Is your subject using Telstra Creator Space this semester? Check here!
Welcome to Telstra Creator Space
Telstra Creator Space is an accessible fabrication lab located in the University of Melbourne’s innovation precinct, Melbourne Connect. It’s a space where technology and creativity combine to form innovative solutions.
Telstra Creator Space is open to all students, academics and staff at the University of Melbourne.
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Design Fabrication Review
Do you have a draft design or drawings but not sure how to bring it to life or do it in a sustainable way? Request time with a Telstra Creator Space team member.
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What's on
Checkout the hands-on events and workshops this throughout the year open to the University of Melbourne students, staff and academics
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Interactive virtual tour
A student-led project has provided you the opportunity to explore the space, equipment and amenities at your leisure
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Vision
Telstra Creator Space will support the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology to prepare outstanding graduates and achieve global impact through our teaching and research, together with our partners.
Feedback and suggestions
If you have feedback about the Space, share your thoughts through this survey to let us know what your experience of Telstra Creator Space was like.
Virtual Tour
Telstra Creator Space features an extensive range of industry-grade equipment and tools. All you need to do to start using them is to register and then complete the required training.
Not sure what equipment you need to use? Explore the information on this website or come in and speak to a Telstra Creator Space team member for guidance.
Areas
Telstra Creator Space has a number of specialised areas dedicated to different aspects of making. From idea through to finished product, there is an area in which you can work on each stage of your prototype’s development. All areas require General Maker Training to access, and some require further training.
General Maker
Ground floor, basement
The General Maker areas are for designing and building your early prototypes. There are whiteboards to plan and sketch designs, cardboard and glue for making mock-ups and hand tools like saws, drills and hammers for building prototypes.
You’ll also find design desks with dual monitors, docking stations, and power available to finesse your CAD designs here.
Required training: General Maker Training
Electronics
Ground floor, basement
The Electronics areas contain the equipment needed to make, test and analyse the electronic aspects of your projects as well as soldering rework stations.
Required training: Introduction to Electronics and Soldering
Test Bed
Ground floor
The Test Bed is a large, open area for testing prototypes, conducting user testing, and hosting events and exhibitions.
Required training: General Maker Training
Wood Shop
Basement
The Wood Shop contains traditional wood working machines which can be used to cut, turn, sand and shape wood and plastics. These machines are all connected to a dust extraction system and have a trained staff member to assist in their correct and safe method of use.
Required training: Wood Shop
Metal Shop
Basement
The Metal Shop contains traditional metal fabrication machines for cutting, bending, drilling, grinding and assembling steel and aluminium structures.
Required training: Metal Shop
Machining
Basement
CNC machining
Accurately cut and form materials here with automated control and programming to bring your mock-up to life.
Required training: CNC Mill, CNC Lathe, CNC Router
Traditional machining
Accurately turn, mill, drill and bore various materials using conventional machining processes.
Required training: Manual lathe, Manual mill
Services
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3D printing
Any University of Melbourne student or staff member can submit jobs online to be 3D printed. Completed jobs can be collected from The Hive in the Telstra Creator Space foyer.
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Event support
Telstra Creator Space supports student clubs and faculty members to run hands-on events in the Space. Please contact us with your ideas and we’d be happy to help host your event.
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Design fabrication review
Do you have a draft design or drawings but not sure how to bring it to life or do it in a sustainable way? Request a review with a Telstra Creator Space team member.
Upcoming events
Telstra Creator Space hosts hackathons, workshops and meetups for faculty and student clubs throughout the year.
Are you a UniMelb student club or a part of the university interested in hosting an event at Telstra Creator Space? Please check out our event guidelines and contact us with your ideas and we’d be happy to help host your event.
Face-to-face training
We are running face-to-face training sessions throughout SWOT Vac, Exams and the Winter & Summer break. To book a face-to-face session, please ensure you have registered for Telstra Creator Space by following the instructions on the Start making page, enrolled in the training course and completed the required eLearn modules.
Past events
Event guidelines
We ask that events held in Telstra Creator Space align with FEIT guidelines, in that they are one or more of the following:
- Educational
- Not for profit
- Part of the Melbourne Connect Community and or UoM (direct student and or staff)
- STEM/STEAM recruitment related to UoM
and not:
- UoM Alumni activity that does not meet points 1. AND 2. above
- Recruitment activities from non-UoM educational providers
- Unaligned external organisations
FEIT reserves the right to reject event proposals at its discretion.
If your event matches the criteria, you’re good to go! Contact telstra-creatorspace@unimelb.edu.au with your ideas and we’d be happy to help host your event. Need help refining your ideas to bring them into line? Feel free to contact us as well.
Want to step into Telstra Creator Space and learn how to use industry-grade tools and equipment for yourself? Great! We’re thrilled to have you join our community.
