This page may be out of date due to recent changes during the ongoing pandemic. Please contact us at tiw@utexas.edu or visit us in the EERC during our current hours.
About
The Idea Lab, located on the second floor of TIW, contains machines geared towards textile or vinyl prototyping projects. Machines that can be found in this lab are sewing machines, a steam iron, sticker machine, vinyl cutter, and T-shirt heat press. In addition, multiple tables are provided where groups or individuals can use to work on their projects. In order to gain access to this room, students are required to be trained on the machines by staff members.
Brother SE400 Sewing and Embroidery Machine TRAINING REQUIRED
About
The Brother SE400 is a standard sewing machine that can handle thread weights from 30-90 wt. The SE400 is also capable of basic embroidery and custom patterns with an embroidery card. Fabrics that can be used on this machine range from thin fabrics such as satin up to heavier fabrics such as denim.
Access
The Brother Sewing machine requires training from a qualified staff member. After training, the student will gain ID access to the Idea Lab and can utilize the machine anytime during TIW operating hours.
Cost
This machines is free to use for Research, Class, and Engineering Student Organizations.
Resources
- The Brother SE400 Sewing manual, including prep, maintenance, and embroidery instructions.
- Sewing 101 Techniques and Methods
Sailrite Industrial Sewing Machine TRAINING REQUIRED
About
The Idea Lab has one Sailrite Fabricator which is a full-sized industrial, straight-stitch, sewing machine. This machine utilizes a 3/4 horsepower motor in conjunction with a toothed belt to sew through heavy material such as leather, canvas, and upholstery fabrics.
Access
The Sailrite Fabricator requires training from a qualified staff member. After training, the student will gain ID access to the Idea Lab and can utilize the machine anytime during TIW operating hours.
Cost
This machines is free to use for Research, Class, and Engineering Student Organizations.
Resources
- Sailrite's Fabricator Guidebook for sewing prep and procedures
Sailrite Industrial Sewing Machine | |
| |
| Feed Type | Compound Walking Foot |
| Underarm Space | 10.25" x 5" |
| Needle Size Range | #10-#24 |
| Thread Size Range | V30-V138 |
| Bed Size | 18.75" x 7" |
| Tabletop Dimensions | 47.5" W x 20" D |
USCutter Vinyl Cutter TRAINING REQUIRED $$$
About
The USCutter Vinyl Cutter can be used to cut out larger, less intricate patterns on vinyl, sticker paper, or other types of paper or sheets. Vinyl can then be transferred to fabric using the heat press. The VinylMaster software is found on the decal desktop and is used to design and set up the cut.
Access
Training by a qualified staff member is required to use the vinyl cutter. The vinyl cutter, heat press, and sticker machine are covered by decal training. After training, the student will gain ID access to the Idea Lab and can utilize the machine anytime during TIW operating hours.
Cost
Vinyl can be bought from us for $2/ft of material. Ask a staff member for purchasing, otherwise you can also bring your own vinyl.
Resources
The operating guide can be found here.
Silhouette Portrait Sticker Machine TRAINING REQUIRED
About
This sticker machine can be used to cut out smaller, more intricate patterns on sticker paper, vinyl, or other types of paper or sheets. It can also be used to trace a pattern. Silhouette Studio is the software used to set up designs and send to the cutter. Most times, an image is simply imported and then traced to create the design. Silhouette studio can be downloaded on your laptop for free or accessed from the idea lab decal desktop.
Access
Training by a qualified staff member is required to use the sticker machine. The vinyl cutter, heat press, and sticker machine are covered by decal training. After training, the student will gain ID access to the Idea Lab and can utilize the machine anytime during TIW operating hours.
Cost
This machines is free to use for Research, Class, and Engineering Student Organizations.
There is scrap material available, but you might want to bring your own material.
Resources
For help with the silhouette studio software, ask a staff member or visit this guide.
T-Shirt Heat Press TRAINING REQUIRED
About
The heat press can be used to transfer vinyl onto fabric. Based on the materials used, heat and time settings vary.
Access
Training by a qualified staff member is required to use the heat press. The vinyl cutter, heat press, and sticker machine are covered by decal training.
Cost
This machines is free to use for Research, Class, and Engineering Student Organizations.
Resources
