HowToStart

Everything you need to know to start building at the iStartLab: who can use the lab, how to get trained and the rules that keep everyone safe.

Who can use the lab

The iStartLab is open to all students, faculty and staff of Instituto Superior Técnico developing prototypes and projects of academic interest.

The lab does not support projects under research contracts or service agreements, as it cannot guarantee the equipment availability those contracts usually require.

Our spaces

  • MakerSpace (Pavilhão de Matemática, floor -1) – 3D printing, 3D scanning, laser and vinyl cutting, electronics, computer workstations and workbenches.
  • Hardware Shop (floor -2) – CNC router and workshop tools such as a bench drill press, circular saw and belt sander.
  • Whiteroom (floor -1) – workshops and classes, with walls you can write on.
See all machines

Two ways to use the lab

1. With our team. For occasional use, our support team can help you with the equipment and workspaces. Email us at istartlab@tecnico.ulisboa.pt to arrange your visit.

2. On your own, after training. For regular use, attend a training session with our support team and sign the usage agreement:

  • Trained Maker – autonomous use of the marked equipment in the MakerSpace.
  • Trained Fabricator – autonomous use of the Hardware Shop.

Some equipment, like the laser cutter and resin printer, can only be used with a member of our team present.

Using the Hardware Shop

Because of its machines, the Hardware Shop is booked as a whole in sprints of up to 3 consecutive days. Trained Fabricators receive the booking details after their training.

At the end of each sprint, remove all your materials, clean all dust and chips, empty the vacuum cleaners and tidy up the machining area.

Materials and storage

  • Bring your own materials. Each user contributes the consumables their project needs. Extra material stays in the lab for others to use.
  • Storage: you can ask for a box or space for your project for up to 10 working days, renewable on request. Unclaimed materials are recycled after that.

Lab rules

  • Only use equipment marked for your training level; everything else requires a team member.
  • Log every job in the machine’s log sheet before you start, and share a photo of the result when you finish.
  • Never use equipment marked “Out of Order”, and report any malfunction (strange noises, smoke, unexpected stops) right away.
  • Use at most 2 machines at the same time per project, and no machine for more than 24 hours in a row.
  • Respect other users and never move or interrupt someone else’s work without permission.
  • Leave the space clean and tidy, with every tool back in its place. If you’re the last one out, close the door and turn off the lights.

Breaking these rules may lead to temporary or permanent suspension of access to the lab.

Safety and emergencies

In an emergency, follow the instructions posted in the building. A first-aid kit (red bag) is on the top shelf of each lab.

If there is a serious malfunction or accident and you can’t reach our team, call the IST Security Center: internal extension 2000 or 218 418 000.

Video tutorials

3D printing – Print with an FDM printer

3D printing – Slice for FDM (PrusaSlicer)

3D printing – Print with a resin printer

3D printing – Slice for resin (PrusaSlicer)

3D printing – Maintenance

3D printing – Maintenance (full session)

CNC – Tutorial

Laser cutter – How to use

Laser cutter – Prepare a model (RDWorks V8)

Vinyl cutter – How to use

Vinyl cutter – Prepare a model (CutStudio)

Vinyl cutter – Apply vinyl

Questions?

Email us at istartlab@tecnico.ulisboa.pt – we are happy to help.