IDEAS Lab
The IDEAS Lab is the creative and technical heart of the College of Design and Engineering Studies. This hands-on makerspace empowers students to bring ideas to life, bridging art, science, and engineering through fabrication, prototyping, and experimentation.
About the IDEAS Lab
Completed in Fall 2019, the IDEAS Lab was designed as a resource to support IDEAS-related classes and student research. In Fall 2021, the lab opened its doors to the wider Wesleyan community, offering opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to engage in hands-on making and interdisciplinary design. Located in the basement of Exley Science Center, the IDEAS Lab features a wide range of fabrication tools, from 3D printers and laser cutters to CNC routers and a precision waterjet cutter. Most weekdays and evenings are reserved for class use, while community makers are welcome on Fridays and Saturdays. Training sessions and workshops are held throughout the semester, helping users build confidence with the tools and equipment available in the space.
Equipment Overview
The IDEAS Lab supports a wide range of design and fabrication projects. In addition to a full complement of hand and power tools, the lab includes the following specialized equipment:
- (2) Epilog Helix Laser Engravers — Bed size 24”x18” (75W and 80W).
- Cuts medium-density materials such as acrylic, wood, paper, and cardboard.
- Engraves glass, stone, anodized aluminum, and painted steel.
- (6) Ultimaker 3 Printers — Extended build platform (8.5”x8.5”x11.8”).
Works best with PLA and TPU filaments. - (1) FlashForge Creator MAX — Dual extrusion (9.1"x5.9"x5.9"), reserved for ABS prints.
- ProtoMAX Waterjet Cutter — Cuts dense materials like steel, aluminum, tile, carbon fiber, and brass.
- Axiom Precision CNC Router — For thicker, medium-density materials like wood, plastic, and acrylic.
- Tormach PCNC 1100 Mill — Four-axis mill for high-density materials like steel, aluminum, and titanium.
- Wabeco F1200 Manual Mill — Precision manual 3-axis mill with adjustable spindle speeds.
- Formech 450DT Vacuum Former — Creates relief molds from solid objects (forming area 11”x17”).
- Grizzly G8688 Mini Metal Lathe — Compact lathe for precise turning of small metal components.
- (2) Singer 4452 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machines — Suitable for fabric, denim, and lighter grades of leather.
- Roland GS-24 CAMM-1 Vinyl Cutter — For contour cutting adhesive vinyl, films, and heat transfer materials.
Resources and Safety
Students using the IDEAS Lab are expected to complete safety training and follow lab protocols. Training and workshops are announced throughout each semester.
Lab Schedule and Hours
Open Hours for IDEAS Students
Mondays (5 p.m.–11:45 p.m.)
Tuesdays (6 p.m.–10 p.m.)
Wednesdays (5 p.m.–11:45 p.m.)
Open Hours for Badged Users
Thursdays (6 p.m.–10 p.m.)
Fridays (1 p.m.–5 p.m.)
Sundays (2 p.m.–11:45 p.m.)
If you would like to learn more about becoming a badged user, please contact Ben Parker at bdparker@wesleyan.edu for additional information and next steps.
