Classes

At two hours before the course start time, if there are fewer than two confirmed participants for a course, we reserve the right to cancel the course and contact any individual that did sign up to let him or her know of the cancellation.

For prospective members: Please note that it will take us about 30 minutes to complete your membership processing and you will be unable to attend Orientation and Workshop Safety Training until that is completed. Therefore, please plan on arriving 30 minutes prior to any scheduled Orientation and Workshop Safety Training to allow time to process your new membership.

Certain technical classes are also available to non-members: Introduction to 3D Printing, Custom-Cut Business Cards, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Electronics, Maya,  Rhino, and SolidWorks. Please contact us for more information.

GENERAL CLASSES

Orientation and Workshop Safety Training

Prerequisites: None; Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of class to complete the necessary paperwork. We suggest wearing workshop appropriate clothing and closed toe shoes.
Cost: Included in the $50 initiation and safety training fee required at membership sign-up

Machine Shop Safety Training

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training
Cost: Included in the $50 initiation and safety training fee required at membership sign-up
Description: Participants will be introduced to the machines located in our machine shop and learn basic safety concerns relevant to working with large machines. Training on the drill press is included in this class; however, most equipment introduced during this session will require additional coursework. Please wear closed-toe shoes.

Metalforming Basics

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training
Cost: Included in the $50 initiation and safety training fee required at membership sign-up
Description: Participants will be introduced to machines used in forming sheet metal, including a box and pan brake, shear, and rolling machine.

Introduction to 3D Printing

Cost: Free to members and non-members
Course Time: Thirty minutes
Description: This informal discussion will introduce participants to the basics of 3D printing and explain the differences between NextFab’s two 3D printers, the Dimension Statasys and the Z-Corp Spectrum. Details such as object form and function, and supported file formats will be addressed. Attending this class is highly recommended before registering for classes on either of the two 3D printers.

TECHNICAL CLASSES

Adobe Illustrator

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training
Cost: $0 members/$30 non-members
Maximum Enrollment: Five
Description: This course will explore the basics of Adobe Illustrator, a graphic design program often used to create logos, digital paintings and fliers. Participants will learn how to customize their workspace and introduce them to the tools used to create images and different file formats.

Adobe Photoshop

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training
Cost: $0 members/$30 non-members
Course Time: Two hours
Maximum Enrollment: Five
Description: This course will explore the basics of Adobe Photoshop, a graphics editing program. Participants will learn basic digital tools and file management which will be the building blocks to develop advanced techniques and personal projects.

Digital Embroidery

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training
Number of Sessions: Two: Sewing and Software
Cost: no cost to members / unavailable to non-members
Course Time: Two hours for each unit
Maximum Enrollment: 3
Preparation: For the Software Unit, participants should bring a simple vector or jpeg image to convert to a stitch pattern.
Description: This course will introduce participants to the basics of digital embroidery using the Brother Innov-ís 2800D. In the Sewing Unit, participants will learn about the mechanics of the Innov-ís 2800D, including how to set up the machine for digital embroidery; types of threads and needles to use; how to navigate the LCD interface; how to hoop; what to consider when choosing a stabilizer; and common troubleshooting. Participants will embroider a small stock image to become familiar with the machine and processes. The Software Unit introduces the Brother PE-Design NEXT software, which allows users to take a vector or jpeg image and create a stitch pattern from it, which can then be stitched using the Brother Innov-ís 2800D home sewing and embroidery machine. In this section, participants will learn the basics of the software, and begin using the tools needed to create, edit, understand, and use embroidery files. Participants are asked to bring in a simple vector or jpeg image to convert to a stitch pattern during class.

Brother Serger

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training
Number of Sessions: One
Cost: No cost for members, Unavailable to non-members
Course Time: Two hours
Maximum Enrollment: 2
Description: The Brother 3034D Compact Overlock Sewing Machine (Serger) sews overlock stitches while cutting the edge of fabric for professional and accurate edging, hemming, and seaming.This course covers basic information, setup, and operation of the serger. Participants will be guided through attaching the presser foot and needles, threading the machine, understanding the dials and their functions, and then properly serging a seam.

