ECSS Makerspace
Overview
The Makerspace is a hands-on workspace for students, clubs and researchers across the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science. It is designed to support learning, prototyping, fabrication and experimentation by providing access and training on professional-grade tools to bring ideas from concept to reality.
Whether you are building for a course project, student competition team, research initiative or personal design idea, the Makerspace provides a safe and supportive environment to explore, create and iterate.
The space encourages collaboration and learning by doing, with room to work independently or alongside peers. More than just a workshop, the Makerspace is a place to develop practical skills, troubleshoot designs and turn creativity into tangible outcomes.
The main ECSS Makerspace is located in the Engineering Lab Wing B102, and the CNC Milling Machines are in B118. The Makerspace is available to Engineering and Computer Science undergraduate students in second year and above, graduate students, faculty, and staff.
Equipment
Fabrication & machines
- 3D printers
- 2 CNC Milling Machines (3- and 4-axis)
- laser cutter
- manual desktop drill press
Measurement systems
- 3D scanner
- thermal camera
- digital calipers and measuring tools
Tools
- arbor press
- comprehensive sets of shop hand tools
Textiles, labeling & finishing
- sewing machine
- iron and ironing board
- vinyl cutter
Electronic fabrication & test equipment
- soldering stations
- helping hands
- reflow oven
- oscilloscopes
- function generators
- multimeters
- logic analyzers
- spectrum analyzer
Supporting equipment
- shop vacuums
- desktop computer workstations
Training
To ensure safe and responsible use of the Makerspace, all users are required to complete the online training module on Brightspace and attend an in-person training session before accessing the space or using any equipment.
Step 1: Complete the Online Training Module
To request enrolment in training, please email ecssmakerspace@uvic.ca with the following information:
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Your name
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Your UVic V number
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Your department
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Whether you are a student, staff, or faculty member
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If you are a student, please include your current year of study
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If you are a student who will use the Makerspace for coursework this term, include the course number
The online ECSS Makerspace Basic Training Brightspace course will cover safety, expected behaviour, tools/equipment, and the 3D printing service training.
Step 2: Attend an In-Person Orientation
After successfully completing the online course, you must complete an in-person orientation with the ECSS Makerspace Staff.
During this orientation you will:
- Demonstrate your understanding of the equipment
- Review key safety considerations
- Ask questions about setup, operation, and best practices
- Participate in multiple activities to further your learning
Advanced Training for Specialized Equipment
Some Makerspace equipment requires further training before use. This includes the laser cutter, vinyl cutter, sewing machine, 3D scanner, thermal camera, dremel tools, drill press, and other tools. As with the general use training, you will need to register for the online module associated with the equipment you would like to be certified to use, and then attend an in-training session on that particular equipment.
Hours & access
The Makerspace is open during the following hours:
Regular staffed hours are 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Access after hours is available for fully qualified users after approval of a work plan and training on emergency procedures. After hours access times are:
- Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Weekends: 7 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Working alone is not permitted in the Makerspace.
Access to the Makerspace is controlled. Users must have approved access and a valid ONECard key to enter the space. Please ensure you have completed all required training and received authorization before attempting to use the facility.
If you do not yet have access, instructions on how to request a key will be provided after completing the required training.