The M/I Homes Foundation Materials/Fabrication Laboratory consists of three areas—the Shop, Fab Lab, and Laser Lab. The MAT/FAB Lab provides students and faculty of the Knowlton School with access to a wide array of implements and materials to aid in the completion of course work and research.

Each area is staffed with both graduate teaching assistants and hourly student lab assistants. Students learn material properties and gain hands-on-experience with construction practices using traditional equipment and the latest technology.

RM 050

The 4700 square foot shop houses a wide range of hand and power tools, stationary woodworking equipment, and flexible workspace both inside and outside in the open-air work court. The lab serves as an extension of studio and provides spaces for demonstrations, workshops, and collaborative making exercises.

RM 050D

The fab lab has a fleet of 18 3D printers, two large format CNC routers, a hot wire CNC foam cutter, and a vacuum thermoformer. 3D printing is managed by the lab assistants and is first-come, first-served using the 3D Printing Job Submission system. For CNC router jobs, students submit files using the CNC Job Submission form and consult with the lab assistants who review the proposed work, advise on possible approaches, and set up the CAM file. The CNC hot wire foam cutter and vacuum thermoformer are reserved using the online reservation system.

RM 365

Located on the third floor adjacent to the studio spaces, the Laser Lab offers four laser cutters. The online reservation system is available to book time on the laser of your choice.