What is the Makerspace?

The Makerspace is an open and free workshop for all ETH students and ETH affiliated persons. In the Makerspace you are able to perform most types of standard prototyping and repairing work. The space is run by our talented Makerspace team, hence working in the makerspace is a student to student learning experience.

So the Makerspace is like a technical Playground for ETH?

That is a way of putting it. We want to foster creativity and we want you to feel free to try something out that may not work the first time. That is the innovation process. Don’t be shy! Come by and start building something. If you are not sure of what to build, you can join one of our community projects.

What can I make here?

The answer is almost ANYTHING. From fixing your bike light to building a prototype for your project we are capable of supporting almost any project. A list of available tools and machines can be found here.

We do have certain restrictions. For example we do not support projects that you do for your course if the institute already gives you access to a workshop for this very purpose (such as Architecture models or the Innovation project in D-MAVT). We also do not allow users to fabricate something with a commercial purpose (small-series production).

If you are not sure whether you can realize your project in the Makerspace, just talk to a Makerspace Manager or email us.

How do I become a user?

Getting started in the Makerspace is easy. Just come by during an open hour, get a short introduction and start making.  To use more complex machines, you need a specific introduction. Just contact the manager for those.

When can I get introduced to the space & the machines?

Before you start using our 3D-printers, laser cutters, CNC-Drill and other maschines you need a special introduction from one of the Makerspace Managers. These introductions take place at 16:00 – 16:30 just before the regular Makerspace Open Hours (different times on request). Please consult the table below to find out when the next introduction will happen.

The general makerspace introduction (required for general use of the makerspace) is given at each full hour during the Open Hour, just approach the Makerspace Manager. For further questions just send us an email.

Flowchart : first time in the Makerspace

The Makerspace consists of three workshop rooms for metal works, general construction, digital fabrication and electronics.

In the Studio area you can access toolboxes and work on your prototypes Mo-Fr from 8 am – 8 pm. You have the permission to unlock these three toolboxes with your ETH ID Card as soon as you have had the general introduction to the Makerspace.

For further information on how to use the space or get access to the Studio tools, ask your Makerspace Manager!

When is the Makerspace open?

The Makerspace is open during the week on the days and times listed below. Machine introduction times are also listed below. The Introductions do not need any sign up – Just come by and start making!

Makerspace

Open Hour August 17, 2018 17:30 - 19:30
Open Hour August 21, 2018 16:30 - 19:30
Open Hour August 23, 2018 16:30 - 19:30
Open Hour August 27, 2018 16:30 - 19:30
Open Hour August 29, 2018 16:30 - 19:30
Open Hour September 4, 2018 16:30 - 19:30
Open Hour September 6, 2018 16:30 - 19:30
Open Hour September 12, 2018 16:30 - 19:30
Open Hour September 14, 2018 16:30 - 19:30

Introductions

3D Printing August 21, 2018 16:00 - 16:30
Laser Cutter August 23, 2018 16:00 - 16:30
3D Printing August 27, 2018 16:00 - 16:30
Laser Cutter August 29, 2018 16:00 - 16:30
3D Printing September 4, 2018 16:00 - 16:30
Laser Cutter September 6, 2018 16:00 - 16:30
Laser Cutter September 12, 2018 16:00 - 16:30
3D Printing September 14, 2018 16:00 - 16:30

Workshops

A number of workshops are offered for you to improve your skills.

Makerspaces at other Universities

We are in touch with several makerspaces in Switzerland and at other universities in order to share experience on processes and projects. Check out these links to get an idea of what’s happening in this field.