Maker Space

Abuse and failure to follow the Maker Space rules detailed below will result in loss of access to the space and will be reported to supervisors and Caltech security.

• Card access to the space is given to trained and authorized personnel only.
• Trained and authorized personnel may escort untrained persons into the space and are responsible for assuring these persons do not touch or utilize any tools, adhere to all space rules, and remain safe (e.g., away from others using tools, etc).
• Normal operating hours are between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM on Mondays through Fridays. After-hours use requires a buddy system. Caltech student and postdoc use of the space after hours will require RSI staff approval. Any mill or lathe use requires two trained personnel to be present.
• All personnel must have received an orientation for the machine tools they would like to use. The orientation is not a tool training, but a familiarization and check regarding user's proficiency. Personnel not showing aptitude with a tool for which they have claimed proficiency may be required to take additional training prior to tool use.
• Any Caltech students, postdocs, faculty, and staff must complete ME 13/113 prior to requesting access and to using any machine tools in the maker space. JPL staff must have received training on similar equipment at JPL and have a signature from their group supervisor attesting to such.
• Any Caltech students, postdocs, faculty, and staff must complete ME23/123 prior to requesting access to and using the mill or lathe machines. JPL staff must have received training on similar equipment at JPL and have a signature from their group supervisor attesting to such.
• Any Caltech students, postdocs, faculty, and staff who want to use the Bambu 3D printers must register with the TechLab for the 3D printer orientation and complete it prior to requesting access and to using 3D printers. JPL staff must have received training on similar equipment at JPL and have a signature from their group supervisor attesting to such.
• Access priority will be given to current projects housed within the Resnick Center.
• Equipment is currently available on a first-come, first-use basis. Any long-term use of any of the tools requires a review and reservations with RSI staff. RSI will be implementing a web-based scheduling tool to assist users with scheduling their time.
• No tools or equipment can be removed from the lab. If any of the items go missing, the user's PTA will be charged for replacing it.
• If any tooling or machinery is damaged by improper use, the user's PTA will be charged for replacing it.
• If any tooling is damaged with regular use (e.g., drill bits), this should be reported to RSI staff or else the user's PTA will be charged for replacing it.
• After use, all tools must be returned to the original storage spaces and machine equipment cleaned and ready for the next user.
• All housekeeping rules and guidelines must always be followed.
• Central benchtop spaces may be used for the day on a first-come, first-serve basis (one benchtop per user) and must be cleaned off when the user leaves the space for the day. Central benchtops are not for long-term use.
• Projects can request a temporary storage space in the lab. All temporary storage space must be cleared out and cleaned after use.
• At this time, there will be no charge for tool and equipment use, but this may change at a later date.

Users of Maker Space will have access to hand tools, manual and automated equipment, including:

• Carvera Desktop CNC Machine
• Tormach PCNC 440
• Wazer Pro Waterjet Cutter
• Grizzly 14 in. 12-Speed Benchtop Drill Press
• Bambu Lab 3D Printers
• Whizoo Ready-to-Run Reflow Oven
• Cole-Parmer Programmable Vacuum Oven