3D Factory - Laser Cutting & CNC

Cut, engrave and machine a wide range of materials, for anything from artworks to engineering parts, and join in our monthly creative workshops.

The 3D factory has a great range of machines for laser cutting and engraving, suitable for materials including wood, plastics, card, textiles, leather, and also engraving on glass, stone, plaster and ceramics.  Some machines have a rotary axis, and our largest laser cutter has a capacity of 1000 x 600 mm. We also have a range of CNC machines to cut, shape and engrave wood, foam, plastics and even metals, up to 4 axis.

The laser cutting and CNC workshop is also the hub of the 3D factory, our centre for digital making – where you can find materials to buy, technicians to help you, and a wide range of tools and equipment to use.  We pride ourselves on being open to all students, and run a monthly creative workshop series ‘Workshop Wednesday’, where students from any course can try out new techniques in a relaxed and fun environment.

Equipment

  • Trotec Speedy 400 Laser Cutter / Engraver
  • GCC Spirit Laser Cutter Cutter/ Engraver
  • GCC Spirit LS Laser Cutter Cutter/ Engraver
  • Gravograph LS900 Laser Cutter Cutter/ Engraver
  • Axminster CNC Milling Machine
  • Roland MDX-40a CNC Mini-Mill
  • Roland SRM-20 CNC Mini-Mill × 2

Laser engraved playing cards

Laser cutting tests

Gin Cup laser cut

Fine art piece

Fine art pieces

Tyrannosaurus Rex cut puzzle

GCC Laser Pro

Trotec

Student work in progress

Roland SRM-20 CNC Mini-Mill

Staff

Video

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Photo of 3D Factory - Laser Cutting & CNC

Location

Opening Times

9am to 5pm

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021