Makerspace FAQs

  • General Questions

    Several MPL branches have a suite of computers intended for digital media creation that customers can use for sound and video editing, graphic design, animation, coding, sound recording, digitization and 3D design. These computers are available free of charge in our Makerspaces, and can be reserved by contacting branch staff in person, by phone at 905-513-7977 during library hours , opens a new windowor by email, opens a new window for assistance.

    Check out our amazing Makerspace equipment and software coming soon.

    Makerspaces are collaborative spaces where creative ideas are shared and brought to life.

  • CNC Mill

    Websites such as CutRocket, Thingiverse, and Turbosquid, have pre-made design files that you can access and download. Please remember to pay attention to the original creators licensing attributes and permissions when creating with pre-made designs.

    The type of files accepted are .SVG, .OBJ and .DFX.

    Yes, please keep the mill’s door closed, keep hands away, and wear safety goggles and safety earmuffs while the machine is in operation.

  • Digital Embroidery Machine

    The embroidery machine works best with natural fabrics, such as cotton/quilting cotton, linen, silk, wool, canvas, as they allow the needle to pass through easily. If you are uncertain whether your material will work on our machine, feel free to bring it in and our Digital Literacy Specialists can assist you.

    The maximum embroidery size is 5 inches x 7 inches.

    You can pre-load your design files onto a USB stick for use with the Brother embroidery machine. Please note that only .pes files are accepted.

    It accepts .pes stitch based file formats.

    Customers can access Hatch Embroidery, a digitizing software that can convert a digital image into an embroidery file.

    The Brother embroidery machine comes preloaded with a selection of embroidery designs and lettering fonts that you can access right from the LCD touch screen on the machine.

    Hatch Embroidery software also has a library of ready to embroider designs to choose from

  • Video Game Console/VR Headset

    No time limit! If there’s availability, then it’s all yours to play with!

  • Sublimation Printers

    Sublimation printing is a specialized process that uses heat and pressure to transfer dye onto materials such as polyester fabrics, ceramic mugs,and other polymer-coated surfaces. Unlike traditional printing, sublimation dye becomes part of the material itself, resulting in vibrant, durable, and fade-resistant images that won’t peel or crack over time.

    Sublimation printing works best on polyester or polymer-coated items. Typical materials include t-shirts, tote bags, pencil cases, ceramic mugs, bookmarks, and keychains. Please note that items must be compatible with sublimation to ensure quality results. The library provides a selection of blank items for printing and can advise you on using your own materials. Please check our makerspace pricing list , opens a new windowfor specific material fees.

    When creating a sublimation project on fabric items, you will need the following supplies:

    • Polyester or Polyester-Blend Fabric Item
      • White or light-coloured 100% polyester or at least 75% polyester fabric works best because sublimation bonds to polyester fibers. Cotton won’t hold sublimation ink.
    • Heat Press
      • A heat press, such as the A2Z , opens a new window, that can apply high temperature and pressure evenly to transfer the sublimation print to the fabric.
    • Butcher Paper
      • To place between the heat press plate and the fabric to avoid direct contact and protect the heat press and fabric.
    • Cardstock
      • To place in between the fabric layers to stop the sublimation ink from bleeding through to the back side or other layers during pressing.
    • Heat-Resistant Tape
      • To secure the sublimation and butcher paper onto the fabric during pressing, preventing shifting.
    • Lint Roller
      • To remove any dust or debris from fabric before pressing

    When creating a sublimation project on a mug, you will need the following supplies:

    • Sublimation Mug
      • White or light-colored ceramic mugs with a special polymer coating for sublimation.
    • Mug Heat Press
    • Butcher Paper
      • To place between the heat press plate and the mug to avoid direct contact and protect the heat press.
    • Heat-Resistant Tape
      • To secure the sublimation print and butcher paper onto the mug during pressing, preventing shifting.
    • Lint Roller
      • To remove any dust or debris from the mug before pressing.

    Yes, the fee for sublimation printing includes the ink and printing on sublimation paper that we have vetted for best ink transfer during pressing.

    Yes, we have sublimation supplies that you will need when creating a project such as butcher paper, cardstock, heat resistant tape etc. We also have sublimation bundles that include all materials needed to create your own mug, t-shirt and more. Please check our makerspace pricing list for specific material fees.

    Yes, printing and material fees are charged to cover the cost of consumables such as sublimation paper, inks, and blank items for sublimation projects. Please check our makerspace pricing list for specific material fees.

