Services

The DI HUB provides a variety of services designed to support innovation, collaboration, and creativity. From rentable workspaces to project consultations and program facilitation, our services are available to the entire KSU and NEO community.

Prototyping Service

Fabrication and printing support for Kent State faculty, staff, and community members.

Who Can Use This Service

  • KSU Faculty & Staff

  • Non-KSU Community Members with a free DI Hub account at di.kent.edu.

    (Students are not eligible for this service but can access the same tools independently through a DI Hub Membership at a discounted student rate.)

How It Works

  • Submit Your Request: Complete the Prototyping Service Request Form and upload your ready-to-produce file (STL, OBJ, DXF, PDF, AI, etc.).

  • Project Review: DI Hub staff will review your submission for safety and feasibility.

  • Estimate & Approval: You’ll receive a cost estimate and timeline within 2–3 business days.

  • Payment: Once you approve the quote, payment is made through your DI Hub account at di.kent.edu.

  • Production: Your project will be completed by DI Crew within 3–7 business days.

  • Pickup: You’ll receive an email when your project is ready for pickup at the DI Hub.

Please note: Submitted files must be final and ready for production. Design or file modification services are not included.

Cost Breakdown

All prototyping projects are billed based on machine time + material cost. You’ll receive an exact quote before production begins. 

ServiceMachine TimeMaterial CostExample Applications
Laser Cutting$1.00 per minuteProvide your own; DI Hub material
cost varies (e.g., $1–$3 per sq. ft.)		Signs, displays, models, packaging prototypes
CNC Routing$2.00 per minuteProvide your own; DI Hub material
cost varies ($2–$6 per sq. ft.)		Wood/foam prototypes, furniture parts, structural models
Waterjet Cutting$3.00 per minuteProvide your own; DI Hub material
cost varies ($4–$10 per sq. ft.)		Metal or composite cutting, durable prototypes
3D Printing (FDM)N/A$0.20/gram of PLA, ABS, PETG, TPURapid prototypes, parts, enclosures
3D Printing (PolyJet)N/A$0.30/gram of resinHigh-resolution models, multi-material designs
Dye Sublimation PrintingN/A$20/yd of transfer paper + fabricCustom textiles, signage, soft goods

Workstations & Storage

A selection of workstations and storage options for ongoing or long-term projects.

Reactor Workstations

Description: Whether you need dedicated space to bring your ideas to life or need access to the DI Hub’s equipment for your project, the DI Hub’s free Reactor workstation rentals provide the ideal environment for innovation and creativity. 

Location: DI Hub, Reactor, Industrial/Robotics Shop (DIH 150L)

Specifications:  

  • 2 butcher-block worktables (30” x 60” x 42”)

  • Work stools (4)

  • Dedicated power access

Availability:

  • The DI Hub has eight (8) workstations available on a first-come, first-served basis. Workstations are only available to current KSU student, staff, and faculty DI Hub members. 

Access Guidelines:

  • The DI Hub’s Reactor workstations can only be accessed during regular Reactor hours. After-hours access is not permitted.  

Usage Guidelines:

  • Cleanliness: Members must maintain the cleanliness and tidiness of their workstation at all times. This includes disposing of waste and cleaning up spills promptly to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for all users.

  • Hazardous Materials: For safety reasons, workstations may not be used to store hazardous materials or substances. This includes chemicals, flammable items, sharps or cutting tools, heat sources, hydraulic equipment, biological materials, spoilable food, etc. 

  • Liability: The DI Hub is not responsible for any loss or damage to items stored on workstations. Members assume full responsibility for their belongings.

  • Cancellation Policy: The DI Hub reserves the right to cancel any workstation rental at any time for any reason deemed necessary. This may include but is not limited to violations of usage guidelines, safety concerns, or operational needs.

Rental Period:

  • Reactor workstation rentals are available for a maximum of one semester. Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis, subject to availability.

Cost: 

  • Free 

Storage Carts

Description: Need a secure place to store your Reactor projects and materials? Look no further! Our storage carts offer a convenient storage solution within the DI Hub. Each storage cart comes equipped with ample space to store your ongoing projects, tools, and materials securely. Whether you're working on a 3D printing project, crafting prototypes, or conducting experiments, our carts provide a designated space for your belongings.

