Its purpose is to give students, faculty, and individual innovators a place to develop and prototype their ideas, bringing them to life and making them a tangible product. We welcome inventors of all types.
The Garage Information
What do we have?
While imagination and a drive to innovate are critical to a Maker, having the right tool for the job doesn't hurt either. The Garage is equipped with the right resources to assist any inventor or entrepreneur through the prototyping process.
The Garage is open to all UWG students, regardless of major, as well as faculty and staff.
Do I need training before using the machines?
Yes. For safety reasons, users must be trained before using any machines or tools. Training is provided individually when you first visit, based on the specific equipment you want to use. Staff will walk you through safety procedures and basic operations.
Are there any fees to use the Garage?
There are currently no fees for students to use the Garage or its machines. For larger or special projects, we may ask you to provide your own materials if needed.
Is 3D printing free?
Yes. Our 3D printers are free to use, and filament is provided within reason. For very large or long prints, we may ask users to supply their own filament spool.
Can I print large or complex projects?
Possibly! Large models can often be printed by slicing them into multiple parts. We’re happy to review your files and discuss the best approach.
Do you help with non-academic or personal projects?
We regularly help with personal, creative, and hobby projects, including Dungeons & Dragons miniatures, props, and other custom designs.
Do you have 3D scanners?
Yes. We have a few scanning options available, including an older MakerBot scanner and alternative scanning setups (such as an Xbox Kinect with custom software). Availability and results may vary depending on your project.
What other tools and services do you offer?
The Garage offers a variety of tools and equipment, including 3D printers, laser cutting, vinyl cutting, soldering irons, heat press, woodworking tools and other makerspace resources.
Can I customize clothing or accessories?
Yes. You can customize items like T-shirts, hats, and other apparel using tools and techniques such as our vinyl cutter, sublimation, and our heat press. We recommend stopping by to discuss your project and timeline.
Are supplies and tools provided?
We provide many common tools and supplies for general use. Depending on your project, you may need to bring or purchase specific materials.
I don’t see what I’m looking for on the website—what should I do?
No worries! Feel free to reach out by email or stop by in person. We’re happy to answer questions and help you figure out whether your project is a good fit for the Garage.