The drafting department is now welcoming all City College students to use its new 3-D scanner and laser cutter.

The department decided to add more machines for the students after being limited to only prototype manufacturing and early machine models.

“It’s a foot in the door for a new generation,” introductory design major Jacob Izzo said. “Especially here on campus because we haven’t had anything like this.”

The Makerspace lab in the Occupational Education Building will be open for students to cultivate ideas and designs, and then produce them.

“As a student, I think it’s great to have new tools to work with,” said mechanical engineering major Marcus Stollmeyer.

Product Design Professor Natalie Ng said that many students who are not involved in drafting are not aware of the Makerspace. She wants all students to know the opportunity they have to create and produce their ideas.

“With our Maker staff here, we are open to anyone who wants to make something,” Ng said.

There are experienced lab assistants running the Makerspace, ready to help students who are not sure how to develop their ideas.

“We all have our different specialties and different stuff we can bring to the project,” said engineering major Jordan Everhart. “So usually the whole group will pitch in something.”

The brand new 3-D scanner can make a three-dimensional object and create accurate 3-D models.

With the help of a 3-D printer the drafting students made a 3-D model of a Homo Naledi jawbone discovered by The Rising Star Cave in South Africa.

“The scientists there scanned the real one and sent it online,” Stollmeyer said. “So anyone can look at it, download it and 3-D print it. We can actually determine stuff about the animal.”

The second addition to the space is a professional grade laser cutter machine that can cut and engrave in all forms of material.

Interior design major Jared Espinoza did not know about the new machines but said she will try them out.

“I think this will help me with my interior design class,” she said.

The machines can also help manufacture different body prosthetics and small types of tools such as screws.

“Instead of buying a prosthetic for thousands of dollars you can buy a printer box for a thousand dollars and make yourself however many you want,” Everhart said.

The department wants the students to improve their skills in order to have experience with tools the job market could request.

“The technology is moving so fast and we would like to be in lockstep with the newest technology,” Ng said. “So we are planning on updating more machines.”

Students will have to fill out a safety release form in order to use the machines.

“If you have an idea, come and the guys will help you to complete it,” said Ng.