The Idea Realization Lab is a resource available to the entire DePaul University community, from students to alumni, faculty, and staff. We provide machines, tools, and materials at no cost, and offer workshops to teach visitors how to use the equipment safely. Our goal is to foster a spirit of collaboration and to promote creativity across the campus and throughout the city of Chicago.
Events & Workshops
We strive to make the IRL as accessible as possible. For safety reasons, we require that you attend a workshop with us prior to use of 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC mills, and many woodshop tools.
We also offer guided workshops in screen printing, sewing, electronics, and vinyl cutting, but you can use these resources without taking a workshop.
Attend a workshop with us to learn how to utilize all the powerful tools here and make your ideas reality!
Equipment & Resources
All machinery, tools, and materials in the IRL are FREE for members of the DePaul University community. From 3D printing and laser cutting, to sewing and screen printing, to woodworking and milling, the IRL has everything you need to bring your ideas to life.
Take a closer look!
Need some extra storage for your project?
Want a workshop refresher?
Got a 3D print that’ll take longer than 3 hours?
What Else Do We Offer?
The IRL isn’t just a place for students to hang out and create. We also offer private workshops for both internal and external organizations, guided tours and demonstrations for school groups, and contract fabrication work.
Private Workshops
Bring your club, student group, or external organization to the IRL for a special private workshop.
Space for Events
The IRL has classroom and lounge space available for event reservations, external workshops, and teaching. We can comfortably accommodate 50-60 people throughout the space, and up to 35 seated in the classroom area.
Guided Tours
If you’re a non-DePaul University organization or a school group who’d like to come visit the space, contact us! We love hosting school groups in particular, and can format demos, tours, and activities to fit most grade levels.
Classroom Partnership
The IRL’s doors are open as a teaching resource to all DePaul faculty. Let us know if you’d like to use our equipment for a class, or want to get your students authorized as a group. Not sure how the IRL could be useful to you?
Contract Fabrication
If you want t-shirts for your team, or need help prototyping that million-dollar idea – and don’t want to do it yourself – let us help you out.
Partner with us to make some stuff!
Our Partners
Special thanks to our sponsors, professional board members, and partners below.
