Fab Lab Workshops

Fab Lab 101

• Curious about the Fab Lab? Got an idea and don’t know where to start with the design process? Learn about the Fab Lab’s hardware, software, and prototyping tools and why they are useful. This hour-long Fab Lab orientation allows you to access the Fab Lab’s workspace and basic tool, and is a prerequisite for our other authorization classes.

Laser Cutter Authorization

• Learn how to cut and engrave a variety of materials with our laser cutter to prototype packaging, enclosures, and more! This class will get you started using the laser cutter safely.

 Vinyl Cutter Authorization

• The vinyl cutter lets the user create intricate designs in adhesive-backed vinyl for custom lettering, signage, and packaging graphics. This class covers the basic operation and safety procedures for the Roland GX-24 cutter, and includes a brief introduction to using Illustrator to set up a file for the machine.

Wood Shop Support Tools Authorization

• Learn to safely use the Fab Lab’s wood shop support tools, including the table saw, bandsaw, chop saw, spindle sander, and drill press. This session will cover safety and practical use of each tool.

X-Carve Authorization

• Learn to carve 3D shapes out of materials like wood, plastic, and soft metals like aluminum. The X-Carve is also great for etching custom circuit boards. We’ll work with the easy-to-use Easel software, making this a great introduction to the world of computer numerical control.

Shopbot Authorization

• Build large prototypes on the Shopbot! This computer numerically controlled router can cut and engrave large sheets of plywood and plastic as well as precisely carve soft metal like aluminum and copper circuit boards. This session will cover software, safety, and basic operations of the machine.

Taz5 3D Printer Authorization

• Learn to use our Taz5 desktop 3D Printer to make your own early-stage plastic prototypes. This session will cover basic 3D design in TinkerCAD, and the printing process with Cura. Bring your laptop to design and slice your own model to print later.

Lulzbot Mini2 3D Printer Authorization

• Learn to use our Lulzbot Mini desktop 3D Printer to make your own early-stage plastic prototypes. This session will cover basic 3D design in TinkerCAD, and the printing process with Cura. Bring your laptop to design and slice your own model to print later.

Getting Started with Illustrator – 2D Design for Fun and Prototyping

• Adobe Illustrator is a powerful, flexible program for making 2D vector graphics. Learn the basics of creating designs you can cut with the Fab Lab’s vinyl cutter, laser cutter, and computer numerically controlled routers. Illustrator is great for designing logos, too.

Check out our events calendar for any upcoming Fab Lab workshops!