The USG Makerspaces are open to the entire USG community and provide a collaborative, hands-on environment where ideas become real-world prototypes. With a Fabrication Shop, 3D Lab, and two dedicated independent student workspaces, Project Pod and The Hangar, the Makerspaces offer the tools, space, and support needed to design, build, test, and refine projects from start to finish.
The USG Makerspaces are available to all current USG students, faculty, and staff, as well as faculty and staff from academic partner institutions offering approved services at the USG campus.
Whether developing a class assignment, advancing research, or exploring a new concept, users can move efficiently from early sketches to iterative prototypes and final assembly using both additive and subtractive manufacturing methods. A wide range of equipment, fabrication tools, and prototyping resources supports projects at every stage of development.
After completing the required safety training and an in person safety orientation, users may reserve lab time, request technical assistance as needed, and gain access to Project Pod and The Hangar.
USG Makerspaces provide access to equipment and fabrication tools; users are responsible for supplying the materials for their projects. All materials must be compatible with Makerspace equipment and approved for use.
Equipment Access and Training
- You may only access equipment you are trained and authorized to use.
- You must complete the General Safety Training and quiz, as well as an in-person safety orientation, before entering makerspace rooms or using any equipment.
- Individual equipment trainings are available on Canvas, followed by an in-person training session and, in some cases, a skills assessment.
- The USG Makerspaces operate on a tiered training structure based on risk, required skill, and operational complexity. Users are permitted to use only the equipment for which they have received training and been approved by the Fabrication Shop Manager.
- BLUE equipment may be accessed upon completion of the General Safety Training and quiz, and completion of an in-person safety orientation.
- GREEN equipment requires equipment-specific training and approval before independent use during open hours.
- RED equipment presents the highest level of risk and requires additional in-person training, successful completion of a machine proficiency test, and the presence of the Fabrication Shop Manager during operation.
Makerspace Laboratories
Fabrication Shop
The Fabrication Shop is the centerpiece of the USG Makerspaces, built to support USG partner programs that rely on specialized fabrication equipment. The Fab Shop offers a wide range of tools for cutting, shaping, and finishing parts, including a water jet, CNC router, mill, lathe, metal brake, CO2 laser engraver, thermal vacuum former, drill press, band saw, bench grinder, and a full set of hand tools.
Location: Building 4, Room G319
3D Lab
The 3D Lab is a dedicated space for building and testing electronics, including electrical component assembly, soldering, and circuit work. It also houses the Makerspace 3D printers, supporting rapid prototyping and print-ready parts for class projects and research. Students can use the 3D printers during open hours, or submit a print request through the Fab Shop Manager when they need help preparing files or scheduling a job. Students and programs must provide their own filament for 3D printing.
Location: Building 4, Room G323
Project Pod
The Project Pod is the smaller of the two independent student workspaces, offering student teams a dedicated place to meet, plan, and build while working on capstone projects and other coursework. The Pod is ideal for smaller projects and individual work. A selection of hand tools is available for use in the lab.
Access is limited to students actively enrolled in a USG program with a valid USG ID, and completion of a short orientation is required. To request access, contact the Fab Shop Manager.
The Pod is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The lab is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Location: Building 4, Room G327
The Hangar
The Hangar is the largest room in the Makerspace ecosystem, providing student teams with ample space to meet, plan, and build while working on capstone projects and other coursework. The lab supports collaborative and large scale projects, with a selection of hand tools available for use and 3D printing is available for prototyping and project development.
Access is limited to students actively enrolled in a USG program with a valid USG ID, and completion of a short orientation is required. To request access, contact the Fab Shop Manager.
The Hangar is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The lab is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Location: Building 4, Room G318