    The most commonly accepted file types you can use when preparing your design for sublimation printing are PNG, JPEG, PDF, and SVG. Additionally, resolution should be at minimum 300 DPI (dots per inch) to ensure crisp, high quality prints.

    The Sawgrass SG1000 uses Sawgrass Print Utility to process and send your images to the printer. The Epson SureColor F570 is compatible with most major graphic design software, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Inkscape, and more; these software can help you edit, process, and send your images to the printer.

  • Laser Engraver

    Laser engravers can have several different processes for engraving, but for the most part:

    1. The design is created or imported into vector image editing software like CorelDraw.
    2. The material to be engraved or cut is placed within the laser tray
    3. The laser engraving machine is then properly focused on the surface of the material.
    4. The power of the laser beam is set depending on the type of material (such as wood, acrylic etc.).
    5. The machine activates the laser and passes over the desired marking area on the surface of the material or object
    6. The material is removed from the machine once it is completed, and engraving residue (soot, metal shards, etc.) is removed from the surface of the object.

    The machine uses lasers to produce concentrated heat that removes the top layer of material, vaporizing it to create the desired design.

    The light is focused at a specific distance and set to the right power level to leave a mark. Too little power and it will not end up marking the material, too much and you can burn through the object.

    Laser engraving can take anywhere from 5 seconds to multiple hours. Quite a few factors need to be taken into account such as the material being engraved, the size of the design, and the power of the laser.

    Though the actual process of engraving may be relatively quick, there may be multiple, longer steps involved in preparing the engraving such as rendering the design into the computer software, prepping the material being engraved, and removing any unwanted residue after the engraving process.

    Please contact the Makerspace to confirm availability of materials and current costs.

    Customers can bring their own laser safe materials to use with our laser engraver. However, you must first check with staff to ensure your material will be safe for laser engraving and compatible with our machines.

    We only allow laser safe materials to be used on the laser engraver for health and safety reasons. Currently we allow wood and acrylic.

    If using wood, such as plywood sheets, please ensure that the core is solid and not made up of different layers of wood that have been glued together.

    If you would like to use other materials, they must first be checked by a Digital Literacy Specialist to ensure they are safe to use.

    The Epilog and Glowforge are compatible with JPG, PNG, SVG, PDF, and other file formats.

    You can create Glowforge-compatible files from a variety of different software platforms like Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, CorelDraw, Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Autodesk 360, & Sketchup.

    To print a file, you will use the Glowforge app in the Makerspace, which is a web-based application on our computers. You can either:

    • Drag and drop it directly into the app
    • Copy the contents of the file and paste it into the Glowforge dashboard.

    Although they can cut almost the same materials, the machines have some visual differences.  Here are the differences below:

    Laser Engraver:

    • Uses a high-heat laser beam that can
      engrave, cut or score 2D objects
    • Materials must be placed flat in a single layer
    • Laser can leave modest discolouration marks
      (which vary depending on the settings used
      for laser intensity and speed)
    • Can only cut thin boards of material (like
      wood and acrylic)
    • Can achieve precision and detail

    CNC Router

    • Can cut and drill material into 2D or 3D objects
    • The cutter moves in an X & Y axis
    • No discolouration
    • Can cut thick pieces of wood
    • Can cut your object with more depth

  • Sewing Machine

    The Makerspace is a learning environment, and we encourage and foster an independent and learning mindset. We will provide instruction on how to thread and set up the sewing machine, but we do not provide instruction on how to sew garments or sewing lessons.

    Watch Your Speed

    You can adjust the speed of the needle for ease of use. We recommend starting at a slower pace until you get more comfortable with the machine. You can also control the speed of the machine via the foot pedal attachment and/or the automatic speed control button.

    Avoid Thick Materials

    As a best practice, we ask that you please stick to thinner materials when using the machine. Avoid leather and harder forms of denim to minimize potential machine issues and hazards. This machine is ideal for softer, thinner fabrics such as cotton, linen, polyester prints, flannel, chiffon etc. If you aren’t sure if the fabric you are wanting to sew with will work on our machine, please bring it in and our Digital Literacy Specialists can assist you.

  • Digitizing

    Any types of video digitizing take the same time as the length of the video. If the tape is 2 hours long, the digitizing will take 2 hours.

    Yes, there is no cost to using our digitizing equipment. 

    It does not save onto Makerspace computers; it saves onto the USB patron provides. 