Electronics

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training
Cost: $0 members/$45 nonmembers
Course Time: Two hours
Maximum Enrollment: Six
Description: This class will introduce electronic concepts and circuit development. A kit of a breadboard, jumper wire, a battery pack and a slew of components will be given to the students. By the end of the class, the students will wire their first circuit, a simple flashing LED circuit.

Epson Photo and Archival Printing

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training
Number of Sessions: One
Cost: no cost to members / $30 to non-members
Course Time: Two hours
Maximum Enrollment: Three
Preparation: Participants of this class are encouraged to bring their own hi-res images to print, but we will also provide stock images to experiment with.
Description: Epson Stylus Pro 9900 is designed for fine art reproduction and photography printing. In this class, participants will learn what how to set up and operate a digital printer and how to obtain the best prints when printing from Adobe Photoshop CS4. During the class, participants will print  color and black-and-white prints on high-quality silver rag paper.

Maya

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training
Number of Sessions: One
Cost: $0 members/$60 non-members
Course Time: Two hours
Maximum Enrollment: Two
Description: This course will introduce participants to both the basics of motion graphics artistry and the particulars of the 3D animation and modeling software Maya. Participants will learn Maya’s interface, various modes, gizmos, and other critical aspects of the program. Nerbs vs. polygon modeling will also be discussed, and the course will conclude with a simple box model. Participants will also learn when and why Maya should be used, and when other graphics programs may be more suitable.

Metal Fabrication

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training + Machine Shop Safety Training
Number of Sessions: Two
Cost:no cost to members / unavailable to non-members
Maximum Enrollment: Four
Preparation: Proper welding attire is required. NextFab will provide safety equipment, but members should wear the following on the day of the course:
1) Closed-toe leather shoes.
2) Long pants.
3) A hat or bandanna if desired to protect your head from welding spatter.
4) No synthetic fabrics – cottons and denims are good.
Description: This course covers basic metal fabrication, including cutting and preparing material, MIG welding in steel and aluminum, as well as grinding and finishing. Students will design and fabricate a set of custom steel shelf brackets. The course consists of two two-hour sessions, followed by independent work time. Part One of the course includes instruction on the Ironworker and manual plasma cutter; Part Two covers principles of MIG welding, the MIG spool gun, the angle grinder, and the die grinder. The course includes all materials and welding/plasma cutting consumables, as well as a one-hour credit to be used after each respective section of the course. The one-hour credit included with Part I is designed to facilitate familiarity with the equipment before moving on to Part II; therefore, it must be used before taking the second session, or it will be forfeited. The hour credit included in Part II may be used at any time.

Metal Lathe

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training + Machine Shop Safety Training
Number of Sessions: Two
Cost:  no cost to members / unavailable to non-members
Maximum Enrollment: Four
Preparation: Members new to machining are highly encouraged to read “Chapter 5: The Lathe” in The Home Machinist Handbook prior to the first class. The book is available in the NextFab library.
Description: This course will introduce participants to a machine that revolutionized the history of manufacturing: the metal lathe. A lathe can accurately make cylindrical and axi-symmetric parts such as nozzles, bushings, crankshafts, wheel hubs, and even bolts. The course will consist first of a two-hour class where basic set-up and operation of the lathe will be taught and demonstrated. Participants will practice the skills they learned with a widget to machine before the next session. The hour-long follow-up course will be held the following week to review the assigned widgets, answer questions, and give a brief introduction to more complicated lathe operations.

NextEngine 3D Scanner I

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training
Cost: $0 members / $37.50 non-members
Course Time: Two hours
Maximum Enrollment: Four
Description: Our NextEngine 3D scanner allows users to reverse-engineer a product by scanning a physical object, which is then rendered into a three-dimensional computer model. This course will introduce participants to the function and use of 3D scanners, including proper placement for scans and an introduction to ScanStudio, the 3D modeling software used with NextEngine.

