Maker Central

• If you wish to use the library maker equipment, you must attend a free orientation class for each type of maker equipment you wish to use (3D printer, laser cutter, CNC mill machine, etc.). 
• The orientation class covers the basic operation of the equipment, the tools and techniques needed to use it and HCPL’s maker policy regarding the equipment.
• When you have successfully completed an orientation class, you will earn a badge that entitles you to book time at any HCPL maker space that contains that equipment. 
• Most maker equipment has age restrictions, see individual machines for more information
• For more complete information about individual maker equipment and user requirements, see Detailed Information links below

To get started, sign up for a free HCPL Maker Central account online or by downloading the free app for iOS or Android 

• Sign into Beanstack to access your Maker Central Challenge account or sign up for a free Beanstack account now. (If you have registered for HCPL's Summer Reading Program, you may already have a Beanstack account. Make sure you are enrolled in the Maker Central Challenge as well.)  
• Select the “Maker Central Challenge” on your main page.
• Click the "Badges Tab" under the 'Be A Maker' logo.  Any grey machine badge has not been earned and may be selected to find an orientation for badging on the machine.
• After attending a machine orientation, staff will register your completion in the Beanstack system within 2 business days​.
• You will receive a confirmation email for receipt of your badge​.
• After being badged you are able to click on the rewards tab and make a reservation.​
• Fill out the Equipment Reservation Form and click “Submit”. You will receive an initial email confirming receipt of your request. Within one business day, you should receive an email confirming your request.
• Upon completion of the full orientation, you are able to earn additional model-specific machine badges.  Utilize other machine models throughout the county by simply scheduling the machine at that branch.  (Retaking the full orientation class is not required.)​
• If you have any questions, please contact the branch library for assistance.
• Enjoy the perks of being a badged HCPL Maker!

There are currently 8 Innovation Labs throughout HCPL. Become a Maker @ HCPL today!

Maker Libraries and Equipment

	Location	3D Printing	Laser Cutting	CNC Milling	Vinyl Cutting	Cricut	Sewing Machines	Digital Media Lab/Equipment
ADM	HCPL Administrative Offices
CC	Barbara Bush Branch Library
FM	Clear Lake City - County Freeman Branch Library
EV	Evelyn Meador Branch Library
BC	Katherine Tyra Branch Library @ Bear Creek
KW	Kingwood Branch Library
NC	North Channel Branch Library
TOM	Lone Star College - Tomball Community Library
MM	Maud Marks Branch Library
PW	Parker Williams Branch Library

3D printers build three-dimensional objects by laying down thin layers of a material, such as melted plastic, based on a computer-generated design. Make a prototype of your invention, a replacement part for a household gadget, a cosplay mask, or just about anything else you can think of.

• Makers who wish to use one of the library's 3D printers must attend a free orientation class (check Events for dates and times) and earn a “3D Printing Badge” created in HCPL’s Maker Central Challenge via Beanstack. The orientation class covers the basic operation of 3D printers, the tools and techniques to create 3D models and HCPL’s 3D Printing Policy. After earning the badge, makers may reserve time to work on projects using the 3D printer. 
• The cost of printing is 10¢ per gram of the final part.
• Makers must be present to begin the print.
• Makers under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

For detailed information about 3D printing at HCPL, click here.

Laser cutters use focused light to cut or etch designs onto a variety of materials including wood, acrylic plastics, tile, stone and glass. The laser beam diameter is small and the computer-controlled positioning is very precise. Depending on the material used and the quality of the artwork, lasers are capable of cutting and etching very fine details.

• Makers who wish to use one of the library's laser cutters must attend a free orientation class (check Events for dates and times) and earn a “Laser Cutter Badge” created in HCPL’s Maker Central Challenge via Beanstack. The orientation class covers the basic operation of laser cutters, the tools, and techniques to create your designs and HCPL’s Laser Cutting Policy. After earning the badge, makers may reserve time to work on projects using the Laser Cutter. 
• Use of the laser cutter is free, but you must provide own material to cut and/or etch. (Material must be approved by HCPL staff)
• Makers must be present throughout the laser cutter job.
• Makers under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

For detailed information about laser cutting at HCPL, click here.

