Areas

The Garage

Just like a house, The Garage is where we store tools, free components, glue, sandpaper and fasteners. A staff member is always ready to help you find the right thing for your project. It’s typically a student’s first stop in TIW.

The Digital Fabrication Lab, better known as DFAB, contains filament and resin-based 3D printers, sewing machines, a sticker machine and a vinyl press. All require training before use, and some of our more advanced 3D printers are operated solely by our staff.

Lasers Area

The laser cutter room houses one 120W laser cutter and six 80W laser cutters, which provide clean, quick, precise cuts and detailed etching on materials such as wood and acrylic. You might hear one of our staff members say, “Do not 3D print a box.” That’s because you can make one 10 times faster using the laser cutters.

All lasers require training before use.

The Machine Shop

The Machine Shop provides students with the essential tools and hands-on training needed to gain proficiency in manual machining processes. It features several mills, lathes and other metal machining equipment. While these machines are hand-operated, they are equipped with Digital Read Outs (DRO) for precise digital measurements during machining.

The Machine Shop operates on a different schedule from the rest of the TIW facilities: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

To access the Machine Shop, students must complete our comprehensive training course, which involves online and in-person instruction, followed by the completion of a small project, like our suggested aluminum ring or small ring stand.

CNC Lab

Our CNC Lab equips students with the advanced tools and hands-on training needed to gain proficiency in computer-controlled and automated machining processes.

The CNC Shop enables students to make more complex parts than the machine shop. It houses various machines, including CNC mills, an arbor press, grinders and a polishing wheel. While CNC machines are commonly used for metal, our shop supports a range of materials, and we offer a limited selection of materials for purchase.

To utilize the CNC Shop, students must first complete the Manual Machine Shop Training program to build foundational machining skills.

Storage

We provide a limited amount of storage options in Texas Inventionworks for individuals or groups to store their belongings or materials related to ongoing projects. Lockers or storage bins are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis each semester.

Learn more and apply for these storage options here.

Additive Manufacturing

The term “Additive Manufacturing” refers to using 3D printing technology to create fully functional components or parts, especially when they are produced in significant numbers. At Texas Inventionworks facilities, there are several 3D printers with speed and higher-performance materials to support additive manufacturing. Please connect with our staff to learn more about available materials and costs.

Electronics Prototyping Area (E1)

Electronics Lab 1 (E1) is designed to support early-stage/simpler electronics fabrication and testing, including through-hole soldering. E1 has eight soldering stations, wires, a microscope and power supplies. Kits containing hand tools, solder, safety glasses and other items must be checked out in The Garage before working in this room.

Access to the room and machines requires training through Texas Inventionworks.

Digital Fabrication Lab

Electronics Lab 2 (E2) supports building and testing more complex electronics including soldering and desoldering surface mount devices. Toolkits (with safety glasses) for working in E2 are checked out in The Garage.

Access to the room and machines requires training through Texas Inventionworks.

Headquarters (HQ)

Headquarters (HQ) is an open space for anyone in the Texas Inventionworks community. This versatile, open space is designed to foster creativity, collaboration and innovation. Whether working on a solo project or teaming up with others, HQ offers several worktables, movable chairs and whiteboards to support all endeavors.

Sensors, IoT, Data and Integration (SIDI)

SIDI is home to reserved workstations for student and group projects. This room is perfect for teams requiring a consistent and secure area to develop and refine more complex projects over weeks or up to a semester. Students must apply to get access to SIDI and to have a workstation assigned. Accepted project teams receive a workbench and storage for up to one semester, with the option to extend via reapplication. To learn more and apply for a semester workbench go here.

Robotics and Automation (R&A)

R&A is home to reserved workstations for student and group projects. This room is perfect for teams requiring a consistent and secure area to develop and refine more complex projects over weeks or up to a semester. Students must apply to get access to R&A and to have a workstation assigned. Accepted project teams receive a workbench and storage for up to one semester, with the option to extend via reapplication. To learn more and apply for a semester workbench go here.

Idea Lab

The Idea Lab is designed for low-resolution prototyping, group training, class sessions, collaboration and group activities. This space is equipped with materials for building early-stage concepts, as well as equipment to support class/group activities with an AV system, several workbenches, movable chairs and whiteboards.

Woodshop

The Woodshop supports students with tools, training and space to bring their woodworking visions to life. Equipped with an array of saws, drills, sanders, routers, workbenches, a CNC router and more, our facility supports simple prototypes up to finished pieces of furniture. This hands-on environment offers students a unique opportunity to engage actively with the equipment and their designs.

Access to the room and machines requires online and in-person training through Texas Inventionworks.