Do-It-Yourself

The Innovation Lab offers a variety of tools for in-house DIY use. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to use any of the listed materials without appointment whenever the Lab is open.

 

Art Supplies

We have the following materials available for use in-house: 

  • acrylic paint
  • glue
  • Mod Podge
  • paintbrushes
  • scissors (right- and left-handed)
  • scrap paper
 

Button Maker

The Innovation Lab has a simple machine that allows users to make circular 1″, 1.25″, and 2.25″ pinback buttons/badges with any hand-drawn or printed design. 

Cost per button kit (transparent film, shell, back cover): 
1″—$1 
1.25″—$1 
2.25″—$3 

Contact printing@albion.edu about bulk orders.

 

Comb Binder

This is a specialized hole punch designed to bind US Letter size documents using a round plastic spine. Our black combs cost $2 apiece.
 

Cricut

The Cricut Maker is a digital cutting machine that can cut many different shapes and designs for craft projects. Users can cut materials like vinyl, sticker paper, styrofoam, cardboard, felt, and fabric. 

Common Uses: making stickers, vinyl decals for computers, decals for a classroom timeline or poster project, and iron-ons for t-shirts and other fabric projects.*
*If planning to print stickers, please see the Sticker section for more information. 

Cost: 
Vinyl – $3 / ft of material to the nearest half foot (minimum $1) 
Sheets of material – $3 / sheet 

Software: Cricut Design Space 

Getting Started: Use the Cricut Design Space program to design an image and then come into the lab to work with an Innovation Lab employee. Users can also send their designs and images to printing@albion.edu for more information on how their item can be printed using the Cricut.

 

Drafting Tools

We have precision drafting tools to help you create technical drawings and trim posters: 

  • cutting mat
  • height-adjustable workstation
  • mechanical pencils
  • metal straight edges
  • X-acto blades
 

Laminator

The Innovation Lab features a small laminating machine that can accommodate sheets of paper up to 11×17″ in size. Anyone can come to the lab and laminate their items for a fee. 

Cost: 

  • 8.5”x11” – $0.50/page
  • 11” x 17” – $1.00/page
 

Tools

Our general tools include: 

  • calipers
  • digital scale
  • drills
  • glue gun
  • long-nose pliers
  • manual sanders
  • soldering kit
  • wire cutters
 

Robotics & Programming

The Innovation Lab has a variety of robotics and programming tools available for students, faculty and staff to explore. This includes Sphero Droids, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and many more. 

To get started, visit the Innovation Lab, find the desired tools, and start exploring!

 

VHS Digitization

The Innovation Lab's Self-Service Video Digitization Station allows patrons to convert video cassette tapes to digital files. 

Using the Digitization Station 

  • Use of this station costs $5 per tape. 

This station is self-service. An instructional manual and limited hands-on assistance is available. If you require individualized instruction, please email the Innovation Lab (user25@albion.edu) to schedule an appointment. 

Materials Needed to Use the Digitization Station 

  • This station can transfer VHS tapes.
  • Users must bring their own USB drive or cables to connect their own device. 

Copyright Notice 

Patrons should use this station for the legal transfer of materials. Legal uses may include: 

  • Transferring content for which you own the copyright (home movies, personal recordings)
  • Transferring content when you have received permission from the copyright holder
  • Transferring materials in the public domain
  • Transferring materials using the Fair Use doctrine