Telstra Creator Space has a range of equipment ready for you to use to bring your idea to life. To ensure your safety, we’ll need you to follow 2 steps to get making.
The training is designed to be practical, effective, and short. The process ensures that your maker space education is useful. We want you to learn what you need to get started straight away. Plus, training sessions are a handy way of learning skills that are being used right now in the industry as well as giving you a solid foundation for developing future skills.
Here’s what you need to do before entering Telstra Creator Space.
Using Telstra Creator Space for your subject/course work? Check out this 3 minute video to get you started.
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Register
Complete the User Registration and accept the Terms of Access and Use.
Complete the User Registration
Note: It may take up to 45 minutes for the General Maker Training to appear in TrainMe once you have registered.
While you wait, please familiarise yourself with what to do when coming to Telstra Creator Space.
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Enrol in and complete General Maker Training
Access to Telstra Creator Space is granted on completion of General Maker Training.
The training consists of two components. The first involves three eLearn modules in TrainME, a UniMelb Learning Management System. These are best completed on a laptop or desktop.
The second is a face-to-face session with a Telstra Creator Space team member to become familiar with the workspaces, amenities and equipment. Note: Towards the end of semester, face-to-face session delivery will be paused to ensure sufficient access to equipment and space for coursework projects.
When you have completed General Maker Training, your UoM card will be updated with swipe access to both the ground floor and basement and you will be able to use workspaces, equipment and lockers.
When coming to Telstra Creator Space
We’re committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. We want you to be comfortable, so please introduce yourself and ask questions.
In the interest of safety, please adhere to the following:
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Bring your UoM Card, for your use only
Your UoM card is essential for you to access Telstra Creator Space and use the equipment.
Allowing someone else to use your card, including swiping someone else in, is a breach of the Terms of Access and Use and will result in penalties.
If you are joining us for a tour, please sign in at the Telstra Creator Space Concierge.
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Wear closed-toe shoes
Entry will not be granted to anyone who is wearing open-toed footwear, no matter how hot the weather is.
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Bring in safety glasses
We will provide you with your very own safety glasses in your General Maker Training face-to-face session. Use the signage and equipment and standard operating procedures to understand when you need to wear them. They must be worn when necessary.
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Long hair must be tied back
Unobstructed vision is required at all times and reduces the risk of your hair becoming tangled in the moving parts of equipment. Tie it back before entering Telstra Creator Space.
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No food or drink
Have your coffee, lunch and snacks before you come in. Closed water bottles are permitted.
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No loose clothing or jewellery
Loose clothing and jewellery are not permitted. They pose a serious safety risk as they may become tangled in the moving parts of equipment. We also do not recommend wearing polyester clothing as it is a highly flammable material.
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Clean up after yourself
Users are responsible for returning the tools, materials and chairs they have used to the correct locations and for cleaning their workspace, including COVID cleaning. Also remember to wash your hands after soldering. Our team members are highly skilled and are there to provide guidance and support to users, not to provide a cleaning service to Telstra Creator Space.
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Take 5 before you start
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Report incidents and equipment issues
Inform a team member of any near miss or injury occurring in Telstra Creator Space. Report any issues or breakages of tools and equipment.
We can’t maintain the safest possible environment for everyone without your help.
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Communicate openly
Telstra Creator Space is a collaborative environment, one where you're encouraged to work with others to innovate. A key part of this is communication. Introduce yourself to other users and the Telstra Creator Space team members.
Our team members have a wealth of knowledge they are willing to share to support you in your making so please reach out if you're unsure of anything.
Ask first:
- If you’d like to bring in your own materials, such as paints and adhesives, as, in the interests of everyone’s safety, certain hazardous materials are banned.
- If you don’t know the right tool or material to use, or what’s best to shape your material. For example, treated pine cannot be cut using the laser cutter as it is hazardous.
- If in doubt about anything at all.
Tell us:
- About any near miss or injury occurring in Telstra Creator Space.
- If there are any issues or breakages of tools and equipment.
- What you think - feedback is important to keep the space meeting your needs.
We can’t maintain the safest possible environment for everyone without your help.
Materials
Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology provides a basic materials inventory for projects of all types to use. In line with The University of Melbourne’s Sustainability Plan 2030, we encourage users to prototype using drawings or designs in CAD before physical prototyping.
Before bringing in your own materials, please check the Telstra Creator Space accepted and banned materials list. If your material is not listed, please ask.
Depending on the project, there are various ways to source your materials.
Project type | Channel | Notes |
Coursework |
| Guidance to be provide via your subject coordinator |
Capstone |
| *To access ‘in kind’ materials, groups are encourage to attend a Design Fabrication Review with a Telstra Creator Space team member to understand your needs |
FEIT Clubs and Societies |
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Personal |
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Prototyping materials and off cuts
What’s an off cut?
