As a Digital Fabrication Technician at the 280 Digital Fabrication Studio, I was responsible for a range of tasks related to the operation and maintenance of digital fabrication equipment and assisting users. Here’s what I did:

1. Equipment Operation and Maintenance:

   - I operated and maintained Trotec laser engravers, Ultimaker 3D printers, Cricut plotter cutters, and other digital fabrication tools.

   - I ensured all equipment was in good working condition and performed routine checks and maintenance.

2. User Support and Assistance:

   - I assisted students, faculty, and staff with their projects, including setting up and troubleshooting equipment.

   - I provided guidance on using software and hardware for digital fabrication tasks.

3. Certification and Training:

   - I helped users complete necessary certifications for equipment use, such as the 3D Printing Certification or Laser Cutter Certification.

   - I offered tutorials and workshops on how to use various digital fabrication tools and software.

4. Material Management:

   - I oversaw the supply of materials, such as 2.85mm PLA filament and vinyl for the Cricut cutter.

   - I ensured users brought their own materials and managed the storage and labeling of these materials.

5. Safety and Compliance:

   - I made sure all users followed safety protocols and guidelines when using the equipment.

   - I enforced the studio’s policies regarding material usage, equipment access, and certification requirements.

6. Software and Resources:

   - I assisted users with software tools like Rhino, TinkerCad, and Cura for designing and slicing files for printing or cutting.

   - I provided resources and support for using online tools and platforms such as Sketchfab and Thingiverse.

7. Administrative Tasks:

   - I managed booking and reservations for studio equipment.

   - I maintained records of equipment usage and user certifications.

In this role, I relied on my technical expertise in digital fabrication, strong communication skills, and problem-solving abilities to support users and ensure the smooth operation of the studio.

SAIC Columbus Digital Fabrication Studio | Chicago IL | Facebook