Tutorials & Equipment

How it Works

The Epilog Zing Laser Cutter is a “printer” that engraves or cuts computer-designed graphics into wood, acrylic, paper and cardboard.

The lasercutter works by focusing a laser beam to a small point that is directed to cut or engrave your part through a computer-controlled coordinate system.

Requirements for Use

You are welcome to use the lasercutter with a studio design partner during open hours. To use the lasercutter independently, please gain familiarity with lasercutting through open hours, our tutorial video, and course visits. 

Design for the Lasercutter

Software: CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator, Rhino
Compatible file types: .cdr, .ai, .dxf
Design considerations: 12-inch x 24-inch bed size, and can fit material with a thickness up to 7.75 inches for engraving, but can only cut through 1/4" stock material.
Materials: Opaque, translucent and colored ⅛-inch acrylic, ⅛-inch wood, paper, brown, grey and white chipboard. It is important that your material is flat! Please test your file and settings before you print your full file to prevent material waste.

Banned materials: Vinyl, lexan, foam, polycarbonate, PVC, styrene, mirror (mirrored acrylic sheet is OK if the mirror is face down)

To design a file for the lasercutter, use Adobe Illustrator with the following settings:

• 24-inch width x 12-inch height artboard
• Hairline width to vector cut on the lasercutter

Alternately, design in AutoCAD and export your file as .dxf.

You will need to use CorelDRAW or Rhino to lasercut your design. We provide acrylic, chipboard and wood for your use. Never put other materials into the lasercutter without consulting with staff, as some materials can permanently damage the lasercutter.

We have Singer and Janome sewing machines, as well as Brother and Husqvarna Viking embroidery machines. We also have a BabyLock serger. Please ask for assistance before using any equipment you’re unfamiliar with. Please do not hesitate to ask for help with your first sewing project!

Are you looking for beginner sewing projects?

Try these links to free step-by-step patterns:

Tool storage case
Make a customized case to carry the tools you use most often.

Patchwork tote bag
Create a bag out of fabric scraps!

Felt faux taxidermy heads!
Self explanatory

Sorbetto top
A great first clothing project.

Linen tank top
(and a button down modification)

Jordy bra
(Find a print-out of the pattern next to the sewing machine)

Want to advance your sewing skills?

Check out these sewing tips and bloggers:

Brooks Ann
sewing tips and tricks

Seamwork
if you want to sew your own clothes

Threads magazine
tips and tricks for garment sewing

Stitched in color
quilting blog

Cloth paper scissors
mixed media magazine

At DTI we have two Bambu X1-C 3D printers and one Ultimaker S3. During our open hours, our student staff are here to help you learn how to use the printers. If all of the printers at DTI are busy, you can also reserve time to work with the printers at the Center for Design and Fabrication if your print is for a class.

1. Design your 3D file in a 3D design software like TinkerCAD or Fusion 360, or find a file on a site like thingiverse or Maker World.
2. Export or download your file in .stl or .obj format
3. Bring your 3D file to open hours or your training appointment!

3D Design Resources

• TinkerCad: TinkerCad is an entry level 3D software with an online interface. Any online tutorial should be able to help you, such as our 4-part 3D printing series.
• Shapr3D: Free with a .edu email, Shapr3D is a good middle point between TinkerCad and Fusion 360. The learning curve is easier, it is intuitive, and can do more complex modeling functions.
• Fusion 360: An extremely robust 3D modeling software, you can make engineered designs to specific sizes in the “model” environment and freeform designs in the “sculpt” environment. To get started in Fusion, complete at least one tutorial video before jumping into your project. Here are some to choose from:
  • Model a beer bottle: good for 3D modeling a semi-organic shape from a reference image
  • Model a hex nut: good for using the model environment only, setting dimensions
  • Model a doorstop: good for modeling an organic shape with some dimensioned properties
  • Model a computer mouse: good for modeling using the sculpt environment almost exclusively

Ultimaker s3

• Dimensions: 9.1” x 7.4” x 7.9”
• Software: Ultimaker Cura
• Materials: PLA
• Most Compatible Files: .stl, .obj

Bambu X1C

• Dimensions: 256 x 256 x 256 mm
• Software: Bambu Studio
• Materials: PLA
• Most Compatible Files: .stl, .obj