An off cut is piece of waste material that is left behind after cutting a larger piece.
Re-purposing rejects, seconds and factory off cuts
From time to time, Telstra Creator Space sources a variety of items from Reverse Art Truck to assist in topping up our 'prototyping materials' for open ended projects.
What’s in your ‘prototyping materials’ collection?
It’s random and can change daily! For example, we could have PVC Pipes, string, or small bits of dowel. It's best to come in and check it out.
How you can contribute
Turn your waste, off cuts into something usable for someone else by placing it in the signed Prototyping materials and off cuts locations in Telstra Creator Space.
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Materials
Telstra Creator Space provides users with basic materials inventory to assist with making and honing one’s making skills. We do our best to maintain our stock levels and encourage you to only use what you need for projects you are working on in the space. Note the materials inside the Wood Shop and Metal Shop are for those trained users only.
- General Maker - Fasteners, sandpapers, adhesives, lubricants, seals, bearings
- Laser Cutting – MDF*, Clear acrylic*
- Metal Shop (trained users only) – Mild steel*, aluminium*
- Wood Shop (trained users only) – Some timber*, plywood*, MDF*, dowel*
- Electronics – Resistors, capacitors, voltage regulators, transistors, switches, sockets, inductors and much more!
*consider checking the Prototyping materials and offcuts locations first!
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Self-Sourcing
Do you have something you want to bring in?
Some materials may let off toxic dust when being cut; this can be a health hazard, or can damage the equipment. For your safety and for the equipment in the space, please be aware of accepted and banned materials in Telstra Creator Space.
If unsure please check with a team member before purchasing.
Considering glues, paints and flammable substances
Please consider the safety of all glues, paints and potentially hazardous substances. All chemical materials must have an adequate MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) to be brought into Telstra Creator Space.
For more information, see the University's health and safety chemical management guidelines. Here you can find information on Safe Data Sheets, and access GoldFFX.
Chemical management guidelines
Note: the Safe Data Sheets information and GoldFFX access page is only accessible with a university username and password.
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Towards a circular economy
The University’s approach to the procurement and use of products, services and materials has stimulated a more just and circular economy and catalysed change in our campus communities.
Read more about Just and circular economy - Walking the talk in our operations in our Sustainability Plan 2030
Consider dissembling your project to help The University reach its target:
The University has reduced the flow and improved the circularity of materials passing through the University. Telstra Creator Space has the tools, space and equipment to help you give your project its next life.
Equipment training
We have a variety of training courses available in TrainME for you to enroll in to learn something new or extend your skill set. The following courses are available post completion of your General Maker Training:
- Laser Cutting
- Introduction to Electronics and Soldering
- Reflow Oven
- Wood Shop
- Metal Shop
Upon request for a project, you are working on, we offer Vacuum Former, CNC Machining (coming soon) Manual Mill and Lathe. Please book into a Design Fabrication Review consultation to kick this off.
All courses include eLearn module/s with one or more face-to-face sessions with a Telstra Creator Space team member for you to familiarise yourself with the procedures and gain confidence. Please note that you need to complete the applicable prerequisite training to be able to view and enroll in the equipment courses in TrainME and for the best user experience. Complete the eLearn module/s on a laptop or desktop.
Once you have completed an equipment training course, your UoM card will be updated within 2 hours with swipe/card insert access to activate that equipment.
Regular usage of the equipment is required to maintain your access.
Explore the equipment on each floor and see what equipment you can train in.
Other FEIT training offerings
Outside of Telstra Creator Space, The Experience Series brings you events and initiatives that connect you with industry, enhance your professional and technical skills and brings you together with other students.
- MATLAB
- SOLIDWORKS
- Python
- Report writing
- Presentations
- Academic English
Check out their website for more details
Using the space
We know that when projects are due, time is of the essence and access to the equipment and space is critical, as such, we strongly encourage you to plan ahead.
We are currently operating both floors on a just in time/first in best dressed basis. We encourage you to use the space for making activities only.
Bookings are required for
- Groups over 6 people across the space
- Test Bed
- Tours
- Filming
Please contact telstra-creatorspace@unimelb.edu.au with your request.
Note the new submission process is now active - Follow the update instructions below to prepare and submit your print.
Before starting any 3D prints, it is highly recommended that you complete the online course Fundamentals of 3D Printing, which will teach you the basics of 3D printing, assessing if 3D printing is right for your project, and assist you in creating a high-quality finished product.
Note: you will need to complete the User Registration and accept the Terms of Access and Use before you can access any Telstra Creator Space online training. It may take up to 45 minutes for the training to become available to you after you register.
3D printing is available to everyone with a University of Melbourne Student or Staff email address. We process jobs in order as they are requested. Depending on your job complexity, from approval it may take up to five business days before it's ready for collection.
