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The Factory

UNT Libraries: The Factory

Maker Space in Willis Library

HOLD ITEMS CHANGE- Please note that starting 5/16/16 items placed on HOLD from The Factory will be held for 3 days. If the item/s are not picked up within 3 days then they will be removed from the holds shelf and placed back in circulation.

The Factory is a space that promotes the cooperative and creative use of technology. It offers UNT students, faculty and staff access to equipment and software that promotes innovative learning. This page describes the workspace and the equipment contained within it.

You can also follow us on Twitter @TheFactoryUNT and our Facebook Page!
If you have a specific question or inquiry about The Factory, please send us an email at thefactory@unt.edu.

Hours & Staffing

Spring Hours: Monday through Friday 10 am-10 pm & Saturday 10 am-8 pm

The Factory can be reached by phone at (940) 369-5259 during regular business hours.

Printing & Replication 

The Factory will provide the following items available for use or checkout when the space is open and staffed by an attendant unless otherwise specified:

  • Student Funded printing as well as Pay2Print will be available in the space at all time that the Library is open, for more information please see Printing, Scanning, Photocopies.
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  • 3D Printing with PolyPrinter 229 and Printrbot Simple Metal - Available for a charge of $2.50 per hour for your submitted print jobs.
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  • 3D Scanning with MakerBot Digitizer - Available at all times for no charge. Also availabe with Structure a portable 3D scanning sensor for Ipad.
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  • Large Format Printing Epson Pro Stylus 9900 Large Format Printer (24”) - Charged at $5/sqft. of the document size printed. Will be available at all times like other printing resources in the library.
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  • Milling with ShapeOko 2 CNC - Available for a minimal charge TBD, for now available for test milling projects. The unit is able to mill on plastics such as plexiglass, soft woods such as maple, pine, plywood,some soft metals such as aluminum, and other materials such as rubber, cork, foam and printed circuit boards* For additional material questions, please send an email to thefactory@unt.edu To submit a milling request,the file must be .SVG file, and currently is submitted through the 3D print submission process (click Request a 3D Print now! below).
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  • Laser Cutting- Full Spectrum P-Series Professional Laser Cutter. The Factory is excited to be now offerring Laser Cutting to UNT. The Laser cutter was made possible by  by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services through a grant to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. (2016)! 

     

    • Currently Laser Cutting is ONLY available M-Friday 10am to 5pm. 

    • Laser cut requests are being processed in the order that they are received. Although The Factory has some material on hand which can be used for laser cut requests, requesters are encouraged to bring thier own materials. At this time no charge is associated with the cuts. 

  • Note: 3D Print requests are fulfilled on a first come, first served basis. Typically, depending on how many pending jobs we have at any one time, your job will be started anywhere between three business days to one week after your request is paid for.  Please take this into account when requesting print jobs.

Request a 3D Print now!

Electronics and Prototyping

Many of the following items will be available for checkout when The Factory is staffed by an attendant, for 7 days at a time. Other items may be reserved for building use only.  To see what is currently available, check our online catalog!  We are currently updating our records with added resources and more information on what's available.  There is no charge to check out items from The Factory.

Arduino

"Arduino is a tool for making computers that can sense and control more of the physical world than your desktop computer. It's an open-source physical computing platform based on a simple microcontroller board, and a development environment for writing software for the board." — arduino.cc

Arduino shields

Sensors

Reserve Arduino Equipment Now

Raspberry Pi

The Raspberry Pi is a small computer that "enables people of all ages to explore computing, and to learn how to program in languages like Scratch and Python.... [It] has the ability to interact with the outside world, and has been  used in a wide array of digital maker projects, from music machines and parent detectors to weather stations and tweeting birdhouses with infra-red cameras." — raspberrypi.org

Raspberry Pi Accessories

Reserve Raspberry Pi Equipment Now

LaunchPad

"Launchpads are microcontroller development kits from Texas Instruments​" — ti.com

Reserve LaunchPad Controllers Now

​LittleBits Electronics

Using magnetic snap-together circuits and with dozens of inputs, logic, and output modules, the library of tools allows anyone, regardless of technical background, to prototype or build something new and interesting.

  •   Little Bits Pro Library — littleBits puts the power of electronics in the hands of everyone. Make your own electronic creations with no soldering, wiring, or programming required.​

Reserve A LittleBits Kit Now

Makey Makey

​Turn just about any physical object into a touch sensor and interact with your computer, games, etc.

