Innovation and Design Laboratory

Name:  Innovation and Design Laboratory

Type:  Restricted Access Maker Space

Location:  T. M. Brooks Center (1650 Research Center Drive)

Managed by:  Department of Sustainable Biomaterials, College of Natural Resources and Environment

Available to:  Students in the Sustainable Biomaterials and Packaging Systems & Design programs and students enrolled in selected SBIO courses

Equipment/Capabilities: 

                3D printing

                Vacuum thermoforming

                Precision line bar cutting

                Large format digital printing

                RanPak brand Geami and PadPak machines

                Hot-wire foam cutting

                Polymer bending and sealing

                Computer-Aided Manufacturing sample cutting/creasing

                Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing for product prototyping

                4-axis CNC routing/manufacturing

                Laser cutting/engraving

                Eye-Tracking for consumer experience evaluation

                Hot melt gluing

                Various hand tools

Description:  The Innovation and Design Laboratory provides a making and learning space focused on the design and prototyping of innovative products and packaging systems.  Equipment allows the production of creative product forms and novel structural and graphic packaging components using a variety of materials.  In addition, the laboratory supports the entrepreneurial activities of the VT Wood Enterprise Institute.  Nearby wood and metal fabrication shops support work in the Innovation and Design Laboratory.