Equipment Directory
In the MAKE prototyping network, students access a wide range of tools and equipment tailored to their project needs, with safety protocols based on the level of danger.
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Electronical Cabinet
Probably the coolest cabinet you’ve ever seen. It contains everything you need to quickly prototype basic electronics. You’ll find:
- A soldering iron kit.
- A small vise and a third hand to hold your project.
- An illuminated magnifying glass.
- A laboratory power supply.
- An oscilloscope.
- A signal generator.
- Various pliers.
- Basic tools (screwdrivers, files, etc.).
- ...
Open Access Cabinet
This cabinet, open during coach presence hours, allows you to find all sorts of useful accessories. Some might choose to bring only a knife to a deserted island, but I’d choose tape!
- Materials available:
- Different types of glue.
- Different types of tape.
- Heat shrink tubing.
- Disposable gloves.
- Wood screws.
- Sandpaper.
- Staples.
- Clamps.
- Universal lubricant (WD40).
- Laboratory power supply.
- Heat gun.
- Thermometer.
- Scale.
- Bicycle pump.
- Spirit level.
- ...
Ressourcerie
Circular box to recycle electronics and components. Once your project is finished, you are free to drop off components that can be reused in future projects. Everything in this Aladdin's cave is free, and it is everyone's responsibility to ensure that the components dropped off or taken work.
Drill And Grinder Cabinet
This cabinet contains 3 proxxon grinders, 6 makita drills and Batteries available for self-service for prototyping work. All necessary accessories (bits, attachments, etc.) are directly in each corresponding locker. Charged batteries are located on the left side of the cabinet.
Totem
These digital information panels allow you to stay informed about the latest MAKE news at EPFL. If you have an event, it’s also possible to display your chosen information. All details on rights and access can be found in the link below. Don't hesitate to ask Julien Delisle how to make them work perfectly.
Table
"A table is an item of furniture with a raised flat top and is supported most commonly by 1 to 4 legs (although some can have more). It is used as a surface for working at, eating from or on which to place things.[1][2] Some common types of tables are the dining room tables, which are used for seated persons to eat meals; the coffee table, which is a low table used in living rooms to display items or serve refreshments; and the bedside table, which is commonly used to place an alarm clock and a lamp. There are also a range of specialized types of tables, such as drafting tables, used for doing architectural drawings, and sewing tables.
Common design elements include:
Top surfaces of various shapes, including rectangular, square, rounded, semi-circular or oval
Legs arranged in two or more similar pairs. It usually has four legs. However, some tables have three legs, use a single heavy pedestal, or are attached to a wall.
Several geometries of folding table that can be collapsed into a smaller volume (e.g., a TV tray, which is a portable, folding table on a stand)
Heights ranging up and down from the most common 18–30 inches (46–76 cm) range, often reflecting the height of chairs or bar stools used as seating for people making use of a table, as for eating or performing various manipulations of objects resting on a table
A huge range of sizes, from small bedside tables to large dining room tables and huge conference room tables
Presence or absence of drawers, shelves or other areas for storing items
Expansion of the table surface by insertion of leaves or locking hinged drop leaf sections into a horizontal position (this is particularly common for dining tables)" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_(furniture)
Milling And Drilling Machine Fehlman Picomax 21
The PICOMAX 21 fulfills even the highest requirements for maximum precision and handiness for state-of-the-art workshops. It is used for drilling, thread cutting and milling operations in the demanding prototype and tool production, as well as for training purposes. This machine forms a solid basis for an up-to-date machine fleet. The proven machine concept is continuously being further developed and refined and contributes to the efficient and precise production of mechanical components on more than 10'000 shop floors world-wide every day.
Workstation
!!! WARNING : This licence software are reserved for members of interdisciplinary projects !!!
Not a fan of daylight and think outdoor vacations are overrated? Then look no further, you’ve found the perfect place to work! These fully equipped workstations are made for you ! Hardware: Intel i7-11700 CPU (2.5 GHz) with 16 virtual cores, 64 GB RAM; GPU NVIDIA Quardo RTX 4000
Operating system: Windows Server 2022 with terminal services
The available softwares installed on these machines are the same you can find on the remote desktops. You can find the list of software on the following page.
Sustainability guide for MAKE projects
This guide (written in French) is intented to any student participating to a MAKE project, from the occasional supporter to the highly active committee member. It explains why and how to act on sustainability in the frame of the project.
You can access it here : https://www.epfl.ch/education/educational-initiatives/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Guide-de-la-durabilite.pdf
It is also available as a hardcopy in the ideation and sustainability kiosk, in the ideation space of SPOT : https://make-dev.epfl.ch/equipment/ideation-&-sustainability-kiosk-161
Material samples library by MateriO
Many samples of innovative materials and their datasheets are available for observation and manipulation on the first floor of SPOT, between the main entrance and the cafeteria, on shelves.
You can also request the access to the whole MateriO online database (thousands of innovative materials datasheet) at the SPOT front desk.