  •   Makey Makey kit — Ever played Mario on Play-Doh or Piano on Bananas? Alligator clip the Internet to Your World.

Reserve the Makey Makey Kit Now

Soldering

 

Soldering kits are available for use in space by individuals whom have completed a soldering safety session. Soldering workshops are offered throughout the semester, and each workshop includes a safety session. 
  • Soldering kits- The kits include a HAKKO soldering iron, a fume extractor (which is required to be used), a third hand, a solder sucker and safety eye wear and gloves. Solder & wire cutters as needed.
  • Rework Station- Quick 9570W input 110VAC • Closed-loop sensor, large power, precise and stable temperature. • Auto cooling, prolongs the lifetime of the heating element, and protects the rework station. • Imported DC motor, soft vortex air, stepless adjustable. • Various applications, such as shielding case, connectors, plastic components, etc. • Sensor inside the handle, start working when the handle is picked up, stops working whe it is put on the holder.  Specifications • Display: LED (Resolution 1°C) • Power Consumption: 580W • Pump: Soft vortex air (Brushless fan) • Air Volume: 100L/min (Max) • Temperature Range: 100°C - 450°C Additional Information

 

Probeware

The cross sections of science and technology- putting easy-to-use data loggers, sensors, experiments, and graphic software in to the hands of the next generation of scientist and engineers.
 

Audio/Visual, Video, Photography, & More

The Factory has a range of Cameras currently available for checkout. Checkout is for a 7 day period and must be checked out and back in at the Factory Desk only. More accessories have been ordered and will be available soon including, tripods, stabilizers and specialty lenses.

  • Camera(s) Currently Available:
  • Camera Accessories:
    • HOYA Filters-  HOYA Digital Filter Kit II brings 3 main filters in one package which frequent use at the time of photography and is a kit for economic guides. Three kinds of next filters are packed in a filter porch. UV(C) filter A UV(C) filter is used to intercept UV light and is done a general protection of the lens. Made of high quality UV cut and anti-reflective coat is given both sides. It will not affect the quality of your image. Circular Polarizer filter A circular polarizer filter is a basic filter with polarization effect to eliminate unwanted reflections or to enhance contrast of the sky and nature objects. Its frame thickness is slim than a previous Filter Kit One. NDx8 A ND(Neutral Density)8 filter reduces the light quantity for 3-stops and is equivalent to 8 times longer shutter speed. It is to wider aperture during shiny day or to imitate blur motion of the water and moving objects. This filter is effective to avoid the diffraction phenomenon which occurs by slow iris. Filter factor 8, Transmissivity 12.5%, Density 0.9 f/stop 3. Provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services through a grant to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. (2016)
    • Blackbird Motion Camera Kit
    • Polaroid Table Top Studio Kit- While it looks like a 20 x 20" briefcase or piece of luggage and weighs only 6.0 pounds, the Pro Table Top Photo Studio Kit is actually a traveling mini studio for small product and tabletop photography. The outside of the 20 x 20" nylon case has 4 pockets containing two daylight-balanced 58-LED flood lights with diffusers and two 18" stands that fold down to 12" to fit in the case.  The kit's 2-section 17" "tripod" is really a monopod with a folding U-shaped base that's topped with a swiveling head for your camera.
  • Tripods:
  • ​Microphones 
    • ​Samson Studio USB condenser microphone  Provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services through a grant to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. (2016)
    • Shotgun MIC Kit: Rode dual powered directional condenser microphone  Provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services through a grant to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. (2016)
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Reserve a GoPro Now

Reserve a digital camera now

Virtual Reality

Experimental/Development kit for developing Virtual Reality environments!  What will you make or explore when you're taken into the environment that you're used to looking at on a flat screen?

  • Oculus DK2 available for checkout
  • Important notes about the DK2:
    • This is considered a DEVELOPMENT KIT!  We can only give some guidance, if any, if you have issues using this device at home.  Please check with the community of developers at https://www.oculus.com/dk2/ for guidance if you run into issues. ​
    • Oculus may cause eyestrain, headaches, or have other medical implications. Please use caution when operating the device.  If you have medical conditions, please limit use accordingly.  If you get motion sick while using the DK2, discontinue use and rest.  Be sure to read all warnings contained in this PDF from Oculus.
    • The CPU on the computer that you plan to use the DK2 on needs to have SSE4.1 instructions to be able to use the head tracking camera.  To see if your CPU has these instruction sets, download CPUz and run the application.  The window that comes up should have a section labeled "Instructions."  If you do not see SSE4.1 listed, then you may have issues when the head tracking camera.  If you do not have SSE4.1 but you do see SSE4 or SSE4a, you may still have issues.
    • See details on the dk2 at https://www.oculus.com/dk2/

Reserve the Oculus DK2 Now!