Product Photography

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training
Number of Sessions: Two
Cost: no cost to members / unavailable to non-members
Course Time: Two hours per session
Maximum Enrollment: Two
Description: This course will teach participants how to achieve professional-looking photographs of projects and products using in-house equipment available to NextFab members. This class will cover camera settings, lighting set-up, and product display. An additional session of photo processing is available by request.

Rhino

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training
Number of Sessions: One
Cost: $0 members/$60 nonmembers
Course Time: Two and a half hours
Maximum enrollment: Two
Preparation: Participants should bring a two-dimensional image they would like to convert into 3D forms – anything from floral prints to landscapes to simple text.
Description: This course will introduce participants to the basics of Rhino’s NURBS-based surface modeling, a mathematical model used for generating any shape, including 3D organic free-form models. Participants will learn Rhino’s user interface, tools available to create curves and surfaces, and other critical aspects of the program. This class will also discuss a variety of file-export types related to rapid prototyping and physical production. 

Roland MDX CNC Mill

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training, Vertical Mill 1
Cost: no cost to members / unavailable to non-members
Course Time: Two hours per session
Maximum Enrollment: Four
Preparation: Students are allowed to bring in an STL, or IGS solid model that will can fit into a 3”x3”x5” envelope to be machined out of low density urethane foam.
Description: Students will learn the basics of CNC manufacturing and subtractive rapid prototyping as well as how to safely set up jobs and operate the Roland MDX. Part I will introduce the basics of using the MDX’s proprietary tool-path program, the SRP Player. Students will learn to import data into the SRP Player program, as well as the basics of the SRP Player CAM environment. After completing the course, students will be able to create toolpaths for the MDX, to be run by a NextFab staff member. In Part II, the class will review tool paths and students will learn how to load material into the machine, how to set up tools, and how to run their jobs. Students are encouraged to bring their own STL or IGES files to the second class. After completing the course, participants will receive two free hours of supervised machine time to become comfortable operating the Roland MDX.

Roland VersaCAMM Vinyl Printing and Cutting

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training
Number of Sessions: One
Cost: no cost to members / unavailable to non-members
Course Time: Two hours
Maximum Enrollment: Three
Description: This course is an introduction to printing and cutting production on the VersaCamm SP-300i. The VersaCamm is ideal for creating decals and labels; vehicle graphics and wraps; banners and posters; and apparel decoration. Participants will learn the step-by-step process of preparing the graphics, basic machine setup, software usage, and how to produce different applications. After this course, members will have access to VersaCamm machine use.

ShopBot CNC Router: Computer-Controlled Router Carving and Cutting

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training + Machine Shop Safety Training. NextFab Studio’s Adobe Illustrator course, or experience with Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, or other vector-based design software is required.
Cost: no cost to members / unavailable to non-members
Course Time: Two hours
Maximum Enrollment: Four
Description: Part I of this course covers the capabilities of the ShopBot CNC router, and the use of ShopBot’s proprietary CAM software, PartWorks and PartWorks 3D. Students will learn to import data into the PartWorks programs, as well as the basics of the PartWorks design environment. After completing the course, students will be able to create toolpaths for the ShopBot, to be run by a NextFab staff member. As a project, participants will create a small plaque with carved text. In Part II, the setup and operation of the ShopBot will be discussed, including fixturing material; installing and measuring cutters; moving the ShopBot; and running 2D or 3D machining jobs. Participants will learn to safely operate the ShopBot and familiarize themselves with NextFab’s ShopBot Operation Checklist. After completing the course, participants will receive two free hours of supervised machine time to become comfortable operating the ShopBot.