Matrix server
If you need a tool to communicate in your team effectively, different tools exists.
However the most popular tools are either not free (for example slack) or not safe (for example discord). At EPFL, a matrix server is available for team communcation. This server is safe, free and respecting EPFL guidelines in terms of secrecy (data are stored in Switzerland - on EPFL campus - and are properly encrypted). Matrix is using clients (similar to emails). We strongly advise interdisciplinary projects to use this tool for their team communication.
With the MAKE team we are still using slack but we are planning to transit to matrix in the future for a safer forum workspace.
-large.webp "Shape and Text Cutter (vinyl cutter)")
Abaqus
Before using simulation to predict how your prototype might behave under certain conditions, have you thought of a simpler way to test it? As engineers, we are trained to solve complicated problems using complex tools, but sometimes there are simpler ways to proceed. If you need Finite Element Analysis then Abaqus might interest you.
Abaqus is a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software. It is designed to exploit the true generality of the theoretical potential of the method without imposing any unnecessary limitations. Abaqus assists engineers in simulating complex real-world problems for various industries and relies on it for advanced engineering simulations.
!!! WARNING : This licence software are reserved for members of interdisciplinary projects !!!
Altium Designer
Altium Designer allows you to make electronics design accessible. It is consider a CAD (Computer Assisted Design) software specialized in PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design.
!!! WARNING : This licence software are reserved for members of interdisciplinary projects !!!
ANSYS
Before using simulation to predict how your prototype might behave under certain conditions, have you thought of a simpler way to test it? As engineers, we are trained to solve complicated problems using complex tools, but sometimes there are simpler ways to proceed. If you need Finite Element Analysis then Ansys might definitely interest you.
Ansys Mechanical Finite Element Analysis (FAE) software uses computer models to simulate structures, electronics, or machine components to evaluate the strength, toughness, elasticity, temperature distribution, electromagnetism, fluid flow, and other attributes.
!!! WARNING : This licence software are reserved for members of interdisciplinary projects !!!
Autodesk Inventor
Autodesk Inventor 3D CAD software provides mechanical design, documentation, and simulation tools.
!!! WARNING : This licence software are reserved for members of interdisciplinary projects !!!
CATIA V5
Catia is a CAD (Computer Aided Design) software that allows you to numerically design your parts or even entire prototype.
!!! WARNING : This licence software are reserved for members of interdisciplinary projects !!!
MATLAB with Simulink
Before using simulation to predict how your prototype might behave under certain conditions, have you thought of a simpler way to test it? As engineers, we are trained to solve complicated problems using complex tools, but sometimes there are simpler ways to proceed. If you need Finite Element Analysis then Abaqus might interest you.
Matlab - simulink is simulation/analysis software.
!!! WARNING : This licence software are reserved for members of interdisciplinary projects !!!
PTC Creo
PTC Creo is a CAD (Computer Aided Design) software that allows you to numerically design your parts or even entire prototype.
!!! WARNING : This licence software are reserved for members of interdisciplinary projects !!!
Rhino
Rhinoceros is a CAD (Computer Aided Design) and CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) software that allows you to numerically design your parts and prepare them for machining/3D printing.
!!! WARNING : This licence software are reserved for members of interdisciplinary projects !!!
Solidworks
Solidworks is a CAD (Computer Aided Design) software that allows you to numerically design your parts or even entire prototype.
!!! WARNING : This licence software are reserved for members of interdisciplinary projects !!!
Measurment and test station
Congratulations, you've just assembled your electronic prototype! Now it's time to test it and see if everything works. These workstations allow you to take measurements and test your circuit, helping you decode step by step what's happening in that maze of wires and electronic chips.
SMD Welding station
After all the theory and design on the computer, it's time to get hands-on. It's time for some SMD soldering! These workstations will allow you to assemble SMD components and solder all kinds of electronic chips. These stations are equipped with:
- Soldering irons of various sizes
- Magnifying glasses and microscopes
- A precision tool kit for electronics.
Repair Station
This repair station is designed to help you troubleshoot and fix any issues with your electronics projects. Whether it's a faulty connection or a malfunctioning component, this station provides everything you need to diagnose and repair your circuits efficiently. The station is equipped with:
- Multimeters for precise measurements
- Oscilloscopes for signal analysis
- Soldering tools for quick fixes
- Heat plate
- All the basic repair tools to get your project back on track.
Pick and place station
Here is the Pick & Place Station, your PCB assembly sidekick! This machine takes the hassle out of placing tiny components, letting you focus on the big picture. Just load up your board, sit back, and watch as your components are placed with pinpoint accuracy. Perfect for students looking to level up their PCB game!
precision pick and place station
Step into the future with our advanced Pick & Place Station featuring holographic component views! This high-tech marvel lets you visualize and place components with next-level precision. Watch your board come to life in real-time, with the added clarity of holo-projected parts. For students aiming for perfection, this station makes assembling PCBs both futuristic and fun!
