ARTSLab Resources & Access Guide

Lab Access FAQ

Who can use ARTSLab?

ARTSLab resources are available to UNM graduate students, faculty, and staff.

Undergraduate students may use the lab if they are

  1. Working on an interdisciplinary project or line of study;
  2. Secure sponsorship from a faculty member familiar with their project or coursework;
  3. Communicate with ARTSLab staff to discuss their intended use;
  4. Complete any required training and pay any applicable fees.

Members of the local community without a UNM affiliation may request access to select resources and spaces for a fee. To inquire, email artslab@unm.edu

Use of ARTSLab space and resources requires a reservation and is subject to availability regardless of UNM status or affiliation.

Does it cost money to work at ARTSLab?

ARTSLab is generally free to use during regular hours of operation (M–F, 9 am–5 pm) for UNM students, faculty, and staff.

Some resources require fees to cover materials, technical support, or after-hours staffing.

  • The following resources are free to use during regular hours:
    • Glowforge Plus Laser Cutter, X-Carve CNC Router, Artec Leo 3D Scanner, conventional video and lighting equipment, computers, and VR/AR headsets.
  • Studio use fees depend on the user’s UNM status and scheduling (business hours vs. off hours).
  • Fees apply to use of the Risograph and BigRep ONE 3D printer, which help cover our costs for maintenance and consumables.

Please review the specific resource section for detailed cost and training information.

Do I need prior training or approval?

Most resourses an initial training session with an ARTSLab assistant.

See each resource description for training details and related fees.

Please reach out to artslab@unm.edu for additional information.

May I check out equipment?

In general, ARTSLab equipment must remain in the lab.

Special requests to use resources offsite may be sent to artslab@unm.edu.

Where is ARTSLab located?

Our entrance is located at 131 Pine Street NE, Albuquerque NM 87106.

We are near the corner of Central Ave and University Blvd. Look for the building with the large Route 66 mural. “ARTSLab” is painted above our main entrance.

What are ARTSLab’s hours?

Regular hours: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm

Reservations are required for all appointments and are subject to availability regardless of UNM status or affiliation.

Available Resources

ARTSLab provides access to a range of tools, equipment, and facilities for research, coursework, and creative production.

Each resource has its own booking process and fee structure. Please review before scheduling.

Reservations for the Risograph, CNC, Glowforge, and 3D Scanner can be made through our Self-Service Bookings Portal.

Printing & Fabrication

Risograph 2-Color Duplicator Printer

A fast, affordable tool for small-batch art prints, zines, and posters.

  • Booking: Self-Service Bookings Portal
  • Requirements: Initial 90-minute training session with an ARTSLab assistant
  • Rates: one-time up-front user fee (cost dependent on student/faculty status), plus cost per impression
  • Please see our Risograph Resource page for additional information, including pricing and how to request a training session.

X-Carve CNC Carving Machine

Desktop CNC router for cutting and engraving wood, foam, and plastics.

  • Booking: Self-Service Bookings Portal
  • Requirements: Initial 60-minute training session with an ARTSLab assistant
  • Rates: free to use for UNM students, faculty and staff during regular business hours

Glowforge Plus Laser Cutter/Etcher

Precision laser cutter and engraver for wood, acrylic, and leather.

  • Booking: Self-Service Bookings Portal
  • Requirements: Initial 30-minute training session with an ARTSLab assistant
  • Rates: Free to use for UNM students, faculty and staff during regular business hours. Users must supply their own materials, and materials must be safe to use (an ARTSLab employee will alert you if you are not using an approved material).

BigRep ONE Large-Format 3D Printer

Industrial-scale 3D printer with a full cubic-meter print volume.

  • Booking: Email artslab@unm.edu
  • Requirements: Users must supply a print-ready, watertight STL file.
    ARTSLab does not offer file preparation services.
  • Rates: $25/day per active printer time plus $45/Kg (standard PLA). Estimates available via email upon request.

Imaging & Scanning

Artec Leo 3D Scanner

Handheld wireless 3D scanner for capturing high-resolution geometry.

  • Booking: Self-Service Bookings Portal
  • Requirements: Initial 60-minute training session with an ARTSLab assistant
  • Rates: free to use for UNM students, faculty and staff during regular business hours.

Photogrammetry Station

Capture real-world objects using structured photography for digital modeling.

  • Booking: Email artslab@unm.edu
  • Requirements: Initial 60-minute training session with an ARTSLab assistant
  • Rates: Free for UNM users during regular hours

Spaces

Iso-Booth and “Lite” Video Edit Suite

A small acoustically treated booth ideal for voiceover, sound recording, and mixing. Video and audio monitors supplied for plug-in video editing capabilities (intended for use with a laptop).

  • Booking: Email artslab@unm.edu
  • Rates: free to use for UNM students, faculty and staff during regular business hours

Black Box Studio

A flexible space for performances, workshops, exhibits, lectures, and private production work.

  • Booking: Email artslab@unm.edu
  • Standard AV setup: 4K Epson projector and stereo house sound system. Additional speakers, projectors, and other specialty equipment available upon request. Please indicate your intended use when emailing us about using the space and we will let you know how we can support your project!
  • Rates: Fees vary by user UNM-status and intended use. Please see our Studio Use Fees for detailed pricing.

Programs

Community Immersive Technology Hub (CITH)

The Community Immersive Technology Hub (CITH) supports AR/VR and immersive media research at ARTSLab.

  • For information on available equipment, contact Ella Pigg at epigg@unm.edu.
  • Rates: free to use for UNM students, faculty and staff during regular business hours

How to Make a Reservation

Self-Service Online Booking

Many spaces and equipment can be booked directly through our online portal:

ARTSLab Booking Portal

Email-Only Bookings

For specialized or supervised resources (e.g., the Black Box Studio, BigRep ONE), email artslab@unm.edu to request an appointment.

Please Include:

  • Your name and UNM affiliation
  • Requested resource
  • Dates and times you’d like to book
  • Brief project description

All resources are subject to availability and require a reservation regardless of user’s UNM status or affiliation. Please note that we are a very small team and will make every best effort to accommodate your request.

Rates and Fees

UNM Students, Faculty & Staff

Most resources are free for academic use; materials and consumables may incur a charge. Refer to specific resources above for rate.

Community Members

The following resources are open to the wider community for a fee:

  • Black Box Studio Rental – Please see our Studio Use Fees for detailed pricing
  • BigRep ONE Large-Format 3D Printing – $25/day plus cost of filament ($45/Kg for standard PLA)

Custom Projects

If your project involves special requirements or support not listed here, please contact artslab@unm.edu for a custom quote.

Contact

Email: artslab@unm.edu
Street:131 Pine Street NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107
Mailing: 1 University of New Mexico, MSC01 1185, Albuquerque NM 87131