In order to appropriately serve schools in diverse communities, each Volkswagen eLab is tailored to strategically meet the needs of the community the school serves. However, in order to maximize inter-school collaboration each Volkswagen eLab is outfitted with some standard components as noted below.
CNC Router
A Computer Numerical Control router is a computer-controlled cutting machine related to the hand held router used for cutting various materials. Each Volkswagen eLab located in a high school is outfitted with a ShopBot PRS Standard 48" x 96" CNC router with a high speed spindle and Jet Vortex dust collection system.
Downloads
Safety Poster
Tip Sheet
Sample Designs
laser engraver/cutter
Each Volkswagen eLab is equipped with an Epilog Zing 30-watt laser capable of engraving and cutting a variety of materials including special polymers, wood, metal alloys, card stock, and cardboard. Students use the laser cutter to transfer digital designs to physical media both in two and three dimensions.
Downloads
Safety Poster
Tip Sheet
Sample Designs
3d printers
3D printing and additive manufacturing have become staples in digital fabrication laboratories. All Volkswagen eLabs come equipped with several Original Prusa i3 Mk2 desktop 3D printers. These printers are capable of printing in more than a dozen materials including bamboofill, nylon, PLA, ABS, and FLEX.
Downloads
Safety Poster
Tip Sheet
Sample Designs
An essential tool for bringing 2-dimensional design to life, vinyl cutters have grown in popularity in the last decade. Each Volkswagen eLab gives students access to a Roland GS-24 desktop vinyl cutter. Unlike consumer-level competitors, these vinyl cutters empower students to have full control over the design, using any toolpath they can create in professional design software.
Downloads
Safety Poster
Tip Sheet
Sample Designs
vinyl cutter
Robotics & Electronics
Paired with sensors and simple motors, low-cost microcomputers give students the ability to harness the power of computer science to make their creations fully functional. As students create mechanical solutions, these tiny devices open an entire world of possibilities. Each Volkswagen eLab offers access to a wide range of electronic and robotic components, enabling functional and rapid prototyping.
Downloads
Safety Poster
Tip Sheet
Sample Designs
In order to move from ideation to functional solutions, Volkswagen eLabs provide access to a wide variety of electronic tools including switching power supplies, I/O components, and professional quality Weller soldering equipment.
Downloads
Safety Poster
Tip Sheet
Sample Designs
soldering stations
While Volkswagen eLabs are designed around digital fabrication standards, certain traditional tools are still necessary to help students take full advantage of these innovative workspaces. Each Volkswagen eLab is equipped with a wide range of tools including bench and hand sanders, power saws, hand tools, pneumatic tools, and more.
Woodworking tools