— Sloth Boss
— Sloth Boss
To support your progress in this mastery topic, we have compiled a list of accessible resources in North Carolina and Arkansas where you can find 3D printers and laser cutters. Many facilities—particularly public libraries and community makerspaces—require a short training or orientation session before reservations are permitted. Safety is paramount: always follow posted rules and, if you are under 18, work only with appropriate parental or adult supervision. Because fabrication with physical materials takes time, plan projects well in advance. Some makerspaces provide access free of charge if you bring your own materials, while others offer materials for purchase or operate on a membership or paid-service model.
| Location | Tech / Equipment | Area / City | Cost / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| *RECOMMENDED: McCrorey Family YMCA Teen Tech Center | 3D printer, laser cutter | Charlotte | Free for youth. May require you to bring your own materials. |
| MakerSpace Charlotte | 3D printers, laser cutters, woodworking, welding, CNC, electronics, textiles, etc. | Charlotte | Membership: ~ $50/month for full access (includes 24/7 use). |
| UNCC Atkins Library MakerSpace (Area 49, J. Murrey Atkins Library, UNC Charlotte) | 3D printers, laser cutter | Charlotte / UNCC | No tool-use fee for university users; users pay for supplies (wood, filament, vinyl, etc.). For current students only. |
| CPCC Makerspace | 3D printing, laser cutting / engraving, large-format printing | Charlotte | Community access may require a fee. Some restrictions apply to non-students. |
| Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Makerspaces (ImaginOn; North County; South County; SouthPark) | 3D printers | Charlotte / Mecklenburg County | Appointment-based; no published fee (verify with individual branches). |
| Durham Public Library (Innovation Lab) | Laser cutter; 3D printing via Maker / STEAM services | Durham | Material costs (e.g., 6×12 birch plywood ~$2; 12×20 ~$4; acrylic 12×12 ~$8). Training, waiver & reservation required. |
| Wake Tech Makerspace | 3D printers, Glowforge laser cutter | Raleigh / Wake County | Free to users; materials may incur cost; training & reservation required. |
| UNC BeAM Makerspace | Laser cutter | Chapel Hill / UNC | Access only after training modules. |
| NCSU Hill Library Makerspace | Laser cutter, 3D printer | Raleigh / NC State | Likely free for students and faculty; materials cost may apply. |
| Forsyth County Public Library Makerspace (Central Location) | Laser cutter, 3D printer | Forsyth County / Winston-Salem | |
| Forge Makerspace | Comprehensive maker shop (3D printing, woodworking, metalworking, more) | Greensboro | Nonprofit with sliding-scale membership based on income. |
| Makerspace of Greenville | 3D printing, laser cutting, woodworking, CNC, metalworking, more | Greenville | Bring your own material. May require parental supervision. |
| Cape Fear Makers Guild | 3D printing, laser cutting | Wilmington | ~ $40/month membership. |
| UNCW MakerStudio (Randall Library) | 3D printing, laser cutting | Wilmington / UNCW |
| Location | Tech / Equipment | Area / City | Cost / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub | Laser cutters, 3D printers, woodshops, more | North Little Rock / Central Arkansas | Requires Makerspace Membership / Studio Access (~$50/month) for independent use; some classes do not require membership. |
| Fayetteville Public Library — Center for Innovation | 3D printers, laser cutters | Fayetteville / Northwest Arkansas | Free access for library patrons; fees may apply for materials or training. |
| Dee Brown Library Maker’s Space (CALS) | 3D printer | Little Rock | Public library makerspace; costs typically limited to materials. Confirm availability and booking rules. |
