Where the virtual becomes real

The Digilab is a place where people come for hands-on experience with digital fabrication technology. If you want to 3D print a model for metal casting, cut a woodblock for printmaking, etch a photo onto glass, or create wall text with the vinyl cutter, the Digilab is the place for you.

How to Use the Lab

Open Hours

During open hours, a student technician will be available to help you with the equipment. Anyone in the Art Department can use the lab during open lab hours. No appointment needed, just drop by! The Digilab is located in Wey Hall #313.

Hours for Fall 2026

  • Sunday: 1:00-7:00pm
  • Monday: 6:00-9:00pm
  • Tuesday: 6:00-9:00pm
  • Wednesday: 6:30-9:30pm
  • Thursday: 6:00-9:00pm

Classes

Classes are also welcome to use the lab. Email the lab manager Andrew Bailey Arend at arendab@appstate.edu to schedule a tour, a demonstration, or help with planning a class project.

Independent Access

If you are experienced and looking for independent access to the lab, you may follow the brief training program for the equipment you need, and once you have passed, you will have access to the equipment you trained on whenever East Hall is open. Please schedule your time by making an event on the Digilab calendar and title it with the machine you are using, so others can see when the equipment is available (i.e. Bailey Laser 2).

Training

Laser

In order to gain independent access to the Laser cutter outside of open lab hours, you must follow these steps:

  1. Use the laser cutter with supervision several times during open lab hours or in class.
  2. Take the Bosslaser Training Quiz
  3. Meet with the lab manager for a test session where you demonstrate competence with the laser. If you have trouble, you can schedule an additional session. If you pass, you will get the keycode for the laser and be able to use it whenever East Hall is open. Classes and open lab hours take precedence over individual sessions, so be sure to schedule your work sessions on the laser calendar.

Lab Equipment

  • Laser Cutter - Bosslaser Boss LS 2436 (80W)
  • Laser Cutter #2 - Bosslaser Boss LS 2440 (105W)
  • Shopbot CNC PRS-1 Alpha 4’ x 8’ with Rotary Indexer (expected to relaunch Spring 2026)
  • 3D Resin Printer - Formlabs Form 3
  • 3D Filament Printer - Bambu X1 Carbon #1
  • 3D Filament Printer - Bambu X1 Carbon #2
  • 3D Filament Printer - Bambu X1 Carbon with AMS System
  • 3D Printer Pen
  • Vinyl Cutter - 24” US Cutter MH 721- MK2

Materials

As a learning lab, the equipment is free to use, but each creator brings their own supplies.

A list of recommended materials for each machine can be found here:

Vinyl Cutter

3D Printer Filament

  • Bambu 3D Printer Filament - For use in the high speed Bambu printers. PLA is the standard material, though other materials are possible on the Bambu printers. Bambu PLA filament can also be used on traditional 3D filament printers.

3D Printer Resin (Form 3 only)

  • Formlabs Resin - Please consult with the lab manager before purchasing resin. Many materials and applications are possible!

Laser Cutting Materials

Lab Manager

Contact the lab manager with any further questions: Andrew Bailey Arend, arendab@appstate.edu

Sterling silver and glass chalice-style vase with a leafy silver base and support.

Lilith Nielander
Hand interacting with an abstract, cut-paper art piece featuring layered organic shapes in black, white, and green with text elements such as “Rota’s Feather Moss” and “the language of the earth.” Several patterned cutouts are scattered on a white surface.

Annie Fairey
A graphic design professor gestures toward a projected screen displaying four poster designs for “Team Sunergy.” A student in the foreground observes the presentation.
A close-up of an open sketchbook showing colorful handwritten notes and checklists under the bold, crayon-like heading “Structures Final Project.” The pages include various bullet points, diagrams, and sketches, with a glowing purple computer screen blurred in the background.