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 LabFacilities
- 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
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
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
With the cutting plotter you cut digital vector files from paper or vinyl — ideal for stickers, iron-on designs and more.
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
Pricing
- Laser cutting: €0.50 / minute (minimum €5)
- 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.