CNC Wooden Router

A CNC Router is a Computer Numerical Controlled machine that uses computer programming to control a high speed rotating cutter to perform cutting and shaping operations. It can be used for a large range of materials such as wood cutting, foam milling, MDF cutting, plastics cutting, carbon fibre and light metals such as aluminium. CNC machines can cut at a considerably higher speed, make much smoother edge finishes and produce a series of identical products as well as one-off pieces compared to a manually operated router. They are most frequently used for 2D cutting on flat materials. Using programmed tool paths which are derived from a vector drawing, a controller instructs the machine to move the toolhead along its X and Y axis. However, with a fully programmable Z-axis and suitable design file and controller the router is capable of machining elaborate 3D profiles and designs into the same wide range of materials.

The CNC Wooden router available in IDEA lab are Model: ShopBot USA having a working envelope of 610 (2 ft) x 458 (1.5ft) x 140 mm, Model: EX-1325 (Mehta), having a working area: 2500 (8 ft) x 1300 (4 ft) x 200 mm.

Sublimation Printer

Sublimation printing is the process by which an image is transferred onto a product. The design/image can be printed onto a wide variety of items, such as T shirts, mugs, or bags by using special inks. Sublimation is achieved by quickly changing solid substances into a gas without first making it liquid. First, the ink is loaded into a sublimation printer, and the design is fed in with the item. The ink is then heated and changed directly into a gaseous form. The gaseous ink is pressed against the material and the ink bonds with the fibers within it. The image then returns to a solid state once it touches the item's surface to which it is bonded. The ink binds to the fabric fibers or the surface of the ceramic or fabric without any seams or edges. The main benefit of a sublimation printer is that the image being printed is infused within the material. Rather than sticking an image onto the product's surface, sublimation printers bond the colors of the ink themselves into the fabric. This allows for the image to remain stark and colorful without leading to peeling or fading. Sublimation printing is ideal for a wide range of products.

The sublimation printer available in IDEA Lab is My Print 5 in 1 combo Heat Press

Vinyl Cutter

The vinyl cutting machine which is controlled by a computer scans the design and converts it to an outline. From there, the machine cuts the design with a sharp blade from a vinyl sheet. Most vinyl cutters look like regular computer printers. Highly accurate cutting via vector cutting applications allow for any graphic to be traced on to vinyl flex film and similar media. It is used to make stickers, logos, and several other designs for various applications.

The vinyl cutter available in IDEA Lab is Roland, Japan Model GS 24, Digital control servo motor with a loadable material width of 50 to 700 mm.

Sand Blaster

Sand blasting is the operation of forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive media against a surface under high pressure to flatten a rough surface, roughen a smooth surface, shape a surface or remove surface contaminants. Sandblasting machines are commonly used for Abrasive blasting. Sand blasting is the method through which it is possible to obtain excellent cleaning and surface preparation for secondary finishing operations. It can be used for cleaning, deburring, removing paint and coatings, shot-peening, and/or other methods for finishing or improving the surface on a number of different materials.

The sand blaster available in IDEA Lab is Ecnoline, USA using glass beads as the blasting media

PCB Prototyping Machine

This is an environment friendly PCB Machine for each stage of PCB making and fabrication process. Users can produce fully functioning boards quickly and easily by drilling, engraving and routing. The design environment supports Gerber file. The machine could be used for patch antenna fabrication also. Precision of the machine is up-to 0.1mm. The machine can engrave trace and pads. It uses End-mill tool for copper removing and cutting the PCB. Drill bits are used for making through holes.

The PCB machine available in IDEA Lab is PCB Mate 300W by Enthutec, Working area of 200 x 300 x 120 mm, rotating speed of 25000 rpm.

UV Chamber

UV Chamber could be used for applying a conformal coating to the PCB for protecting the circuit from oxidation. Users could use the machine along with their design file of pads for applying the coat in the needed areas.

The UV Chamber available in IDEA Lab is 160W, 70 cm x 30 cm

Electronic Workbench

The electronic workbench is equipped with testing and measuring instruments like bench-top multimeter, function generator, DSO, etc. We also have facility for soldering SMD components which includes a rework station and oven.