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School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
A Student exploring virtual reality in Sensorium, the Centre for Digital Arts and Technology, with bold text highlighting its focus.

Welcome to

the AMPD Makerspace!

AMPD Makerspace

About Makerspace

The AMPD Makerspace is your go-to space for creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning. Whether you’re an artist, engineer, designer, or just someone who loves to build, we’re here to help bring your ideas to life! Our space is packed with digital fabrication tools and resources, making it easier than ever to prototype, experiment, and collaborate with fellow makers.

On this page

Makerspace Hours

  • Monday: 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Thursday: 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Friday: 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
The image showcases Sensorium's research network, highlighting its collaborative nature and the use of advanced technologies.

Makerspace FAQ

If you're a York University student, employee, or faculty member, you're welcome here! Whether you're working on a class project or creating something just for fun, our space is open to you.

Our makerspace is designed to help you explore digital fabrication beyond the classroom, primarily through hands-on projects. We encourage you to learn how to use the machines yourself, and gain a deeper understanding of their mechanics and limitations. however, if you're not comfortable using a machine yourself, you may ask a staff member to help you with an operation.

Nope! No need to book in advance—just drop by during open hours and get started. All we ask is that you sign in when you arrive.

For most projects, yes—you’ll need to bring your own materials. The only exceptions are resin and 3D printing, which we provide. For everything else, it’s bring your own materials (BYOM).

Using the space for studying, working with hand tools, or general tinkering? Totally free! But if you need to use machines, here’s what to expect:

Personal Projects

  • $5 flat fee for access to all machines.
  • Want us to handle a 3D print for you? $10 + material cost.
  • Bringing your own filament or material? Great! That can help lower costs.
  • $5 flat fee and materials are covered by your course fees.
  • If you need us to operate the machines for you (e.g., printing or cutting), there’s an additional $10 fee.

Anything required for a graded or essential part of your course. If you’re unsure, check with your professor before making a request.

All payments go through your Flex Account—no cash, no hassle.

Possibly! If we have the space, we’re happy to store work-in-progress projects. Just ask a staff member before leaving anything behind.

Yes! After a few supervised runs, you’ll be encouraged to operate the equipment on your own. Our goal is to make sure you gain hands-on experience with the most commonly used digital fabrication tools today.

We have some safety gear available, but if you have your own, we recommend bringing it.

Absolutely! As long as it’s appropriate and follows YorkU’s policies, you’re welcome to work on whatever interests you. Just drop in and start making!

  • Want to do it yourself? We’ll show you how to use the machines during open hours.
  • Prefer us to print it for you? Send us your file, and we’ll take care of the rest (for the applicable fee).

Still Have Questions?


Come by during open hours—we’re happy to help!

Currently located in GCFA 164A

Contact email: ekhaled@yorku.ca

Follow us on Instagram: @ampdmakerspace

The image showcases Sensorium's diverse community, highlighting their collaborative research efforts.

Laser Cutter

A laser cutter/engraver uses a high-powered laser to cut through materials or engrave designs onto surfaces. It’s a versatile tool capable of everything from delicate engravings to cutting thick materials like wood and acrylic.

The possibilities are endless! Here are some common uses:

  • Cutting: Create precise shapes from wood, acrylic, cardboard, or fabric.
  • Engraving: Add detailed designs, text, or images to wood, glass, leather, anodized metal, and more.
  • Projects: Custom signs, jewelry, stencils, puzzles, phone cases—the list goes on!

Approved Materials:

  • Wood, acrylic, cardboard, paper, fabric, leather, glass, and most organic materials.

Dangerous Materials:

  • PVC, vinyl, polycarbonate, or any material containing chlorine (these release toxic fumes when lasered).
  • If you're unsure about a material, ask staff before cutting!

Not necessarily! You can create your own designs using software like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or Inkscape, or download free/paid designs from sites like Thingiverse or Etsy.

  • Cutting: Vector files (.SVG, .AI, .DXF) with no fill and a black stroke set to 0.001 pt.
  • Engraving: Both vector and raster images work, but black-and-white images are required. The laser adjusts power based on darkness—solid black = full power, white = no power.
  • This means that higher contrast images will appear the clearest
  1. Create or find a design – If you’re using a downloaded file, it may need slight adjustments.
  2. Prepare your file – Ensure it meets the formatting requirements for cutting or engraving.
  3. Bring your file and material to the Makerspace – If you're unsure, ask for help!
  • Flat rate: $5 per session (bring your own material).
  • Staff may have scrap material for testing, but we do not provide materials for full projects.