They are similar to a drill or router bit, is spun at very high speeds and moved to cut/carve the material to be machined. This is a subtractive process which starts with a block of solid material and material is removed to create the finished piece.

• Makers who wish to use a CNC mill must attend a free orientation class (check Events for dates and times) and earn a “CNC Desktop Mill” badge created in HCPL’s Maker Central Challenge via Beanstack.  The orientation class covers the basic operation of the CNC mill, the tools, and techniques to create the design files and HCPL’s CNC Desktop Mill Policy.  After earning the badge, makers may reserve time to work on a project using a CNC machine. 
• Patrons must be present to supervise the CNC mill job at all times. 
• Use of the desktop CNC mill is free, but patrons must supply their own materials. (Material must be approved by HCPL staff)
• Patrons under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 

For detailed information on the CNC milling process, click here.

A vinyl cutter (sometimes called a vinyl plotter) is a computer-controlled plotting device with a blade instead of a pen. A design is created in a software program and then sent to the cutter where it precisely cuts adhesive vinyl along the paths laid out in the design. The finished product can then adhere to walls, windows, and other surfaces.

Makers who wish to use one of the library vinyl cutters must attend a free orientation class (check the Events Calendar for dates and times) and earn a “Vinyl Cutter Badge” created in HCPL’s Maker Central Challenge via Beanstack. The orientation class covers the basic operation of vinyl cutters, the tools, and techniques to create the artwork files and HCPL’s Vinyl Cutter Policy. After earning the badge, makers may reserve time to work on a project using a vinyl cutter. 

Use of the vinyl cutter is free, but makers must supply the materials to be cut, transfer tape and application material.

For detailed information on vinyl cutting at the library, click here.

Cricut machines are computer-controlled machines that can cut intricate line-art images with a fine blade. These very precise machines allow for accurate results whether the design is large or small. A variety of materials can be loaded into and cut by the machines, such as vinyl, paper, fabric, and more. Heat Presses are also available at select locations and can be used to apply iron-on materials such as Heat Transfer Vinyl and Cricut infusible ink.  

• Makers who wish to use one of the library's Cricut machines must attend a free orientation class (check Events for dates and times) and earn a “Cricut Badge” created in HCPL’s Maker Central Challenge via Beanstack. The orientation class covers the basic operation of Cricut machines, the tools, and introductory techniques to create your designs using the Cricut software along with reviewing HCPL’s Cricut Policy. After earning the badge, makers may reserve time to work on projects using a Cricut machine. 
• Use of the Cricut is free, but makers must provide their own material to cut and/or etch. (Material must be approved by HCPL staff)
• Makers must be present throughout the Cricut job.
• Makers under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

For detailed information about Cricut machines at HCPL, click here.

 The Innovation Lab is a place for people of all ages to learn, share resources, work on projects and network with other creative minds.

Classes are offered in the Innovation Lab free of charge to the community. From simple circuits and machine design to computer programming, classes are available for all ages, with an emphasis on hands-on and cooperative learning. A monthly schedule of classes is available at www.hcpl.net.

Featured Tools & Software

• 3D Printers: Gigabot 3+ and Ultimaker 3
• Dremel Digilab LC40 CO2 Laser Cutter/Engraver
• Nomad 883 Pro Desktop CNC Mill
• Dual Channel Oscilloscope
• Variable DC Power Supply
• Dremel Rotary Tool
• Soldering Irons
• Autodesk Fusion360
• Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator CS6
• Vinyl Cutters: USCutter MH 871-MK2 and Cricut Maker 3
• Heat Press

Book a time at the Innovation Lab

The Jocelyn H. Lee Digital Media Lab offers library patrons the opportunity to create and edit audio, music, images, and videos, or to convert old video and audio formats to digital. 

Visit library staff upstairs to find out how you can register for an orientation or reserve this exciting creative space.

Featured Tools & Software

• Two 27” iMac computers
• Graphics drawing tablet
• Professional microphone
• Professional headphones
• MIDI controller
• LP/cassette/CD converter
• DSLR camera with video
• Green screen
• VHS/DVD converter
• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite
• GarageBand
• iPhoto
• iMovie
• Elgato Video Capture
• 8mm/Super 8 Digital Converter