Welcome to Blinn College
Innovation Library
At Blinn's Innovation Center, you can explore new technologies and gain hands-on skills using equipment, such as virtual reality, cutting-edge gaming consoles, coding robots, 3D printers, laser cutters, laminators, and more. We welcome you to view our equipment list below or stop by the center to see it in person.
Our Equipment
PlayStation 5 with PSVR 2 and Logitech Driving Simulator
Experience the next generation of console and virtual reality gaming with one of our newest additions, the PlayStation 5, PSVR 2 and Logitech Driving Simulator. Equipped with 4K HDR visuals, ultra-high-speed SSD, immersive and genre defying games, and unique sensations. This real-life gaming experience is extremely fun and adrenaline packing.
Nintendo Switch
Looking for a fun activity to do with your friends? Let us introduce you to our multiplayer gaming system that allows the player(s) to play how they want. Whether portable, handheld, or tv mode, the Nintendo Switch is designed to fit you and your friends gaming needs.
Dobot Magician Coding Robot
The Dobot Magician is a lightweight intelligent training robotic arm that includes an all-in-one STEAM Educational Platform. Through multi-robot collaboration, two robots can work together on the conveyor belt to stack blocks, collect colored blocks, and more. The equipment is controlled by programming, APP, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and mouse+. End tools include writing, drawing and grip, and suction cup ends. Additional supported accessories include a conveyor belt and sliding rail systems.
3D/Resin Printers
The center houses a range of 3D and resin printers. Our printers include FlashForge Creator Max 3D Printer, Forms Lab Form 3 SLA Resin Printer, and two Bambu Lab P1 Printer with AMS. For our printers, we have a selection of filament/resin types and colors that are provided free of charge. Our printers connect via USB cord, SD card, or Microchip. You are more than welcome to use your personal connectors, or the ones provided in the center. Please remember that the printers require an STL or OBJ file, the dedicated slicers for the printers, and correct printer settings to work.
CNC Milling Machine
Bantam CNC Milling is great for learning the basics of CNC routing. The machine can engrave or mill multiple materials to be used in metalworking, circuitry, and robotics.
Laser Cutting
Our Glowforge Plus and XTools uses powerful lasers to cut, score, or engrave a series of different materials. Some of these materials include wood, acrylic, draft board, leather, recycled cardboard, and food! Simply create a design, save it as a JPG, PNG, SVG, or PDF file, upload it to the Glowforge or XTools software, turn on the fan, and print.
Cricut Vinyl Cutter
With our Cricut Explore 3, you can cut, draw, and score hundreds of different material types. Some materials include, but are not limited to cardstock, vinyl decal, iron-on, kraft board, leather, and felt. Simply download the Circuit Maker Software, create your design, and print. As the Circuit is not Bluetooth compatible, you must connect your computer to the printer via USB. This must be done for the entirety of the print.
Soldering
Soldering is a technique for joining metal parts together. The metal is heated to 350-370 degrees, and when the solder cools and hardens, it forms a permanent connection between parts. Soldering is widely used in the electronics industry for electrical connections, such as joining wires to circuit boards. Stained glass artists use soldering to join the metal shapes for their artwork and soldering is also used in orthodontics to create many dental appliances.
Plotter Printing
In the need of some new dorm decorations? The center’s two HP DesignJet T125 prints maps, technical drawings, posters, and blueprints with precise, accurate line quality. The Hp DesginJet can print up to a 24x36 inch poster at 1200 dpi. *Due to high use, the center has limited each user to only 5 prints per semester.
Laminators
The center houses two types of lamination options. Our Scotch Thermal Laminator laminates items up to 9 inches wide, while our GBC Ultima 65 Thermal Laminator laminates items up to 27 inches wide. Both of our laminators offer 3mil and 5mil lamination thickness. *Due to high use, the center has limited each user to only 5 laminations per semester.
Drone/Drone Cage
The Innovation center, although built and designed for drone flying, now has a specified arena for drone flying seekers. Our drone arena and cage are set up with obstacles and landing pads for users to battle through. The center does use Tello drones that require the "Tello" app in order to operate. Users must be willing to download the app to fly the drone. *Due to the battery life of the Tello charger, flying times are only available in 15-minute intervals.
Embroidery Machine
Our Brother SE600 sewing and embroidery machine allows users to sew and embroider with ease. Create designs to embroider using the Inkscape software or those already established on the machine. Supplies are limited, so we recommend bringing in your own fabric and thread.