Absolutely! We’re happy to help with design advice, file preparation, and troubleshooting. Just ask!

Safety Considerations

  • Supervision required: First-time users must monitor the laser during operation.
  • Ventilation: While adequate, let staff know if you have asthma or respiratory concerns.
  • Handling materials: The laser burns and vaporizes materials—be cautious when handling processed items, especially plastics, as burnt residue may be harmful.
The image showcases Sensorium's research network, highlighting its collaborative nature and the use of advanced technologies.

3D printing

FDM 3D printing, or Fused Deposition Modeling, is a popular and accessible method for creating three-dimensional objects from a digital file. This process works by slicing the 3D design into thin layers and then sequentially extruding melted filament to build up the final product layer by layer.

Unlike subtractive manufacturing methods like CNC machining or laser cutting, which remove material from a solid block, FDM is an additive manufacturing process, meaning it builds objects by adding material. This allows for highly complex and intricate designs that would be difficult or impossible to achieve through traditional methods.

FDM excels in a variety of applications, including:

  • functional prototypes
  • spare parts
  • cosplay props
  • art pieces
  • customized tools
  • decorative models
  • and even some furniture pieces

It is widely used for rapid prototyping due to its affordability, ease of use, and accessibility. While FDM may not produce the ultra-fine details of SLA resin printing, it strikes a balance between cost, versatility, and efficiency. The possibilities are endless With 3D Printing. If you can design it (or find a design online), you can likely print it!

Not at all! While knowing how to design 3D models (using software like Fusion 360, Tinkercad, or Blender) is helpful, there are thousands of free pre-made designs available on websites like Thingiverse, Thangs, or Printables. You can send these in and get them printed just the same.

Printing time depends on the size and complexity of your object. Small prints can take 30 minutes, while larger or more detailed prints can take several hours or even days.

Costs vary depending on the material used and the amount of filament required. In the Maker Space, we charge based on material weight, making it very affordable for students—usually just a few dollars per print.

Almost! We encourage creativity, but there are a few guidelines: - Prints must comply with university policies (no weapons, offensive content, etc.). - Large prints may require approval to ensure fair access for all students—academic uses of the printers are given priority. - Our maximum print size is 250 x 210 x 210 mm (9.84 x 8.26 x 8.26 in). If your object is larger, you may need to separate it into parts and assemble it afterward.

Send or bring an STL file (preferred, but we can accept other formats) along with a brief description of what the object is, its intended use, and its height.

Absolutely! We provide assistance with design advice, slicing settings, and troubleshooting issues. Don’t hesitate to ask—we love seeing students bring their ideas to life!

Safety Considerations

3D printing is generally safe, but there are some important considerations: - Food Safety: Some materials, like PETG and PLA, can be food-safe in their raw form, but the layer-by-layer printing process introduces tiny gaps where bacteria can grow. We do not recommend using 3D printed items for food or medical applications unless they are properly sealed. - Toxicity: While some plastics are considered safer than others, all 3D printing materials should be handled with care. When post-processing your prints, avoid inhaling plastic dust or fumes, especially if sanding, cutting, or melting the object. If a print burns, it can release harmful chemicals, so always work in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate protective gear.

PETG

A tough, impact-resistant thermoplastic with slight flexibility, ideal for functional parts requiring durability and some chemical resistance. - Best for: Strength, impact resistance, slight flexibility, outdoor use (moderate UV resistance), functional parts, temperature resistance. - Not great at: Bridging and overhangs (tends to string), high-precision detail.

ABS

A strong, high-temperature-resistant plastic commonly used for mechanical parts, known for its durability and ability to be acetone-smoothed. - Best for: High-temperature resistance, durability, mechanical parts, post-processing (acetone smoothing). - Not great at: Warping, inconsistent prints, UV resistance.

ASA

A UV-resistant alternative to ABS, excellent for outdoor applications requiring long-term weather resistance. - Best for: UV resistance, weatherproof parts, durability similar to ABS, outdoor applications. - Not great at: Warping, inconsistent prints.

TPU

A flexible, rubber-like material with excellent shock absorption, perfect for parts requiring elasticity and wear resistance. - Best for: Flexibility, shock absorption, rubber-like properties, wear-resistant parts, 3D-printed fabrics. - Not great at: High-speed printing, precision (can be difficult to print cleanly), rigid structural parts.

