This lab is used by students, doctoral students, and researchers at the Swedish School of Textiles. A wide range of projects can be carried out using the lab’s laser cutter. Students in design and textile engineering use the laser cutter for everything from engraving patterns and creating their own logos and motifs to cutting out custom-designed pattern parts, hardware, appliqués, or other types of decoration. The technology can even be used to cut out completely custom-designed tools, which in turn enable new methods in other labs. Students in textile engineering often use the laser cutter to cut out standardized material samples (which have high demands on accuracy) which they then test or further process in our sample lab. The laser cutter also creates opportunities for prototype production in various research projects.

The form of digital printing we have in the lab is called sublimation printing. This process means that the motif is first printed on paper and then transferred to polyester textiles through heat press transfer. The Digital Crafts Lab has the resources to create larger prints with this technology in a relatively fast process, which enables cost-effective production of custom-patterned textiles and larger, multicoloured motifs. This makes it easy to create completely unique collections.

The lab also has a stand-alone computer station where students (with access to supervision) can develop and create files in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.