Stencil working station
Welcome to the Stencil Preparation Station—the place where your PCB assembly starts with perfection! This station helps you prep stencils and apply soldering paste like a pro. Just line up your board, apply the paste, and get ready for smooth, flawless soldering. It's the perfect kick-off for students ready to master the art of PCB assembly!
Automatic pick and place station
Meet the Programmable Automatic Pick & Place Station—your ultimate PCB assembly assistant! Just program your setup, and this machine will handle the rest, placing components with robotic precision. It’s hands-free, super efficient, and perfect for students who want to streamline their workflow and let the machine do all the heavy lifting. Your PCB assembly just got a serious upgrade!
Paste preparation station
Say hello to the Soldering Paste Preparation Station—the ultimate spot to get your paste game on point! Here, you can mix and prep your solder paste to perfection, ensuring every application is smooth and ready for precise soldering. For students looking to nail those perfect connections, this station is where the magic begins!
Vapor Phase Oven
Welcome to the Vapor Phase Oven—a PCB soldering dream machine! Pop in your board, and let the magic of vapor phase technology give you flawless, even solder joints every time. No hot spots, no worries—just perfectly soldered PCBs ready to go. For students looking to get pro-level results, this oven’s got your back!
Cleaning bath
Welcome to the PCB Clean Bath—because even your circuit boards deserve a little spa treatment! After soldering, give your PCBs a refreshing dip to wash away any flux and debris. Remember, a clean board is a happy board. As OSS 117 would say, "It’s important to be clean…always!" Your electronics will thank you!
Manual soldering station
Welcome to the Manual Soldering Station—the go-to spot for fixing those little PCB oopsies! Whether it’s a tricky repair or a last-minute tweak, this station is packed with all the tools you need for complex PCB work. Got a bug or a misplaced component? No worries! Roll up your sleeves and let’s turn those mistakes into masterpieces!
Remote Desktop
!!! WARNING : These remotely accessible workstations are reserved for members of interdisciplinary projects only!!!
Did you know that you can work from anywhere? Yes, that's the magic of the 21st century. Thanks to this cutting-edge technology called the Internet, you can work from anywhere in the world. All you need is a computer and Internet access (and EPFL's VPN).
You'll find all the information you need to connect to these remote workstations in the link below.
Archive Storage
Knowledge management is fundamental for good project management. The typical solution adopted (by default) by most projects, is to create a collaborative drive for the team that becomes quickly messy and where part of the information is not often consulted by team member.
This is the reason why an archive storage solution has been developped. This solution is designed to preserve interdisciplinary project history at EPFL. Designed specifically for long-term storage, each project gets up to 10TB of free storage space to securely store past years' data and media content (videos, pictures).
The data is stored on EPFL servers making this solution compatible even for sensitive documents. You can create subfolders with restrictive access or subfolders to share outside of your team (with sponsors etc..)
However, this isn't your everyday collaborative drive. This solution is designed for archiving documents, not frequent file access. Perfect for keeping important project records safe and sound, but not ideal for files you need to check regularly or edit with multiple users simultaneously. Think of it as a digital time capsule, preserving your work for future generations!
WARNING !!! This storage solution is reserved for members of interdisciplinary projects only!!!
IoT WiFi network
Do you have a great prototype that you'd like to connect for remote control? Or simply an embedded device that needs an Internet connection to work? On the EPFL campus, you should not create access points with your smartphone (i.e., connection sharing) because of EPFL policies. For this reason we created a dedicated IoT (Internet of Things) WiFi network named SPOT-iot, allowing you to safely to connect your objects to the Internet via EPFL's network, and to access them from your computer.
For all the details and to enable your access, please click on the link below.
Fusion 360
Autodesk Fusion 360 connects your entire manufacturing process by integrating CAD (Computer Aided Design), CAM (Manufacturing), CAE (Engineering - simulation), and PCB (Printed Circuit Board design) into a single solution allowing you to design and make anything.
!!! WARNING : This licence software are available on computers reserved for members of interdisciplinary projects !!! However, the software is free for educational projects, so students can use it on their laptop as long as it is for educational projects (see the conditions of Autodesk)
Electronic Key Manager
This electronic key cabinet allows students - registered in a project (after the basic online training is validated) - to borrow different keys opening various resources to prototype, including:
- Mechanical toolbox
- Electronic toolbox
- Drilling equipment
- VR headsets
- ...
Key number 1 to 37 are available to everyone
Key number 38 and 39 are available to trained students for sewing and embroidery
Key 40 to 64 are for the coaches and student assistants
MQTT server
MQTT is a protocol widely used for IoT (Internet-of-Things) devices, typically to transmit sensor readings and events. An MQTT server is provided at
dllprot-mqtt.epfl.ch. To use the server, you first need to activate your IoT WiFi account (see https://make.epfl.ch/equipment/241). You can then authenticate from your devices using your SCIPER as username, and the same password as for the IoT WiFi network. If you need a non-personal account for long-term use by a project, please ask.