Technology Instruction

Content: Learn to set your own prints on the 3D printers.
Location: Makerspace, Atkins 223
You’ll Learn: 

• How to use Cura software to set up your file for printing. 
• How to set up the 3D printer including change filament colors and adjusting settings.

3D Printing Guide

To get a training, go to our Workshops and Events page.

Content: Learn to cut and engrave materials using the laser cutter.
Location: Makerspace, Atkins 223
You’ll Learn: 

• How to set up a file in Adobe Illustrator that can be engraved or cut into a list of approved materials. 
• How to run the laser cutter and adjust setting to work best with your design. 

Laser Cutter Guide

To get a training, go to our Workshops and Events page.

Content: Learn to carve materials using the Carvey CNC Router
Location: Makerspace, Atkins 223
You’ll Learn: 

• How to use Easel Inventables software to set up a file that can be engraved or cut into a list of approved materials. 
• How to change bits and secure your materials in the Carvey CNC Router. 

Carvey CNC Router Guide

To get a training, go to our Workshops and Events page.

Content: Learn to use the equipment in the Visualization Lab, including the HTC Vive virtual reality system.
Location: Visualization Lab, Atkins 244
You’ll Learn: 

• How to operate the lights, projectors, Smartboard, and VR headset in the room. 
• You’ll have a chance to get into the VR headset if you’d like. 

Visualization Lab Guide

To get a training, go to our Workshops and Events page.

Content: Learn how to construct your first design for 3D printing using TinkerCad (a drag-and-drop program).
Location: Makerspace, Atkins 223
Bring with you: Your laptop
You’ll Learn: 

• How to drag and drop, resize, and combine shapes in TinkerCad. 
• How to bring in your own image file.
• Things to consider so your design can work for 3D printing.

To find workshops, go to our Workshops and Events page.

Call for Program Leaders

Do you want to lead a workshop, event, lecture, or other program to help others understand more about the connections between Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) and creativity, innovation, and emerging technologies? Area 49 can help you facilitate it!

Our world is seeing an increase in innovation, but DEIA is seldom the focus of these projects. In order to highlight diverse approaches and cultural perspectives within technology and making, Area 49, Atkins Library’s collection of innovation spaces, is calling for anyone interested in hosting DEIA-focused programming in Area 49.

Programs can be led by anyone in the university or community, including students, student groups, staff, faculty, researchers, and community members or groups, and the program can be a workshop, event, lecture, or anything we can accommodate in our spaces. We can work with you to figure out how your idea will work best within the spaces, and even if your idea is not fully formed, we would welcome the chance to work with you to develop it. If you have an idea for programming that expands the notion of what it means to engage with technology or making in more inclusive or culturally-relevant ways, we’d love to hear it.

Potential focal points could include, but are not limited to:

• Culturally-specific making
• DEIA in data and visualizations
• Accessibility in visual design, making, or gaming
• Identity and representation in innovation and design
• Any combination of DEIA and emerging technologies or making

Area 49 can facilitate programming for technologies including, but not limited to:

• Low-tech making (crafting, DIY, sewing, and more)
• High-tech making (3D printing, laser cutting, and more)
• Video creation (one-button studio, green screen technology, filming, editing)
• Gaming (console, PC, and VR gaming; limited AR tech; game design)
• Multimedia creating and editing (including 3D modeling)
• Data visualization

For more information on Area 49 spaces and services, visit area49.charlotte.edu. 

Please fill out the form with your idea, and we’ll get back to you soon. 

Link to form: bit.ly/A49DEIAprogramming

Check out the webpage for this initiative at https://guides.library.charlotte.edu/area49/DEIAseries

Content: Learn to create a video podcast in the EZ Video Studio.
Location: EZ Video Studio, Atkins 242
You’ll Learn: 

• How to use the room’s built-in recording system.
• How to use Adobe Premiere Pro CC to edit your recording.

Content: Learn the basics of DSLR photography.
Location: EZ Video Studio, Atkins 242
Bring with you: Your laptop

Content: Get to know the sewing machine and its functions with hands-on experience.
Location: Makerspace, Atkins 223
You’ll Learn: 

• How to start sewing on your own.
• How to thread the machine and fill a bobbin.
• How to change stitches, needles and the different types.

Content: Construct a pillow cover to refurbish an old pillow. You should be comfortable with the basics of a sewing machine before attending this workshop.
Location: Makerspace, Atkins 223
Bring with you: Your pillow or its dimensions to ensure accuracy. Some scrap fabric is provided or you may bring your own.
You’ll Learn: 

• How to measure, cut, and pin your fabric together for sewing.

Content: Transform old denim jeans into a stylish new bag. Choose from a variety of bag types including totes, crossbody, fanny packs, and more. The larger the bag, the more pants you’ll need for this project. You should be comfortable with the basics of a sewing machine before attending this workshop.
Location: Makerspace, Atkins 223
Bring with you: Your old jeans
You’ll Learn: 

• How to follow a pattern for the bag type you choose.
• How to cut and assemble the pieces of your pattern.