Tools & Equipment

We have so, so many tools. This page references every tool available in the Invention Studio, along with any sort of information you would ever need to use that tool. That being said, we're still working on getting some of our content cleaned up, so this page is still being built. Check back soon to see the rest of our entries.

3D Printing is one of the original pillars of the Invention Studio since our beginnings in 2009. Since then, we have evolved to accommodate the needs and wants of the Georgia Tech campus. Currently, we have a fleet of FDM printers, with additional printers of advanced capability available for users in need of super strong or super precise parts. If you don't find the information you are looking for in the below articles, please email the 3D Printer Masters at 3dprinter@inventionstudio.gatech.edu.

Note: The Invention Studio is associated with the professional quality 3D printers made available to research and coursework. For more information, learn more on this page.

CAMaster WalkthroughComputer Numerically Controlled machines, or CNC for short, are pieces of equipment in the Invention Studio that read and interpret g-code operations to run a subtractive manufacturing operation. We have a broad variety of CNC tools available - ranging in ease of operation and capabilities. Take a look at our offerings below, and if you have any questions, feel free to email the CNC Masters at cncwood@inventionstudio.gatech.edu (wood) or cncmetal@inventionstudio.gatech.edu (metal).
A relatively new addition to the Invention Studio's capabilities, Craftland is the portion of the space that focuses on assisting projects that are considered more art than science. Although Craftland is home to tools like the sewing machine and the vinyl cutter, users can find additional support on topics such as model making, wearable electronics, and cosplay. If you have any questions, you can reach the Craftland masters at crafting@inventionstudio.gatech.edu.
Want to build, test, and diagnose electronics? The Invention Studio has a full suite of electronics equipment to bring your project to life. We even supply basic components like ICs, resistors, and capacitors in case you forgot to bring your own! If you have any questions about our offerings, please reach out to electronics@inventionstudio.gatech.edu.
You can use our laser cutters to create anything that comes to mind - from beautiful gifts to functional parts. Our lasers can cut and engrave a wide variety of materials - including cups, and we are even able to burn designs onto metal! If you are having problems with the laser cutters, send an e-mail to the Laser Masters at laser@inventionstudio.gatech.edu.
When you're ready to move from prototype to product, we'll be here. With our sheet metal suite, our mill/lathe combo, and our fastener sets, the Metal Shop can help you square and polish up your final designs to machinists' standards. If you have any questions about our policies and equipment within the Metal Shop, reach out to the Metal Shop Master at metal@inventionstudio.gatech.edu.
When you need to cut through absolutely anything, you need a waterjet. Waterjets use a combination of high pressured water and garnet to cut 2d profiles all the way through even the toughest materials, making the use of our waterjet in high demand. Luckily, we have 3 of them. If you can't find the information you're looking for below, reach out to the Waterjet Masters at waterjet@inventionstudio.gatech.edu.
This is a far cry from your high school wood shop. We have a broad range of woodworking tools to help you whether you're building your own furniture, a custom guitar, or an entry for the InVenture Prize. If you have any questions that our guides don't address, feel free to reach out to wood@inventionstudio.gatech.edu.

The Invention Studio relies on a wide variety of software to prepare files for our machines, many of which are open sourced. If you're having software specific troubles, please take a look at our guides below!