How to submit a 3D Print
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Setting up MakerBot Print
- Download and install MakerBot Print, or use MakerBot CloudPrint.
- Create a new account on the MakerBot website.
- Log in.
- Download our Print settings (ZIP 807 Bytes). These are a good guide when getting started.
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Applying settings
- In MakerBot Print or MakerBot CloudPrint, import your .stl file or drag it into the screen.
- Import our Print Settings.
- Select MakerBot Replicator+ as the printer.
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Arranging the model
- Orient your geometry on the build area to minimise overhangs.
- All cylindrical models should be oriented vertically.
- Arrange ‘holes’ (such as hollow cylinders) parallel to the Z-axis.
The orientation of your model will have an impact on the surface finish of the print, the success of the build and, most importantly, the speed of completion. Make sure you orient your model in the best possible way to achieve your desired result. See our FAQ for more information.
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Export
- Export as .makerbot with the appropriate naming conventions, using our Print settings.
- If you are submitting multiple requests, ensure to give each request a unique name.
Naming conventions
Purpose Project Name Format Example Subject related Project Name_Subject no._Workshop No.(if applicable)_Group no._Part Name MCEN30014_W02_G14 _Gear1 Capstone Project Project Name_Subject no._Capstone No._Part name MCEN90022 CP-CPU-000 Wheel Research/PhD/Staff Other_Part Name_Faculty Clip_Surname_FEIT -
Creating a request
You will need to submit your files to us via email.
- Download and complete the 3D Submission Checklist (Word file). This will include screenshots of your build plate from MakerBot print, as detailed above. Save the checklist as a PDF, as per the instructions within.
- Create an email, to 3dprint-creatorspace@unimelb.edu.au. The subject line of the email should be as follows:
[3D Print Request] PROJECT_NAME - Check you have attached 3 files:
- your .stl file
- your .makerbot file
- your completed 3D Submission Checklist (PDF).
Instructions and notes
- Share any information with the 3D Print team that might be helpful to achieve a successful output, such as:
- Which area or feature is most important?
- How will the part be used? Is function or aesthetic more important?
- Due date for completion
- Is it a solid or a hollow part?
- Layer height
- Are no supports required? Have you checked that it can be built without them?
- For any non-subject/capstone projects, please state the project and supervisor here.
- We only print in white PLA. If another colour is required, please explicitly request this in the notes.
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Design assistance
The Telstra Creator Space team will review your design for printability and may request amendments to ensure a seamless print.
If you have questions regarding the technical aspects of printing your design, please email 3dprint-creatorspace@unimelb.edu.au, or even better, visit the team members on the ground floor in Telstra Creator Space.
(Please note, before visiting the ground floor, you will need to complete your General Maker Training.)
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Progress updates
Once you have sent your request to us via email, you will receive an email when your request is ready for pick up at the Hive.
If, for any reason, we need to reject your request, we will send you an email detailing what needs to be fixed.
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Ready to collect
Once you have received your ready for collection email, you can pick up your 3D printed design from The Hive in Telstra Creator Space foyer during opening hours.
Remember to bring your Hive number to ensure you can find your print. Be aware that due to the high number of print requests, your print may be placed in the same Hive number as an earlier request. Please be mindful of other users and only collect your work.
If you do not collect your item within 1 week (7 days) of its completion it will be recycled.
You do not need to have completed General Maker Training to collect your print.
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Recycle your 3D Print
Finished with your 3D Print? Pop it in the pink drum in the Hive for recycling.
Interested in learning more?
- Learn more about the MakerBot Print software in this video.
- Check out MakerBot Thingiverse to explore what is possible with 3D printing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the print bed size for the MakerBot Replicator+?
295mm (L) x 195mm (W) x 165mm (H)
What is the print bed size for the MakerBot Replicator Z18?
300mm (L) x 305mm (W) x 457mm (H)
How long does 3D printing take?
3D prints can take as little as a few minutes to as long as a number of hours. The amount of time it takes depends on the size of the object, whether it is a solid or hollow object, its orientation, how many parts are on the build plate, what kind of printer you choose and the slicer settings you have applied. It's important to familiarize yourself with all aspects of the printing process to optimize your workflow.
Do I need supports?
If your model has overhangs (which are geometric shapes in a 3D model that extend outwards beyond the previous layer), then they will need support. A good overhang is one where you can actually 3D print at an angle above the 45° mark, which is diagonal angle. To put this into perspective, you can picture the letter ‘T’ trying to be 3D printed. It would be fine up the vertical stem of the ‘T’ because it is nicely supported, but when you get to the horizontal arm, the 90° angle is far too sharp to have any support underneath.
Remember that supports are part of your model. They will therefore increase the build time significantly depending on how many are used and the density of the supports. Try to design your part so that as little support as possible is required.