MakerSpace URI

Turning ideation into creation

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The MakerSpace is a hands-on creative environment where URI students design, prototype, and build physical projects using a range of tools, technologies, and materials. Whether you’re exploring an idea, working on a class project, or developing a prototype, the MakerSpace supports experimentation, collaboration, and skill development in fabrication, digital making, and creative problem-solving.

Lab Contacts:

Keith Ranaldi, Director
Cyrus Allen, Technician

Contact

What You Can Do in the MakerSpace

Prototyping & Product Creation
Turn concepts into physical form using tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and other digital fabrication technologies. Students can iterate rapidly and refine designs as part of academic work, personal projects, and entrepreneurial experimentation.

Hands-On Making & Fabrication
From sewing and textiles to woodworking and electronics, the MakerSpace provides the equipment, materials, and foundational training you need to build, craft, and assemble your ideas. MakerSpace staff and student collaborators help you get started and stay productive.

Peer Collaboration & Creative Support
The MakerSpace fosters a community of makers, collaborators, and fellow learners. Work alongside peers, share insights, and engage in cross-disciplinary workflows that combine digital tools with physical craftsmanship.

Tools & Technologies

The MakerSpace offers a broad set of tools and equipment to support creative exploration and project development. Key technologies include (but are not limited to):

Screen Print

A large device that can hold up to four different screens for printing, allowing the four screens to remain perfectly in-line with one another to allow for complex or even full-color screen prints.

TUTORIAL

Embroidery

Able to embroider custom designs in a frame up to 5” x 7”. Fabric is placed into the embroidery ”hoop” which is then inserted into the machine. Only one color of thread is loaded at a time; then changed to another color when ready.

TUTORIAL

Vinyl Cutting

A consumer grade vinyl cutter primarily used for cutting Sticker & Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV). However, they can also cut through various other materials like paper, cardstock and fabric.

Tutorial

Button Press

A hand operated button maker that presses the various parts of the button together to create a complete button showcasing the design of your choice.

Tutorial

3D Printer

Standard Fused Deposition Modeling or (FDM) 3D Printer, with the added capability to change out the current material during a print. This allows complex projects with either different types of materials or different colors, allowing for project complexity.

Tutorial

Sewing

The Brother XM2701 is a great all around Sewing Machine for makers of all skill levels. The XM2701 includes 27 Built-in stitches, a one-step buttonhole system, 6 included accessory feet and an automatic needle threading system.

Tutorial

Laser Cutter

A large-format laser cutter with an optional rotary module. Can etch or engrave a wide range of materials. With the rotary module, cylindrical stock can be worked on, as opposed
to just flat stock.

TUTOrial

Sublimation

Large format CMYK inkjet printer loaded with special “sublimation ink”. The ink is printed onto a particular type of paper and can then be heat-pressed onto certain surfaces, transferring the image. can print up to 14 inches wide.

tutorial

Training and supervision ensure safe, effective use of equipment, and MakerSpace staff can guide you through materials and processes.

Makerspace use policy

Who the MakerSpace Is For

The MakerSpace is open to all URI students, faculty, and campus partners. No prior experience is required — whether you’re new to making or building on existing skills, the space is designed to support learners from beginner to advanced. Faculty can integrate MakerSpace workflows into coursework, and students can access training, equipment, and collaborative support to advance academic or personal projects.

Ready to make something? Book a training session or bring your project into the MakerSpace to begin prototyping, collaborating, and creating. Join workshops and community build days to deepen your skills and connect with other makers.

SChedule an appointment

Events Calendar

Launch Lab

Launch Lab supports student innovation through mentoring, workshops, funding pathways, and experiential learning that help ideas grow into real-world impact.

Learn more