Innovation Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The Innovation Labs is a collection of interdisciplinary, experiential, and project-based learning laboratories, including three fully equipped maker spaces: Digital Lab, Woods Lab, and Plastics Lab. Alongside these, there's an incubator and an event space accessible to all University of Denver students. These labs serve as a central hub for interdisciplinary and experiential learning, engaging students, faculty, alumni, and staff. We emphasize and encourage student collaboration with businesses and a variety of local organizations to apply their classroom learning practically, making a meaningful and positive impact on the community.
Maker Spaces
Our Digital Lab, situated on the first floor of the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science building, serves as the core of the Innovation Labs. It's a dynamic and collaborative workspace catering to a diverse range of individuals, from tinkerers and artists to coding experts. Housing cutting-edge technology like 3D printers, a laser engraver, an embroidery machine, and more, the Digital Lab is the space where ideas transform into prototypes and tangible products.
Woods & Plastics Labs
The Woods Lab, located in the Metallurgy Building, welcomes all DU students, faculty, alumni, and staff! Access to this new lab requires completion of the Woods Lab Safety Orientation workshop. This workshop covers safety procedures and ensures proficiency with the equipment. Inside the lab, you'll find standard woodworking tools and a 4' x 8' CNC router. Visit our event schedule to register for the workshop.
The Plastics Lab, conveniently situated down the hall from the Woods Lab within the Metallurgy building, serves as a specialized space for plastic fabrication. This lab is equipped with essential tools tailored for working with plastic, featuring a Vacuum Thermoformer, dedicated power tools for precise plastic cutting, a station dedicated to mold making, and a compact setup for screen printing. Access to the Plastics Lab requires completion of the Woods Lab Safety Orientation, ensuring a safe and informed environment for all users.
microFactory
The microFactory is a high-end and quality 3D printing service and fabrication service operated by student consultants. With clients range from established businesses to individuals and researchers, our consultants work closely with clients to deliver a high quality final product. The microFactory is a unique circular program where student learn to develop project management skills through client based projects.
If you’re in here doing something, it’s because you want to make something. Creativity and energy are definitely contagious.
Austin Armstrong CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENT
Stories from the Lab
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