The Advanced Output Center is the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s printing and prototyping lab specializing in digital input and output. The AOC’s facilities include laser cutting, large format 2D scanning and 3D printing and scanning.


Virtual Lab Tour

Get Certified for Laser Cutting

Get Certified for 3D Scanning

Get Certified For Ultimaker Self Service Printing

Book Slice Review to use self-service Ultimaker printers.

Book Appointments for Laser Cutters, 3D Scanners, or Lab Use

Laser Cutter Reservations Offline

Trotec 1 is back online. Trotec 2 is having intermittent issues and is not available for reservations until 3/22/23


Hours

Spring 2023Jan 26 - May 14Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 9:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am to 4:00pm

Dates Closed

Mar 16-19Spring Break

Access

With very few stipulations, the AOC’s services and facilities are available to currently enrolled students, active faculty and staff at SAIC; some services are open to alumni as well. Please see the individual resource sections for details.

All users must attend an certification prior to using the laser cutters or 3D scanners. The devices are self-service and are available for use during regular operating hours. See the Laser Access Policy or 3D Scanner Access Policy page for details.


Certifications

Certifications are available online and can take about 30 to 45 minutes to complete. Laser cutting certifications are good for four calendar years at both the Advanced Output Center and the 280 Digital Fabrication Studio. Certifications for 3D scanning and 3D printing do not expire.

To request a class tour, contact the AOC at advancedoutput@saic.edu or 312.629.6688.