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High Tech Lab

What can you do here?

High Tech Lab

Open and inclusive makerspace focused on circular material innovation: laser cutter, 3D printers, CNC machines and plastic recycling. Volunteer-led and for all ages.

The High Tech Lab is an open and inclusive makerspace within maakleerplek where people from different backgrounds come together to innovate, make and bring their ideas to life. We help you design and produce circular products with attention to materials and reuse.

The lab runs entirely on volunteers. You can find us on Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons, and by appointment at other times.

Machines & equipment

  • Laser cutter — the largest in Leuven; for mechanical prototypes and artistic work
  • FDM 3D printers (PLA/ABS filament) — sustainable prototyping in many colours
  • SLA 3D printer — resin with UV curing for very precise, smaller objects
  • Mekanika CNC — 1×1m bed for wood and plastic
  • Stepcraft CNC — multi-tool (pen, router, burner, 3D head)
  • Plastic shredder (small & large) and plastic press (700×700mm with heating)
  • Microscope & stereo microscope with camera
  • Hand tools, drills, sanders, soldering stations

Young Maker Lab

Dedicated programme for young makers: Sunday 10:00–13:00 and Wednesday 13:00–17:00 (closed during school holidays). Open to all ages, guided by volunteers.

Young Maker Lab

The High Tech Lab is also home to the Young Maker Lab: young people of different ages and levels of experience work there in small groups or on their own project — with 3D printers, laser cutters, electronics and programming. You can drop by at any time, even without a project.

All about the Young Maker Lab

Facilities

  • Laser cutter
  • 3D printers (FDM & SLA)
  • Mekanika CNC
  • Stepcraft CNC
  • Plastic shredder
  • Plastic press
  • Microscopes
  • Soldering stations
  • Vinyl cutter

Machines in this lab

Laser cutter

Laser cutter

Our High Tech Lab houses Leuven's largest laser cutter. With a working area of 150 by 90 cm you can realise your biggest projects!

FDM 3D printers

FDM 3D printers

Lost the cap of your water bottle? Need a stand for your phone charger? Try one of our 3D printers — our volunteers help you from idea to print.

Cutting plotter

Cutting plotter

With the cutting plotter you cut digital vector files from paper or vinyl — ideal for stickers, iron-on designs and more.

See all machines

Programmes

Open Lab
Weekly open hours where you can drop in, meet the volunteers and use hand tools for free.
Gratis / Free
Laser cutter certification
Short certification (~15 min) after which you can independently reserve the laser cutter.
Gratis / Free
Workshops
Monthly workshops in Dutch and English on laser cutting, 3D printing, sustainable design and specific projects.
See agenda
Young Maker Lab
Sunday 10:00–13:00 and Wednesday 13:00–17:00 (not during school holidays). Volunteer-led, open to all ages.
Gratis / Free
All activities in this lab

Pricing

  • Laser cutting: €0.50 / minute (minimum €5), paid on site with Payconiq. If you book the laser cutter, you also pay €5 / half hour online.
  • FDM 3D print: €0.10 / gram (minimum €5)
  • SLA 3D print: €0.30 / gram + €10 startup (minimum €5)
  • CNC use: on request
  • Plastic shredder: free
  • Plastic press: on request
  • Hand tools during open lab: free

Access & reservations

Access to the lab itself is free. To use the laser cutter independently you need the free certification.

Machines are booked via the online reservation system. Materials and machine time are billed according to the rates below. For the laser cutter you only pay for the reservation online; cutting minutes and material are paid on site with Payconiq. Need an invoice? Scan the QR code in the lab. Laser prices include VAT.

Newsletter

High Tech Lab has its own newsletter: subscribe and be the first to hear what's coming up. The newsletter is in Dutch.

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