SolidWorks I

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training. Basic proficiency in Windows is also required.
Cost: no cost to members / unavailable to non-members
Course Time: Two hours
Maximum Enrollment: Two
Preparation: Students should bring in one complex part and one fairly simple part. They should make an effort to think through the process of modeling each, in order to get into the CAD mindset.
Description: This course introduces students to the SolidWorks work flow, the sketching environment, describes the main types of features, and covers the basics of assemblies. Also covered will be best practices for modeling and preserving design intent.

Stratasys Dimension 3D Printing

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training. Introduction to 3D Printing is highly recommended.
Number of Sessions: Two
Cost: no cost to members / unavailable to non-members
Course Time: Part I: Two hours; Part II: One hour
Maximum Enrollment: Four
Preparation: An .stl file that prints within 1 cubic inch; a stock file will be provided if you do not have one.
Description: The Stratasys Dimension SST 1200es prints three-dimensional parts using ABS plastic and a soluble support material, resulting in objects that are both detailed and durable. Part I of this class will explain the printing process and go into greater detail about the materials it uses. Also covered will be a demonstration of the machine’s proprietary toolpathing program, Catalyst; the available print resolution; and proper placement and orientation of objects. In Part II, participants will finish their printed objects. Both the bathing process and the removal of soluble support will be covered.

Fundamentals of CNC Programming I

Cost: no cost to members / unavailable to non-members
Course Time: Two hours
Maximum Enrollment: Four
Prerequisites: 
   1) Vertical Mill I & II
   2) Working ability with Rhinoceros or SolidWorks (Moderate to Advanced skill, the second class will be entirely CAD based)
   3) For 1 hour supervised time and instruction on using with another piece of equipment (such as MDX or Shopbot), members must complete requisite courses for unsupervised access.
Description: The purpose of this class is to introduce students to G-code, the most common Computer Numerical Control (CNC) programming language. While there are many applications for this language, the focus of this course will be on the use of G-code in three and four axis milling. Students will review the many applications of CNC, learn the Cartesian coordinate system and vector math, and the basic format for G-code programming. At the end of the class, a sample program will be handed out to be graphed manually by the beginning of the second class. 

Fundamentals of CNC Programming II

Cost: no cost to members / unavailable to non-members
Course Time: Two hours
Maximum Enrollment: Two
Prerequisites: Fundamentals of CNC Programming I
Description: In this class, we will segue from manual code writing to the use of a Computer Aided Machining (CAM) program (Visual Mill). Visual mill is a feature based CAM program, which allows back and forth editing of model geometry and toolpathing within Rhinoceros or SolidWorks. Students will learn how to properly orient their part, setup stock, apply toolpathing in 2-1/2, 3, and 4 axis modes, and preview the final part with Visual Mill Simulation. Tool library setup and tool editing as they apply to the Roland MDX will also be taught. If time permits, manual editing of Visual mill generated programs will be demonstrated. At the end of this class, students are allowed one hour of free supervised/instruction time on the Roland MDX or Shopbot in order to demonstrate the proper procedure to generate code for that machine.

TIG Welding

Cost: no cost to members / unavailable to non-members
Course Time: Two hours
Maximum Enrollment: Three
Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training
Preparation: Participants are encouraged to read some of the supplementary material on TIG welding found in the Resource Folder on the NextFab Studio server. Proper welding attire is required. NextFab will provide safety equipment, but members should wear the following on the day of the course:
1) Closed-toe shoes.
2) Long pants.
4) No synthetic fabrics – cottons and denims are good.
Description: This course will teach the theory and techniques behind TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding. Participants will learn how to weld various materials such as steel, stainless steel, and aluminum using NextFab’s Miller Dynasty 200DX welder. The science behind TIG welding will be discussed in depth to give students better intuition about welding. Afterwards, proper welder setup, work piece fixturing, and welding techniques will be demonstrated. Types of joints such as butt, lap, T-joint, and corner will also be shown. After the two-hour class, students can schedule an hour of one-on-one time with the instructor to practice the techniques learned in class. Sample practice material will be provided.

