper 
    • Plastic 
    • Rubber 
    • Sandpaper 
    • Sponge 
    • Vinyl

    A die cut machine is a cutting tool used to cut shapes out of various materials.  It uses dies with sharp blades to cut out precise shapes when pressure is applied.  At the SDG Library, our die cut machine is manual and pressure is applied by pulling down the handle on the machine.  To see the die cut machine in action, view the video on the die cutting page in the MakerLab section.

  • Vinyl Cutting

    The MakerLab has a Cricut Maker 3.  The Cricut cuts, writes, scores, foils, engraves, and embosses and is compatible with Cricut Design Space software.  This craft cutter is often used to create cards, stickers, t-shirts, tote bags, wood signs, and home decor.

    The MakerLab offers the following types of materials for purchase (colours and availability may vary):

    • Permanent vinyl
    • Removable vinyl
    • Heat transfer vinyl
    • Cardstock

    We recommend confirming availability with MakerLab staff when booking your appointment, especially if you need a large quantity, a certain colour or a specialty vinyl. 

    The Cricut accepts JPEG, PNG, and SVG file formats. 

    All designs will be uploaded into the Library's Cricut Design Space account for cutting.  Uploaded files will be deleted once a project is completed.  Alternatively, patrons can create/use their own free Cricut Design Space account.

    The MakerLab offers the following types of materials for purchase (colours and availability may vary):

    • Permanent vinyl
    • Removable vinyl
    • Heat transfer vinyl
    • Cardstock

    Patrons are welcome to bring their own materials.  The Cricut Maker 3 can cut over 300 types of materials.  View the latest materials list on the Cricut site by clicking this link. Please confirm with MakerLab staff at the time of booking to ensure that your chosen material is suitable for use with the Cricut.

    For a successful result, it is important to have a good quality image that meets the design requirements for a vinyl cut.  If the image is small or blurry it will result in a rough edge which is difficult to cut and weed.  Craft cutters need simple silhouette type designs that have minimal colours. Lettering should be large and have thick lines.  Craft cutters cannot make a decal out of a full colour photograph. If you wish to use a photograph, the sublimation printer might be a better piece of equipment for your project. 

    Sublimation and vinyl transfer are both heat-transfer methods utilized for applying designs to fabrics, but each has distinct characteristics regarding application and material compatibility.  

    • Sublimation involves infusing ink directly into the fabric, resulting in durable, vibrant, and smooth designs that integrate seamlessly with the material. However, it is primarily suitable for polyester-based fabrics.  
    • Vinyl transfer offers greater versatility, being applicable to a wider range of fabrics, including those in darker colors. However, the vinyl layer may have a different texture and can be prone to cracking over time. 

    Yes it is recommended that you book an appointment to use the Cricut Maker 3 for vinyl cutting to ensure that supplies and equipment will be available.

  • Sublimation printing

    Sublimation printing in conjunction with a heat press is a technique that uses heat to transfer high quality, full colour images onto an item.  It works best on materials with a high polyester content or polyester coatings. Sublimation involves infusing ink directly into the fabric, resulting in durable, vibrant, and smooth designs that integrate seamlessly with the material.

    Sublimation printing works best on materials with a high polyester content or polyester coatings.

    • Polyester fabrics with a high percentage of polyester - 65/35 blends (especially white or light-coloured fabrics). 
    • Poly-coated hard surfaces such as mugs, mouse pads, and coasters. 

    Please note that sublimation printing does not work on dark materials. 

    When booking an appointment for sublimation printing, please confirm with MakerLab staff that your artwork and base material/blank is suitable for this type of project. 

    The sublimation printer accepts JPEG, PNG, and PDF file formats.  

    Create your design using design software or a website like Cricut Design Space.  If you would like to create your design during your MakerLab visit, simply proceed to booking your MakerLab appointment. 

    Patrons will need to bring their own base materials/blanks (i.e. tumblers, t-shirts, tote bags etc.) to customise for sublimation printing. When booking an appointment for sublimation printing, please confirm with MakerLab staff that your artwork and base material/blank is suitable for this type of project.

    Sublimation and vinyl transfer are both heat-transfer methods utilized for applying designs to fabrics, but each has distinct characteristics regarding application and material compatibility.  

