AICTE IDEA Lab
AICTE has decided to establish IDEA (Idea Development, Evaluation & Application) Labs in AICTE-approved institutions, encouraging students to apply STEM fundamentals for enhanced hands-on experience, learning by doing and product visualisation. The Lab helps B.Tech students become more imaginative and creative, with basic training in 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, design thinking, collaboration, communication and lifelong learning, and lets students and faculty engage, explore, experience, express and excel as entrepreneurs.
Vision
To foster a culture of creativity and experiential learning that empowers students and faculty to become future-ready innovators, bridging the gap between classroom theory and practical application.
Benefits to students
Students
- Around 15 prototypes per year
- Final-year project, UG, PG and internship support
Integration with existing facilities
Our faculty have received research grants from AICTE, DST and others. Design Thinking and Innovation and skill-oriented labs (IoT, PLC, 3D Printing) are already in our curriculum, and the IDEA Lab adds hands-on prototype development. It can collaborate with the IoT Lab for hardware and software projects, with the Institution Innovation Council for start-ups and entrepreneurship, and with IEEE, IETE and ASME for workshops.
Inauguration of the AICTE IDEA Lab
Faculty Development Programme (FDP)
Hands-on faculty training on the Lab equipment, 5 October – 4 November 2026.
1. Training on CNC Router
The session familiarizes participants with computer-controlled machining and the workflow of converting digital design files into accurately machined components. It covers machine setup, workpiece preparation, tool selection and basic operating procedures, with applications in cutting, profiling, engraving and prototype development.
2. Training on Lathe cum Milling Machine
A versatile multi-purpose workshop unit combining turning, drilling and milling in a single compact system. It supports turning, facing and threading together with drilling, slotting and surface shaping, and suits learning, prototyping and light-to-medium-duty work, though its rigidity and capacity may be lower than dedicated production machines.
3. Training on 3D Printer and 3D Scanner
3D Printer: converts a digital model, created in CAD software or obtained through scanning, into a physical object by depositing, joining or solidifying material layer by layer.
3D Scanner: captures the shape and surface geometry of a physical object using lasers, structured light or cameras, and turns it into a digital 3D representation or point cloud for inspection, reverse engineering and digital modelling.
4. Training on Vinyl Printer
Used to produce digital graphics, lettering and artwork on vinyl rolls or sheets, for stickers, decals, window displays, banners and heat-transfer designs for apparel. Depending on configuration, a cutting or plotting function trims designs into custom shapes.
5. Training on PCB Milling Machine
The Master NEXA PCB Milling Machine is a precision-engineered fabrication system designed for accurate PCB engraving, drilling, and prototyping, with support for a wide range of materials including copper-clad boards, acrylic, ABS, foam, and modeling wax. Featuring a high-speed adjustable spindle, three-axis stepper motor control, and fine positioning accuracy, it offers an efficient and reliable solution for electronic circuit development, research, and practical engineering applications.
Student Demonstration: 3D Printing Machine and 3D Scanner
This demonstration for students at the AICTE IDEA Lab gave practical exposure to advanced digital fabrication technologies, specifically the 3D printing machine and the 3D scanner installed at the facility.
| Equipment | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 3D Printer | Additive manufacturing of physical objects from a digital 3D model | Takes a digital model, from CAD software or a scanner, and builds a physical object by depositing, joining or solidifying material layer by layer. |
| 3D Scanner | Digital capture of the shape and surface geometry of real-world objects | Uses lasers, structured light or cameras to convert a physical shape into a digital 3D model or point cloud dataset. |
Equipment
Major machines installed in the Lab (equipment and material catalogue, 194 items).
| # | Equipment | Make / Model | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Single Nozzle 3D Printer | Creality CR-K1 Max Plus | View |
| 2 | 3D Scanner | Creality CR-Scan | View |
| 3 | CO2 Laser Cutting Machine | Master 1390 | View |
| 4 | Vinyl Printer | Sky Cut C16 | View |
| 5 | CNC Router | Master 1325 | View |
| 6 | Lathe Machine cum Milling | Master MTT500 / HQ500 | View |
| 7 | Belt and Disc Sanding Machine | Voltz VZ MM 510 | View |
| 8 | Scroll Saw | Makita SJ410 | View |
| 9 | Wood Turning Lathe | Master 150 / 550 W | View |
| 10 | Bench Top Drilling Machine | Master 13 mm | View |
| 11 | Portable Welding Machine | ESAB ARC200i | View |
| 12 | Computerized Sewing Machine | Usha / Janome | View |
| 13 | Filament Dehydrator | Creality Dry Box 2.0 | View |
| 14 | PCB Milling Machine | Master Nexa | View |
| 15 | Reflow Oven (Infrared) | Puhui T-937 | View |
Category-wise summary
| Category | No. of Items | View |
|---|---|---|
| Machines & Equipment | 15 | View |
| Test & Measurement | 11 | View |
| Power Tools | 17 | View |
| Hand Tools | 35 | View |
| Measuring & Workshop Aids | 10 | View |
| Safety & PPE | 7 | View |
| Appliances | 2 | View |
| IT & AV Equipment | 4 | View |
| Raw Materials & Consumables | 23 | View |
| Drill Bits & Tooling | 6 | View |
| Electronics & Components | 64 | View |
| Grand Total | 194 | View |
Sanction and Approval Documents
Offer Letter
AICTE’s offer to establish the IDEA Lab, with the budget and fund flow, space requirement and the timelines for implementation (enclosure).
Acceptance Letter
AICTE format of the acceptance of the offer, signed by the Chief Mentor and the Head of Institute.
Sanction Letter
Sanction of the first instalment grant-in-aid of ₹10,00,000, with terms and conditions on release of funds, maintenance of accounts and general instructions.
Tender Notice
Contact
Dr. Krishna Mohan Raju
Professor
AICTE IDEA Lab Incharge
Annamacharya University
9100235810