    Our VHS converter is compatible on any VHS player, so if you have a PAL VHS player at home, then the converter can convert your PAL tapes. If your VHS player is universal, then it can convert whatever tapes you have.

  • Vinyl Cutter

    Cricut’s heat press guide makes it easy to find the recommended settings for you to use for your project. You simply select the heat press you'll be using and then select from the drop down menus the heat transfer material you will be using and the base material you will be placing your design onto. If you still aren’t sure if the fabric or material will work with the easy press, please bring it in and our Digital Literacy Specialists can assist you.

    Yes, we have regular and iron-on vinyl for sale at our branches along with cardstock and felt. Please check our makerspace pricing list for specific material fees.

    Yes, customers can bring in their own materials to use with our different vinyl cutters and heat presses. We encourage you to check in with our Digital Literacy Specialists to make sure your materials are compatible with our machines before beginning your project.

    Please refer to our makerspace pricing list for specific equipment and material fees.

    The Cricut and Graphtec CE6000-60 have their own apps to modify your personal design and operate their machines.  The app is mandatory to operate the machines.  Links to apps below.  Also for more detail, please click here. 

  • Sound Booth

    Yes. The library does not make claim to any ownership, rights, or intellectual property of anyone using the sound booth or other Makerspace services. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the customer, not that of the library, to adhere to federal copyright laws.

  • Digital Media Lab

    Yes, you completely own all of your content you create using our computers. Please make sure to save your work on your USB as our computer refresh and delete work daily at the end of the day.

    No it does not. Our computers refresh and delete work daily at the end of the day.

  • 3D Printing

    Please do not try to print trademarked, patented, or copyrighted material. MPL does not 3D print weapons or parts of weapons.

    The printer’s maximum build size is 256mm x 256 mm x 256 mm. 

    Please allow at least 1-2 weeks for the files to be printed.

    Colour availability will be discussed via email or phone.

    Cost depends on the overall weight of the designed file. Every 10 grams of filament used is $3.00 + tax. Therefore, if a design weighs 30 grams, then the cost will be $9.00 + HST. A Digital Literacy Specialist will weigh the file beforehand and let the client know the cost before printing.

    The preferred format is a .stl file. Please send us .stl files with your size, layer, and infill specifications through our online form.

    We use PLA filament, which is biodegradable but not food safe due to the printer’s machinery.

    Payment can be made in person at the branch at the time of pick up. 

    We will contact you and confirm the pick up location as soon as your 3D object is printed.

    You can create your own designs using TinkerCAD or you can download designs to print from:

  • KidsMakerspace

    The Kid’s Makerspace has materials and activities that will appeal primarily to children ages 2 to 12, though younger and older kids (and kids at heart) are also welcome!

    Maker kits are designed to facilitate learning and play for all ages and skill levels. Each kit comes with a piece of new technology, accessories if required, and some instructions to help get you started. You can borrow them for use in-branch in the Kid’s Makerspace at Cornell Library.

    Anyone who is 13+ years old and has a MPL library card OR a piece of photo ID (i.e. Driver’s License, Ontario Photo Card, Health Card etc.). All customers MUST have a Program Registration and Facility Booking account in order to book a Maker Kit. Please see instructions on how to create an account.

    Maker Kits can be borrowed for up to 1 hour for in-branch use in the Kids Makerspace. If you would like to extend your booking with the Maker Kit, please inquire with a staff member to see if possible

    Staff can assist you with the borrowing process at our Children’s Information Desk. All customers MUST have a Program Registration and Facility Booking account in order to book a Maker Kit. You will also need to agree to our Maker Kit Special Collections Agreement. From there, you can decide which kit you would like to borrow for use in the Kids Makerspace. You would then provide us with either your library card or piece of ID as collateral while you borrow the kit. Once you are finished with the kit, please return it to our Children’s Information Desk and a staff member will give you back your library card or piece of ID.

    Yes, you can pre-book a Maker Kit up to 1 week in advance. This can be done either in-person at the branch or by phone. Bookings must take place during the following times:

    Monday - Thursday: 10am - 7pm

    Friday: 10am - 4pm

    Saturday: 10am - 3pm

    Sunday: 1:30pm - 3:30pm

    *Please note that hours are subject to availability & staff capacity

    Only 1 Maker Kit can be borrowed per booking.

    STEAM Activities use different types of toys to help your child to develop their skills and understanding of concepts in relation to science, technology, engineering, the arts and math. We provide STEAM activities to families in our community throughout the year as free, drop-in programs. For more information, ask a staff member.