PLA

A biodegradable, easy-to-print thermoplastic that is beginner-friendly and great for aesthetic prints, but lacks high heat resistance. - Best for: Easy printing, low cost, high detail, aesthetic prints, prototyping, decorative items. - Not great at: Heat resistance (warps easily in heat), structural durability, long-term outdoor use.

PLA Silk

A variant of PLA with a glossy, silky finish that enhances visual appeal but tends to be more brittle than standard PLA. - Best for: Shiny, aesthetic prints, decorative models, smooth surface finish. - Not great at: Strength, layer adhesion (more brittle than standard PLA), mechanical parts.

PLA Glow in the Dark

An enhanced PLA filament containing phosphorescent additives, making it ideal for novelty prints. - Best for: Novelty prints, decorative items, unique effects. - Not great at: brittleness, long-term structural durability.

Clear PETG

A translucent PETG variation that retains strength and durability, allowing for greater light pass-through. Achieving optical clarity requires significant post-processing. - Best for: Transparency (though slightly frosted), strength, temperature resistance. - Not great at: Bridging and overhangs (tends to string), high-precision detail.

The image showcases Sensorium's diverse community, highlighting their collaborative research efforts.

Resin Printing

SLA (Stereolithography) printing is a 3D printing method that uses liquid resin and UV light to create highly detailed, smooth objects. It works by using a UV laser or screen to solidify layers of resin, building the object from the bottom up. The process results in unmatched precision, making it ideal for intricate designs like

  • miniatures - DnD, Warhammer, Etc.
  • Jewelry
  • Dental models

SLA prints have smooth surfaces and can be made from a variety of resins tailored for different applications, including durable, flexible, and high-temperature-resistant materials. However, SLA printing has some drawbacks. It typically has a smaller build volume than FDM (filament) printing, requires post-processing (washing and UV curing), and involves higher material costs. Resin can be messy and requires careful handling due to its toxicity and strong fumes.

While SLA printing offers extreme precision, larger objects can be prone to warping and distortion. Resin-based prints rely on UV curing, and uneven exposure or internal stresses can cause parts to deform over time, especially in sizable models. This can lead to misalignment, making SLA less suitable for large mechanical components or applications requiring high dimensional accuracy. Supports are necessary to prevent deformation, but they can also introduce additional post-processing challenges. For large-scale printing, alternative methods like FDM or industrial-grade SLA systems with controlled curing environments may be more reliable.

SLA printing excels when precision, fine detail, and smooth finishes are essential, making it a top choice for artists, engineers, and hobbyists. However, for larger, less intricate parts or cost-effective printing, FDM may be a better option. If you need professional-quality small prints, SLA is an excellent choice.

Not at all! While designing your own 3D models (using software like Fusion 360, ZBrush, or Blender) is helpful, there are thousands of free, pre-made designs available on sites like Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory, and Cults3D. You can submit these files for printing just as easily.

Resin printing is generally faster than FDM printing for small, detailed objects. Print times vary based on size and complexity, but most prints take between 2-6 hours. Larger or taller prints may take longer.

Resin printing is slightly more expensive than FDM printing due to the cost of resin and post-processing materials. However, we keep student costs low by charging based on the volume of resin used. Small prints typically cost around $20.

Almost! We encourage creativity, but there are a few guidelines: - Prints must comply with university policies (no weapons, offensive content, etc.). - Large prints may require approval to ensure fair access for all students—academic projects receive priority. - Our maximum print volume is 127×80×150 mm. If your object is larger, you may need to split it into parts and assemble it afterward.

To submit a print, send or bring in an STL file (preferred, but we accept other formats) along with a brief description of what the object is, its intended use, and its height.

Absolutely! We’re happy to assist with design advice, slicing settings, and troubleshooting issues. Don’t hesitate to ask—we love helping students bring their ideas to life!

Safety Considerations

Resin printing is safe when handled properly, but there are some important things to note: - Trapped Resin: If an object has hollow sections or enclosed cavities, uncured resin can become trapped inside. Over time, this can lead to cracking, warping, or leaking as the resin slowly cures and expands. - Toxicity of Cured Prints: Even after curing, resin prints may still have some residual toxicity. Avoid prolonged skin contact with printed objects, especially if they are used for food, drink, or skin-contact applications. Wash hands after handling prints and consider applying a protective coating for added safety.

What types of resin are available?

We offer several types of resin, including: - Standard Resin – Great for general-purpose printing. - Tough Resin – More durable and impact-resistant. - Flexible Resin – For bendable or rubber-like prints. - Specialty Resins – Advanced options like high-temperature or food-safe resins exist, but we don’t stock them. If your project requires a specific material, reach out to discuss options!