Open Works has a huge variety of tools available for members to use. These tools are divided into areas by the craft/discipline or processes offered. Classes are also offered by these areas. Use the links below or the navigation bar to the left to explore what tools and processes each area has. Each area has an overview page with sub-pages for each tool in the area with more information explaining the purpose and usage of the tool.
¶ Open Works Shops and Machines
¶ 3D Printing
The 3D Printing lab is focused on additive manufacturing tools and has a selection of 3D printers available, as well as an SLA (resin) printer available. Users are required to make a reservation before using these machines.
¶ Computer Lab
The Computer Lab is currently managed by the Pratt Library system and adheres to their usage policies and practices.
¶ Digital Fabrication Shop
The Digital Fabrication workshop houses the CNC routers and Laser Cutters, two subtractive machining operations that excell at making duplicate items. Users are required to take safety classes and make a reservation before using these machines.
¶ Digital Media Lab
The Digital Media Lab has a variety of 2D production tools ranging from the Adobe Creative Suite to photo and large format printers and a vinyl cutter. Depending on the tool, users may be required to take safety classes and make a reservation before using these tools.
¶ Digital Textiles Shop
The Digital Textiles workshop houses the tools that take a digital design and put it on fabric. In this shop there are embroidery machines, dye sublimation and direct to garment printers, a heat treatment station, and a large format CNC quilting machine. Users are required to take safety classes and make a reservation before using these machines.
¶ Metal Shop
The Metal Shop is an area designated for metalworking. Specialty tools include a CNC Plasma Cutter and welding machines in addition to many shaping and forming tools. Depending on the tool, users may be required to take safety classes and make a reservation before using these tools.
¶ Textiles Shop
The Textiles workshop is where all of the industrial sewing machines are, along with a serger, topstitch, and coverstitch machines. There is also a large cutting table and adjustable dress forms, and upholstery and leatherworking tools. Depending on the tool, users may be required to take safety classes and make a reservation before using these tools.
¶ Spray Booth
The Spray Booth is a well ventilated closet for using spray paints, aerosol finishes, and any other paint or finish application or process that fills the air with fumes/particulates or could damage someone else's work if inadvertent contact was made. Users are required to make a reservation before using the area.
¶ Wood Shop
The Wood Shop is an area designated for woodworking. Industrial grade tools are provided for milling, shaping, and finishing wood. Depending on the tool, users may be required to take safety classes and make a reservation before using these tools.
¶ Project Storage
The availability of project storage depends on which area you are working in, intend to leave it in, and how many other people are storing a project there.
The best place to store a project is, if you have a microstudio, in your microstudio or to rent additional storage. It is also possible to get daily or temporary storage- ask for availability at the front desk.
The areas upstairs do not offer in-shop storage.
Downstairs, the Wood Shop, Digital Fabrication, and Metal Shop do offer some limited in-shop storage. To store a project in these areas you MUST get a Project Tag signed off by a Community Technician.
Project Tags are only valid for one day. You must pick up your project 1 HOUR before the building closes on the following business day. Projects with expired or unauthorized tags will be discarded.
Open Works will attempt to contact you before discarding your project.