Step 1: Computer Stations

These computer stations are where all of your ideas are made and improved on. Anything can be made on these computers. The limit of things you can make is only held back by your imagination. If you can imagine it, you can make it! This is where all of programs are stored. Everything you need to make a digital model of your idea is already installed and ready to go. Now all that's left to do is, well, start creating!

Step 2: Storage Solution

At EHMS, our method of storage is pretty simple, cabinets! They are simple to use and they don't take up too much space. It is a friendly option for anyone who needs some quick storage, but doesn't want it to take up too much space on the ground.

Step 3: CNC Mills

CNC mills are machines that slowly remove amounts of material off of the main source to create a physical version of the idea you made with the software at the computer stations. Their main use is to carve a design out of a block of metal or maybe wood. CNC mills aren't as popular as 3D printers or laser cutters, but it also has its advantages and disadvantages.

Step 4: Circuit and Arduino Area

This is where all of the electrical engineers come to start or continue their arduino projects. Circuits are important, because most electrical devices need some kind of circuit to do their function. This is just a simple way to teach those who want to know more about electrical engineering, how circuits are put together and how they work.

Step 5: Linkbots

Linkbots are known for being beginner-friendly for those who are just learning how to code. Linkbots are great tools in teaching people how to code because their code is easy to understand and can easily be change to make the coding process more difficult.

Step 6: Laser Cutters

Laser cutters are basically CNC mills, but instead of removing little amounts of the material at a time, it just uses lasers to cut the design out of the material. Laser cutters are very precise and are a great tool to have in a lab when creating 3D models.

Step 7: 3D Printers

3D printers are the most popular out of the three machines in lab, and that is with good reason. 3D printers are just easier to use overall. If you want to 3D print your design of something, just give it the G-Code and it will give you the design within minutes, depending on the size of the design. These are the great if you just want to run a quick test print, or if the final product is ready to be printed.

Step 8: Fume Hoods

What is a fume hood? A fume hood is just a part of a ventilation system, which is meant to contain the fumes from all the 3D printing and laser cutting. If you didn't know, 3D printing and laser cutting use heat as a way to create your design. When plastic is melted, there are fumes that come off of it. You do NOT want to inhale too much of those fumes. This is where the fume hood comes in. They ventilate the air out of the room so that you don't inhale too much of the fumes.

Step 9: Quick Run Over of the Layout

Here is a quick run over of the layout. In the first picture, it is the floor plan of the entire lab. This shows the location of each station. In the second picture, is just another shot of the first room at a different angle. In the third picture, is another shot of the second room at a different angle. This was a quick run through our new lab at EHMS and I hope I taught you a little about it!

Introduction: EHMS Digital Lab Model