Tucked away behind Forum in North Campus lies the Stuckeman Family Building, a hidden treasure at Penn State. The building is home to the digital fabrication, more affectionately known as Digifab, laser cutting and engraving lab.

Through the completion of an online quiz found on the Digifab website, and an hour-long orientation meeting with Digifab coordinator Jamie Heilman, Penn State students have access to these Class 4 lasers.

The Stuckeman lasers have the ability to cut, engrave, and etch words and pictures onto thin materials, like chipboard and paper.  Down in the basement of the building, materials with the correct dimensions for the machines — a 32″x18″ piece of material, no thicker than 1/4″ — are available for purchase.

In addition to physical materials, users must also come prepared with their program.  One of the perks to attending Penn State is that students have access to software like Rhino, Illustrator, and AutoCAD on desktop computers around campus.  These programs make it easy to create and produce a concept.

Due to their popularity, the lasers are available to reserve 24/7 for up to an hour.  These can be booked via sign-up sheets posted across from the machinery.  To begin cutting, certified users must simply clean the laser reflector, load in their material and program, and swipe in.

If you’re interested in the opportunity to get hands-on with this machinery, the College of Arts and Architecture offers many classes that require their usage, and are happy to have you join them next semester.