Location: DI Hub, First Floor Hallway (DIH 100C)

Specifications:  

  • Large Carts: 24” x 36” x 29”

  • Small Carts: 24” x 18” x 29” 

Availability:

  • The DI Hub has twelve (12) large and four (4) small storage carts available on a first-come, first-served basis. Storage carts are available to all active DI Hub members.

Access Guidelines:

  • The DI Hub’s storage carts can only be accessed while the DI Hub is open, Monday-Friday 7am-9pm. The carts may not leave the DI Hub.   

Usage Guidelines:

  • Cleanliness: Members must maintain the cleanliness and tidiness of their storage cart at all times. This includes disposing of waste and cleaning up spills promptly to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for all users.

  • Hazardous Materials: For safety reasons, storage carts may not be used to store hazardous materials or substances. This includes chemicals, flammable items, sharps or cutting tools, heat sources, hydraulic equipment, biological materials, spoilable food, etc. 

  • DI Hub Tools: Storage carts may not be used to store tools, equipment, or supplies belonging to the DI Hub. These items must be returned to the Reactor’s Resource Library after each use. 

  • Liability: The DI Hub is not responsible for any loss or damage to items stored in the carts. Members assume full responsibility for their belongings.

  • Cancellation Policy: The DI Hub reserves the right to cancel any storage cart rental at any time for any reason deemed necessary. This may include but is not limited to violations of usage guidelines, safety concerns, or operational needs.

Rental Period:

  • Storage Cart rentals are available for a maximum of one semester. Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis, subject to availability.

Cost: 

  • Free 

Consultations & Support

Connect with expert DI HUB staff to discuss your idea, project, or challenge. 

Project Consultations

Have a project idea but are not sure where to start? The DI HUB's Reactor Project Consultations connect you with our expert DI Crew staff who can guide you through the process of turning your vision into reality. Whether you need help designing, prototyping, or choosing the right tools and materials, our team is here to support your creative journey. 

Schedule a Consultation

DI Fellows Think Tank

Do you have a problem that needs a solution? Are you looking for fresh ideas, a new perspective, or feedback on a personal/academic project? Then stop by our DI Fellows Think Tank! These free and open, drop-in sessions give you the chance to bring your challenges, projects, or ideas to a team of our innovative DI Fellows. Whether you need help refining an idea, visualizing a solution, or figuring out which maker tools to use to prototype your project, the DI Fellows are here to offer guidance and support. You can even work with the Fellows to dive into some quick prototyping, working with sketches, Lego, or simple models. 

Register for a Think Tank Session

Tours & Programs

Request a tour, orientation, or workshop related to the DI HUB's spaces and resources. 

DI Hub Tour

Group tours (30-45 min) introduce participants to the DI Hub’s Reactor makerspace and collaboration environments through a guided overview of available tools, spaces, and opportunities. Tours are a great way to explore what’s possible at DI and learn how students, classes, and partners engage with the DI Hub. 

Request a DI HUB Tour

How To Workshops

Learn how to use tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, vinyl cutters, and more. These free, 30-minute sessions are designed for all experience levels and focus on safe, efficient equipment operation so you can feel confident working independently on Reactor projects.

View Our Current Workshop Offerings

DI Hub Orientation

The DI Hub Orientation is the first step toward becoming a DI Hub member. This one-hour session introduces Design Innovation at Kent State, provides a guided tour of the Reactor Shops & Labs, and activates participant memberships so attendees can begin using DI Hub resources.

Request a DI HUB Orientation

DI HUB Custom Programs

Beyond our standard DI HUB tours and workshops, you can also work with our staff to develop custom experiences for groups, courses, or events related to maker technologies, design innovation, design thinking, human-centered design, or collaboration. To discuss the possibilities, please contact us at di@kent.edu.

Request a Custom Program

Funding Support

Ways to help fund purchases of equipment time or materials at the DI HUB.

Course Fees

KSU faculty and staff can make it easier for their students to access DI HUB equipment and materials by utilizing course fees for Reactor purchases. To set this up, work with your department’s business manager to complete our DI Hub Index Pre-Authorization form. Once approved, each student will receive a declining balance on their DI HUB account from which they can purchase machine time or materials. At the end of the semester, our staff will total the expenses and process an IDC from the designated index. Streamline the process and give your students seamless access to the tools they need!

Complete a DI Hub Index Pre-Authorization

DI staff providing consultation services to a collaborator.
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