Robotics

Various robotic kits to give you the opportunity to build, design and code robots and thier behaviors. Some kits will be for in space use for you and/or a team of you to come in and see what you can accomplish with these tools! Also the Factory has a series of reference books to assist with the kits. Provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services through a grant to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. (2016).  
  • Lego MindStorms- Are coming soon. The kits are available for in space use only. Coming soon
    • The LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education EV3 Core Set contains the software and elements to start teaching STEM subjects using robotics to middle school students.  LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 enables students to build, program, and test their solutions based on LEGO building bricks and real-life robotics technology.  Through hands-on learning, LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 will enable your students to: understand forces and motion; graph and interpret rotation sensor data; develop robots capable of complex thinking using logical structures and sensor feedback; understand that complex systems are created from subsystems; and design, build and program a fully-functioning robotic system.  10+ yrs Bricks The Core Set includes 541 elements that can be used for teaching science, technology, engineering, math, and computer science.  The Core Set comes in a sturdy storage bin with a sorting tray for easy classroom management and includes three servomotors, five sensors (gyro, ultrasonic, color and two touch), a rechargeable battery, connecting cables, printed and digital building instructions, and LEGO® Technic building bricks for creating a wide variety of models.  At the heart of LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 is the EV3 Intelligent Brick. A compact, powerful computer-in-a-brick that makes it possible to control motors and collect data from sensors. It turns your students’ models into responsive moving robots.  Curriculum The LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 Core Set does not come with a curriculum pack but does include 48 tutorials to help you and your students learn the basics of LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3.  The 48 step-by-step tutorials are designed to help educators and students master basic and advanced programming as well as hardware and data logging functions.  Software and apps You’ve built the models, now bring them to life using the powerful, easy to use LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 software. Students can program their creations using an intuitive drag and drop interface that allows them to evolve simple commands into complex algorithms.  Bring experiments to life by setting threshold values for sensors, and assigning them actions, such as programming them to make a sound when a certain temperature is detected by the sensor.  The built-in content editor enables teachers to customize the curriculum and create their own lessons. It enables students to capture their work directly inside the software creating their own digital workbook, making classroom management and assessment easier.  The software is based on National Instruments LabVIEW™, the industry-leading graphical system design software used by scientists and engineers worldwide.  The LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 software lets your students:  Program robots and other creations Document and track progress using the documentation tool Create and edit content Access the Robot Educator tutorials Log real-time data and calculate data sets (not available on the tablet app) Also includes the expansion pack: Give your model building possibilities a boost with the LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 Expansion Set. Packed with extra bricks, new elements and unique parts that allow for more flexibility, more opportunities and more creativity. These elements let students and teachers be more creative and design new robots that go beyond the Core Set.  Additional parts include a wide variety of special elements, including: different gears, a large turntable, robot personalization parts, unique structural elements, beams, axles, and connectors.  This set helps students build larger and more complex models, while also providing extra parts and replacement elements.  10+ yrs  853 Bricks This set contains a wide range of supplementary elements to continue the theme of critical thinking and creativity featured in the LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 Core Set. It is designed to allow students to take their robotics experience to the next level.  Contains 853 bricks and building instructions for 6 showpiece models. Comes complete with a sturdy storage bin with a sorting tray for easy classroom management. Additional building instructions and programs for several models are available.
  • ​​The LEGO Mindstorms EV3 idea book : 181 simple machines and clever contraptions / Yoshihito Isogawa. available for in space use only
  • The LEGO Mindstorms EV3 laboratory : build, program, and experiment with five wicked cool robots! / Daniele Benedettelli. available for in space use only
  • The LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Discovery Book : a beginner's guide to building and programming robots / Laurens Valk available for in space use only
  • ​Hacking Your LEGO Mindstroms EV3 kit by John Baichtal​ available for in space use only

 

  • PITSCO Tetrix- Are coming soon, these kits will be available for in space use only Coming soon

    • TETRIX® MAX R/C Starter Set- If you can dream up a design, you can build it with the TETRIX® MAX Building System. TETRIX is a complete design system for students who are serious about engineering.

