Your Partner in Alaska-Made Innovation

From idea to reality — Design, Prototype, and Manufacture with UAF Makerspace.

Student-run. Professionally supported

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UAF Makerspace Manufacturing is a university-based design and production lab that helps turn ideas into real, working things. We support researchers, entrepreneurs, and businesses across the globe with professional-grade prototyping and small-batch manufacturing, all from right here on campus.

Services

Design & Prototyping

  • CAD Modeling & Digital Design
  • Part Optimization
  • Rapid Prototyping to test and refine ideas
  • Design for Manufacturability

Whether you're building a research tool, a custom part, or a proof-of-concept device, we’ll work with you to design it right and get it made.



Manufacturing

  • CNC Milling for wood, plastics & more
  • 3D Printing – FDM & SLA
  • Laser Cutting & Engraving – wood, acrylic & more
  • Batch Production – 1 to 100+ units

Our shop is ideal for small-scale runs, fast turnarounds, and custom work: ideal for research equipment, product testing, or early-stage manufacturing.

Products

  • Developed by UA researchers and innovators
  • Commercialized in collaboration with UAF Center for Innovation
  • Available directly through our Makerspace store
  • Supports university research and entrepreneurial growth

We offer a curated selection of products developed by UA inventors and researchers in partnership with UAF Center for Innovation. These products reflect real-world innovation coming out of the university system.

Client Testimonials

PESCA device on sleeper sharkMakerspace worked with our shark research team to adapt PESCA - the Passive eDNA & Sediment Collection Apparatus developed by Dr. Jessica Glass - for use on SomniVision, a recoverable video-recording platform that we recently attached to a Pacific Sleeper Shark. After recovering PESCA following programmed detachment of the floating platform from the shark 24-48 hours later, any eDNA collected on the filter held inside of PESCA will be analyzed for species composition to help characterize the near prey field of the shark. The shape of the 3D-printed eDNA sampler, with tie-retention guides and quick attachment end-cap filter holder greatly facilitated integration into the modular instrument recovery platform - shark PESCA worked like a charm!Markus Horning '25 - UAF CFOS
PESCA device on boxWorking with the Makerspace has been an incredibly productive, fun and enriching experience for myself and members of my research group. It's wonderful that scientists across all disciplines can come to this space and collaborate with engineers and designers to solve real-world problems. I've had nothing but great experiences working with the UAF Makerspace team!Jessica Glass '26 - UAF CFOS
Saltwater Monitoring Device“My experience with UAF Makerspace was excellent, their support and resources were pivotal for producing a high-quality product. I look forward to collaborating with Makerspace again in the future.”Michael Enzenauer '26 - Saltwater INC

Why Choose Us?

  • Flexible and responsive to unique research and business needs
  • Part of the UAF innovation ecosystem
  • Mission-driven: we care about making things that matter

At UAF Makerspace Manufacturing, every project supports student learning and innovation. When you work with us, you’re not just getting custom-built parts, you’re investing in the next generation of engineers, designers, and problem-solvers.

Let’s get started!

Ready to build something? Submit a request to kick off the process.