Torchmate CNC Plasma Cutter I

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training + Machine Shop Safety Training + Steel Fabrication I and II
Number of Sessions: Two, part A and part B
Cost: no cost to members / unavailable to non-members
Maximum Enrollment: Four
Preparation: NextFab will provide safety equipment, but members should wear the following on the day of the course:
1) Closed-toe leather shoes.
2) Long pants.
3) No synthetic fabrics – cottons and denims are good.
Description: Members will learn the principles behind how plasma cutting works, plasma cutting terminology, and how to prepare and cut out files using the Torchmate CAD and Driver software. One (1) 18″ x 6″ piece of 1/8″ steel and two hinges are included in the course fee. During the course, members will fabricate a steel nameplate and a stand, which will be theirs to keep at the conclusion of the course.

Trotec Laser Cutting and Engraving

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training + Machine Shop Safety Training. Basic computer proficiency and the ability to digitally edit images also required.
Cost: Part I: $0 members (includes a 1/4″ thick 12″x12″ piece of acrylic sheeting and a credit for one hour of machine time); Part II: $0 members
Preparation: For Part I, students are asked to bring a high-contrast gray-scale jpeg about 2″x2″ in size and at least 300 DPI.
Description: Members will learn the basic processes of laser cutting.  This includes proper file preparation, machine setup and operation.  We will review appropriate materials to use in the laser.  Safety practices will be reviewed.  Members should bring either a vector based file format for cutting no larger than 4" by 4" or a bitmap file no larger than 4" by 4" to engrave.
In Part II, Members will learn more advanced laser cutting techniques such as material registration and press fitting.  Members will be expected to show competence using the laser cutter.  Specific project advice can be given.  Members will be able to work on their own projects during this class.  Members will be trained on both laser cutters during the two classes.

Vertical Mill

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training + Machine Shop Safety Training
Number of Sessions: Two
Cost: Part I: no cost to members / unavailable to non-members; Part II: no cost to members / unavailable to non-members
Maximum Enrollment: 4
Preparation: Members new to machining are highly encouraged to read “Chapter 7: Milling Machines” and “Chapter 8: Milling Machine Operations” in The Home Machinist Handbook prior to the first class. The book is available in the NextFab library.
Description: This course will introduce members to the vertical milling machine, a manual mill that can produce parts of simple geometry out of metal, wood, and plastic. The course will consist first of a two-hour class where basic mill set-up and operation will be taught and demonstrated. Participants will practice the skills they learned with a widget to machine before the next session. An hour-long follow-up course will be held the following week to review the assigned widgets, answer questions, and give a brief introduction to more complicated milling operations.

Woodworking

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training + Machine Shop Safety Training
Number of Sessions: One
Cost: no cost to members / unavailable to non-members
Maximum Enrollment: Three
Description: This course will cover the basics of using the compound miter saw, the table saw, the band saw, the combo disc, belt sander and the planer. With the instructor’s approval, members will have unsupervised access to the equipment. Students are welcome to bring project ideas and discuss them with the instructor.

Z-Corp 3D Printer

Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training. Introduction to 3D Printing is strongly recommended.
Number of Sessions: Two
Course Time: Two hours per session
Cost: no cost to members / unavailable to non-members
Maximum Enrollment: Six
Preparation: A file (.STL, .VRML, .PLY, .3DS) that prints within 4 cubic inches (note that not all files will print color – please call for details). A stock file will be provided if you do not have one.
Description: Part I will review the basic functions of the Z-Corp printer that were introduced in Introduction to 3D Printing. Participants who did not attend Introduction to 3D Printing and/or do not have a file will be provided with a stock image to use. This course will also cover importing files, cleaning the machine, and the printing process. In Part II, the participants will learn how to finish their newly printed pieces. Depowdering, machine cleaning, vacuuming and infiltrating will be covered.