      Featuring heavy-duty, aircraft-grade aluminum elements for construction, powerful drive motors, and expandable capabilities, TETRIX provides the ideal platform for creativity. Whether students want to build a basic square-chassis robot base with a remote control or incorporate other electronics (not included) to design a highly specific autonomous robot, this system is unlimited. Designed to provide one student or a team of students with the hardware to get started on a robotics or other build project, this starter set eliminates the worry that you might miss a needed part to finish the project.

      Includes the comprehensive TETRIX MAX Builder’s Guide (hard copy and CD), a 190-page teacher’s resource packed with several model build instructions, safety information, resources, challenges, and more. Includes a variety of TETRIX MAX structural elements, DC motors, servos and hardware, gears, wheels, axles, tubing, flats and angles, and channels. It also includes a game pad controller and batteries, rechargeable battery and charger, motor and servo controller board, and storage case with lid. - See more at: http://www.tetrixrobotics.com/Sets/TETRIX_MAX_RC_Starter_Set#sthash.t6EYD2Yd.dpuf​
      Robotics: Urban Search & Rescue Challenge Set- Designed especially for SkillsUSA, the Robotics: Urban Search & Rescue Challenge Set features heavy-duty, aircraft-grade aluminum elements for construction, powerful drive motors, and expandable capabilities. TETRIX® provides the ideal platform for creativity. The patented hole pattern on TETRIX structural pieces is unique to this system and enables competitors to attach pieces at angles as well as horizontally and vertically. The challenge kit includes the following:

      Brackets and mounts
      Structural channels and plates
      Structural tubing and hubs
      Wheels, gears, and drive trains
      NiMH battery pack and charger
      R/C transmitters, receivers, and motor controllers
      Wireless camera
      Requires AA batteries, NOT included

      Note: This set does not provide instructions to build a specific robot, including the one pictured. It has a builder’s guide illustrating a basic chassis build, proper wiring, etc. The set is designed for the USAR, which is an engineering competition in which competitors design and build their own original robot. - See more at: http://www.tetrixrobotics.com/Sets/Robotics_Urban_Search_and_Rescue_Challenge_Set#sthash.yX3Y1LRH.dpuf  
      TETRIX® MAX Resource Set- Add this resource set to your TETRIX® collection and build bigger and more complex robots and complete more challenging engineering projects. This set includes 40 metal building elements - See more at: http://www.tetrixrobotics.com/Sets/TETRIX_MAX/TETRIX_Resource_Set#sthash.aZX8R13O.dpuf

 

  • Sphero 2.0- programmable robotic ball. This kit comes with the Spher, some ramps, several covers. These are currently available on a 7 day check out.
 

Textiles

Resrouces to... Provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services through a grant to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. (2016).  
  • Juki Excite Hzl-g210 Computerized Sewing Machine- Coming soon
  • Janome Memory Craft 6500P / MC6500P Computerized Sewing Machine​ Coming soon
    • Janome Border Guide Sewing Machine Foot
      Janome Sewing Machine Wide Ribbon Guide Foot
      Janome Binder Foot for Horizontal Rotary Hook Models
      Janome Circular Attachment for Models 6500/6600/7700/11000
      Janome Butt on Sewing Foot for Horizontal Rotary Hook Models
      Janome Darning Foot (Open-Toe) for Horizontal Rotary Hook Models
      Janome Piping Foot for horizontal Rotary Hook Models
      Janome Beading Feet for Horizontal Rotary Hook Models
      Janome Rotary Even Foot Set
      Janome Universal Ultimate Ruffler Accessory By The Each
  • Cricut Explore Air Wireless Cutting Machine.  Coming soon
    • Cricut German Carbide Premium Blade
    • Cricut Explore Deep Cut Blade and Housing
  • Mirrix Loom- weaving loom available for checkout
 

Reference resources

Reserved books and other resource guides to help you design, develop or enhance your knowledge or project utilizing items from The Factory. These items are reserves and available for use in the space. Provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services through a grant to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. (2016).  
 

