Innovation Workshop
"In theory, there is no difference between practice and theory. In practice, there is." – Yogi Berra
The CNSI Innovation Workshop – a makerspace facility – enables its users to build and test prototypes of their inventions. The Workshop fills a vital gap in campus resources: a place where UCSB researchers and employees from local companies can fabricate and test their ideas with the support of experienced staff. Users have the option of learning to operate various tools for independent use, or alternatively, submitting jobs for the workshop staff to fabricate.
The Innovation Workshop is open to research groups, Technology Management and Capstone teams, incubator companies, and external companies, with additional opportunities for education and outreach.
Equipment
Available tools include:
- Electronics assembly and testing
- Laser cutting
- 3-D printing (SLA, FDM & Polyjet)
- Mechanical assembly and testing
- Light metal and woodworking
- Painting
- Supplies for sale
- Instrumentation for temperature & pressure measurement
- Plumbing
A full list of the equipment can be found on the CNSI Workshops Wiki
How-to Information
- Steps to Access the Innovation Workshop
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- Contact Innovation Workshop staff to get trained on the instrument. Completion of a new user orientation and safety briefing is required before obtaining card-key access to the CNSI Workshops. Tool-specific training is required for all tools and instruments in the lab
- All users must complete UCSB Environmental Health and Safety’s Fundamentals of Laboratory Safety course. The course is offered in person at the beginning of each quarter, and is also available on-line.
- Apply to CNSI for electronic door access to the facility.
- Innovation Workshop Staff will add you to the FBS reservation system
Complete instructions regarding access can be found here
- Acknowledging Support
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Please remember to acknowledge CNSI resources in scientific publications and presentations by including this statement:
“The authors acknowledge the use of the Innovation Workshop within the California NanoSystems Institute, supported by the University of California, Santa Barbara and the University of California, Office of the President.”