    • Sublimation involves infusing ink directly into the fabric, resulting in durable, vibrant, and smooth designs that integrate seamlessly with the material. However, it is primarily suitable for polyester-based fabrics.  
    • Vinyl transfer offers greater versatility, being applicable to a wider range of fabrics, including those in darker colors. However, the vinyl layer may have a different texture and can be prone to cracking over time. 

    Yes. It's recommended that you contact the MakerLab or use the online book form to schedule your visit to the MakerLab to use the sublimation printer.  

  • Laser Engraving

    The MakerLab has a Dremel Digilab LC40 laser engraver and cutter. It is capable of engraving, cutting, scoring, and grayscale imaging on a variety of hard and soft materials.  As a desktop unit, it combines high-quality hardware with advanced software to facilitate precise and clean results.

    The maximum dimensions that the machine can process:

    • Engraving area: 18.4” x 12”
    • Cutting area: 20” x 12”
    • Engraving height: 1.25”
    • Cutting height: 0.25" (depending on material)

    The Dremel Digilab LC40 laser engraver and cutter uses a web-based Dremel Digilab software suite. This software is accessed through a web browser on any computer connected to the same network as the laser engraver and cutter.  The software allows users to import, modify, and prepare designs for engraving, cutting, or scoring.

    Patrons are permitted to bring materials to use from the acceptable materials list (link below).  Alternatively, the MakerLab has acrylic or balsa wood panels available for purchase.  If you do bring your own materials, please be prepared to show purchase/material information so that MakerLab staff can confirm your material is safe to use.  All materials must be unfinished with no paints or stains.

    Click for the full list of acceptable and prohibited materials.

    Create your own vector design with Corel Draw or Adobe Illustrator or use a free design website such as Inkscape.  Alternatively, you can download royalty free or public domain images from the internet. The Dremel Digilab LC40 laser engraver and cutter can;

    • Cut images from vector (SVG and PDF) files. 
    • Engrave images from raster (PDF, JPG, and PNG) files.

    Yes, it's recommended that you contact the MakerLab or use the online book form to schedule your visit to the MakerLab.  

    The use of the equipment is free. If using materials supplied by the SDG Library there is a charge of:

    Acrylic Panel (12"x12") $10.00

    Balsa Wood Panel (12"x12") $5.00

    The MakerLab has limited stock of blank balsa wood pieces and clear acrylic. Unless you are participating is a program, it is recommended that you contact the MakerLab to confirm availability or bring your own. Please check with staff at the booking of your appointment for recommendations and to confirm your item is suitable for this equipment and the project you wish to complete

  • Heat Presses

    The MakerLab has two (2) heat press machines:

    • Cricut EasyPress 2
      The Cricut EasyPress 2 is a versatile heat press tool ideal for applying vinyl decals or sublimation prints onto items such as t-shirts, tote bags, and hats.
    • Cricut Mug Press
      The Cricut Mug Press creates customised mugs using the infusible ink markers or sublimation prints.  The finished mugs will be dishwasher safe.

    The heat press machines are available to use at no cost.  However, materials used in the production such as heat transfer vinyl and sublimation paper may be purchased from the MakerLab.  

    • Cricut heat transfer vinyl: $0.75 per linear inch. 
    • Sublimation printing paper (8.5" x 11"): $2.00 per page. 

    The MakerLab does not stock any base materials/blanks for purchase (i.e. tumblers, t-shirts, tote bags etc.).  When making your booking, please confirm with MakerLab staff that your base material/blank is suitable for use with the heat presses.

    View the full guide of heat transfer materials and suitable base materials on the Cricut site by clicking this link.

    If using the Cricut Mug Press, please ensure that mugs purchased are sublimation mugs that are either 12 ounces or 15 ounces with straight walls.  If you are unsure, please confirm with MakerLab staff when making your booking.

    Yes, it's recommended that you contact the MakerLab or use the online book form to schedule your visit to the MakerLab.  This is to ensure that equipment and supplies (if needed) will be available.

  • General

    If you are just visiting the MakerLab you are welcome to drop in without an appointment during open hours however, to use any of the equipment an appointment is needed to ensure that equipment and supplies (if needed) will be available.

    Yes, training will be provided on your first appointment for all relevant equipment.

    Yes, children under twelve (12) must be accompanied by a caregiver who is trained on the equipment.