Makerspace 1 a 2

Original Prusa i3 MK3S

• print area: 25 × 21 × 21 cm
• supported materials: PLA, PETG
  • You can use your own suitable reisin or purchase it at the Information Desk.
• nozzle: 0,4 mm

Equipment

• Prusa3D Slic3r program installed on the Makerspace laptop
• SD card for transferring designs

Headsets

• HTC Vive Pro, available in Makerspace
  • USB-C 3.0 interface, Bluetooth
• Meta Quest 3, available at the Information desk to be used only in Makerspace
  • USB-C 3.0 interface, Wi-Fi

Safety instructions

Stop using the device immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• tiredness, discomfort, eye and headache,
• altered, blurred or double vision, or other visual abnormalities,
• dizziness, seizure, nausea,
• feeling of disorientation, disturbed balance or hand-eye coordination,
• involuntary movements, twitching of muscles or eyes,
• loss of consciousness,
• excessive sweating or salivation,
• feeling dizzy or drowsy,
• symptoms similar to seasickness.

The use of the technology is not suitable for individuals with epilepsy. Virtual reality is challenging for all the senses and could cause shock or unpleasant headaches.

DTF Printing

DTF is a textile printing technology that works by printing onto a special film and then transferring the design to the fabric using a heat press or an iron.

Available equipment
DTF 440 PLUS textile printer (40 cm) with Epson i3200 print heads 

What materials can you print on
textile materials (cotton, cotton blends, polyester, denim, softshell)
paper, cardboard
wood, cork
other absorbent materials

What can be printed
high-resolution images or text in .png, .jpg, .tiff, or .pdf format
ideally on a transparent background
maximum printable area dimensions are 35 x 40 cm
the service is charged based on the length of the film (current price list)

Procedure

1. Preparing the image
   
   • Upload the image to the Digital Factory software.
   • Set the image size (if you upload multiple images at once, they will automatically be arranged to take up as little space as possible).
   • Do not print an image larger than 35 cm in width (the film width is 40 cm) and 40 cm in length — larger films are difficult to work with.
   • Do not rotate or flip the images; the system automatically adjusts them for proper printing.
2. Printing
   
   • Start printing.
   • The printer first applies the color image (CMYK) to the PET film and immediately applies a layer of white ink on top of it.
   • Let it dry for 10 seconds.
3. Sealing the image
   
   • Apply powder to the film so that the white ink is covered; gently tap off any excess.
   • Carefully insert the film into the finisher and let the powder melt (approx. 20 seconds) — the result should be a smooth layer of adhesive.
   • If the powder is not fused sufficiently (the powder has not melted into a uniform layer, and you can still see individual grains), the print will not adhere properly to the fabric.
     Place the film back into the finisher.
   • If you fuse the powder too much (the film changes color and curls), reprint the design.
4. Transferring to fabric
   

   4a) Using a heat press (160°C)

   • First, iron the fabric. Place a sheet of baking paper underneath the fabric (to prevent the adhesive from seeping through).
   • Place the design on the fabric (white side down), place another sheet of baking paper on top of the design, close the press, and and leave for 15 seconds (as set).

   4b) Using a domestic iron

   • First, iron the fabric. Place a sheet of baking paper underneath the fabric (to prevent the adhesive from seeping through).
   • Place the design on the fabric (white side down), then place another sheet of baking paper on top of the design.
   • Set the iron to the cotton setting (3 dots on standard irons). Iron evenly (about 10 times). Allow the design to cool, then carefully peel off the film.
   • Repeat the ironing process once more.

Instructions

• instructional video

Embroidery machine

• Janome MB-4 

Equipment for the embroidery machine

• spare needles, pre-wound thread bobbins (white), polyester threads in basic colours, tear-away stabiliser (white, black), cut-away stabiliser, water-soluble stabiliser
• M1 hoop (240x200), M2 hoop (126x110), M3 hoop (50x50)
• detailed instruction manual for the embroidery machine
• Artistic Digitalizer software for pattern design

Technical specifications of the machine

• 4 needles (automatic 4-colour thread change function)
• maximum embroidery speed 800 stitches per minute
• automatic thread trimming controlled by the embroidery programme and machine settings
• automatic thread break detection (the programme reverts a few steps)
• pattern import via USB
• touchscreen

Important information

• suitable fabrics for embroidery: canvas, high-quality cotton, fleece, terry cloth
• fabrics not recommended for embroidery: thin, delicate materials, wool, denim, stiff fabrics
• the pattern should have a maximum of 4 colours
• you cannot use your own threads – we use special threads suitable for the embroidery machine
• before final embroidery, we recommend embroidering a test sample on a similar fabric
  in the case of stretchy fabric or fabric with a pile, it is advisable to use both an upper and lower stabiliser (e.g. water-soluble stabiliser – dissolves when soaked in water)
• when embroidering text, it is advisable to create the design directly in the Artistic Digitalizer programme (which offers a wide range of fonts)
• embroidery is charged according to the size of the hoop (current price list); we do not charge for test embroidery

Procedure

1. Preparing the embroidery design
   
   • A) Download the design in .jef or .jef+ format for free, or purchase it online (e.g. sicistroje-shop.cz, embroideres.com).
   • B) Download the design as a vector icon in .svg format (e.g. nounproject.com).
   • Import the design into the Artististic Digitalizer programme (File – Import) – the vector file will automatically be converted into a outlined design. The programme is only available in Makerspace 2; the embroidery machine operator will assist with the process.
   • You can download Inkscape for free; you will need the Ink/Stitch extension. This free extension transforms Inkscape into fully-fledged digitising software that converts vector curves into stitches for the embroidery machine.
   • C/ Import an image in .jpg or .png format.
   • Choose simpler images without a background; we’ll help you prepare the image in Artistic Digitalizer. 
2. Setting up the embroidery machine 
   
   • Check that the power cable is plugged into the machine and the socket.
   • Switch the machine on using the on/off button. 
3. Threading the machine
   
   • Thread the selected colour of upper thread onto the bobbin pin and guide the thread according to the numbered instructions on the machine. 
   • Alternatively, cut the existing thread at the top of the bobbin, tie a new thread to it and pull it through to the needle.
4. Clamping the fabric into the hoop
   
   • Place the stabiliser on the wrong side of the fabric.
   • Place the fabric between the inner and outer parts of the hoop. Stretch the fabric taut and tighten the tension screw. The fabric must be stretched as taut as a drum.
   • Insert the hoop into the hoop holder so that it clicks into the groove.
   • Make sure nothing is obstructing the movement of the hoop.
5. Loading the embroidery design
   
   • Load the edited embroidery design from the Artistic Digitalizer programme in .jef or .jef+ format onto a USB stick, taking care to set the hoop size correctly in the programme (M1, M2, M3).
   • Insert the USB stick into the embroidery machine and open the design. Set the thread colours according to the colours you wish to use for the individual parts of the embroidery.
   • The options for editing the design directly on the machine are limited (you can scale the design up or down proportionally, or rotate it).
6. Embroidery
   
   • Press START – the machine will ask you if you have the correct hoop; please check (M1, M2, M3).

Possible errors

• Thread breakage – the machine will stop automatically and rewind a few steps so that the pattern remains compact.
• Excessive thread tension – the bobbin thread is visible on the right-side face (loosen the upper thread tension).
• Insufficient thread tension – loops and loose stitches form (tighten the upper thread tension).

Instructions and guides

• instructions for using the machine (CZ)
• guide to Janome MB4 Embroidery Machine: Setup, Optimization & Professional Techniques
• Artistic Digitaliser programme