Tool Lending

The various tools available are intended to help complete projects. Some tools are reserved for in-space use only. Provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services through a grant to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. (2016). 
  • Allen/Hex Key/Wrench- A hex key or Allen key is a tool of hexagonal cross-section used to drive bolts and screws that have a hexagonal socket in the head.
  • Dremel 4000- variable speed rotary tool 
  • Dremel 4200- The Dremel 4200 variable speed rotary tool is the first ever rotary tool with the EZ Change™ mechanism allowing easy and fast accessory changes without a wrench. Now, completing projects will be more convenient and faster than ever before. Offering the highest performance and most versatility of all Dremel rotary tools, the Dremel 4200 features electronic feedback circuitry that enables consistent performance at all speed levels. Dremel 4200 can use all existing Dremel accessories and attachments to complete the widest range of projects
  • Dremel Saw Max- Dremel Saw-Max Dremel Saw-Max is a compact, handheld saw that allow users to make precise, clean and straight cuts in a wide variety of materials using compact cutting wheels. At one-third of the size and weight of a traditional circular power saw, these tools enable easy operation and allows for detailed work in tight spaces.
  • Dremel Ultra-Saw- Dremel Ultra-Saw is a 3-in-1 compact, handheld saw that allow users to make precise, clean and straight cuts with more power and durability than the Dremel Saw-Max. Plus, with our exclusive accessories, the Dremel Ultra-Saw offers the added ability to perform surface preparation tasks like removing paint, rust and thin-set mortar. The Dremel Ultra-Saw is a mini circular saw that was designed for users who want a tool that can do everything the Dremel Saw-Max can do, and more.
  • Heat Tool- Wagner HT1000: The HT1000 is a general purpose heat gun that is suitable for many heating applications ranging from removing paint and old flooring, bending plastics, loosening rusted bolts, or thawing frozen pipes.  It produces 1200 Watts and 4100 BTUs of power with temperature settings of 750° F or 1000° F. The HT1000 is ideal for DIYers, homeowners, handymen or part-time contractors. Corrosion-resistant nozzle Hanging hook Low noise design with two fan speeds Rugged, light weight , high-impact plastic body Two temperature settings
  • Mechanics Tool Set- The Husky 268-piece 1/4 in, 3/8 in. and 1/2 in. drive mechanics tool set is one of the most comprehensive tools set for professional or DIY mechanics' workshop. The 168 different standard and deep sockets along with the 20 combination wrenches and 19 bit sockets will allow you to tackle any fastening or repair project. This Husky 268-piece tool set will provide the novice or professional with a huge assortment of durable and reliable tools to get the job done. Set includes (3) 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 in. dr. quick release ratchets, (23) standard length 1/4 dr. 6-pt. socket,(10) standard length 1/4 dr. 12-pt. socket, (21) deep 1/4 dr. 6-pt. socket, (28) standard length 3/8 dr. 6-pt. socket, (5) standard length 3/8 dr. 8-pt. socket, (22) standard length 3/8 dr. 12-pt. socket, (16) deep 3/8 dr. 6-pt. socket, (2) 3/8 dr. spark plug socket, (190 3/8 dr. bit socket, (22) standard length 1/2 dr. 12-pt. socket, (12) deep 1/2 dr. 12-pt. socket, (20) combination wrenches and (80) other accessory and dr. tools 72-tooth ratchets need a only 5⁰ arc swing to turn fasteners Quick release button allows sockets and drive tools to be easily removed from the ratchet Full polished chrome finish easily wipes clean of oil and dirt Tools are forged from Chromium-Vanadium (Cr-V) steel for outstanding durability and strength Sockets and wrenches feature chamfered lead-ins help to provide fast and easy placement onto drive tools and fasteners Sockets and wrenches are designed with off corner loading to help prevent the rounding of fasteners Wrenches feature a 12-point box-end design and 15⁰ offset offers increased clearance Bit sockets attached to 3/8 in. drive tools providing a longer handle and more leverage than standard hex keys or screwdrivers Chrome finish provides corrosion resistance and added durability Large, hard-stamped size markings allow for easy readability Hex keys, screwdriver and nut driver bits are formed from heat treated S2 tool steel for added strength and wear protection Plastic storage case is stamped with size markings for easy identification and organization In Space Use Only
  • Pliers- Husky and Stanley pliers
  • Ratcheting PVC Cutters- the Brass Craft Ratcheting PVC Cutter that cuts plastic, vinyl and rubber tubing up to 1-5/8 in OD. This ratcheting-action cutter features a safety catch for your protection. 
  • Screwdrivers- Husky screwdrivers various sizes both phillips and slotted/flathead
  • Wrench Set (Combination)- SAE1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4", 7/8"  & MM-8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 17mm, 18mm