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. Please contact us for more information.
Please view our schedule of classes to check out what we have coming up and to register online: 
GENERAL CLASSES OFFERED
Orientation and Workshop Safety Training
Prerequisites: None
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.
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: None
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 OFFERED
Adobe Illustrator I
Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training
Cost: $20 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 I
Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training
Cost: $20 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.
Autodesk Maya
Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training
Number of Sessions: One
Cost: $40 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.
Digital Embroidery
Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training
Number of Sessions: Two
Cost: $25 per session
Course Time: Hour and a half for Part I; two hours for Part II
Maximum Enrollment: 3
Preparation: For Part II, participants should bring a simple image to convert to a stitch pattern. The image should not have gradation, multiple parts or be very detailed. Further guidelines are given in Digital Embroidery I.
Description: This course will introduce participants to the basics of digital embroidery using the Brother Innov-ís 2800D. In Part I, participants will learn about the mechanics of the Innov-ís 2800D, including types of thread and fabric, and tension issues associated with both; 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. Part II introduces the Brother PE-Design 8 software, which allows users to take any image and create a stitch pattern from it, which can then be stitched using the Brother Innov-ís 2800D home sewing and embroidery machine. Different methods of creating stitch data will be discussed, including the pros and cons of each. Participants are asked to bring in a simple image they wish to embroider, and we will discuss the best method for creating stitch data. Participants can embroider their design after class if they wish.
Epson Photo and Archival Printing
Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training
Number of Sessions: One
Cost: $30, which includes one 13″x19″ print on high-quality silver rag paper
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 several large color and black-and-white prints.
Metal Fabrication
Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training + Machine Shop Safety Training
Number of Sessions: Two
Cost: Per session: $50 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. Cost for each part of the course is $50, which 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: Part I: $30 members; Part II: $15 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: $25 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: $35 for Part I; $20 for Part II
Course Time: Two hours per session
Maximum Enrollment: Part I: Two; Part II: Five
Description: This course will teach participants how to achieve professional-looking photographs of projects and products using in-house equipment available to NextFab members. Part I will cover camera settings, lighting set-up, and product display. Part II will explain post-processing options using Adobe Photoshop.
Roland MDX CNC Mill
Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training
Cost: $40 per session
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 go over the basics of CNC milling and students will learn how to design parts that can be milled easily. Part I will also introduce the basics of using the MDX’s proprietary tool-path program, the SRP Player. One hour of machine time is included in the cost of Part I so that students will have the opportunity to tool path their part and have it ready for Part II. If the one hour is not used before the participant takes Part II, the time will the forfeited. 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.
Roland VersaCAMM Vinyl Printing and Cutting
Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training
Number of Sessions: One
Cost: $30
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: $40; includes a 12”x4” block of poplar
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.
Number of Sessions:
Cost: $40 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: $60; includes both parts I and II
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.
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: Per session: $25 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: $30 members (includes a 1/4″ thick 12″x12″ piece of acrylic sheeting and a credit for one hour of machine time); Part II: $50 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: This course covers basic laser cutting and engraving on the Trotec Speedy 500. Part I includes basic machine setup, proper file configuration and software usage. Students will make a coaster and engrave an image on it. After this session, members will have access to chaperoned laser use. In Part II, more advanced use of the Trotec is discussed. Topics may include the use of CAM software specifically designed for the Trotec, advanced settings in JobControl, precision kerf testing, material experimentation and testing or any topic of interest to members that has been approved by instructor. After this session, and with approval from the instructor, members will have access to unsupervised machine use. The machine time credit included in 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.
Vertical Mill
Prerequisites: Orientation and Workshop Safety Training + Machine Shop Safety Training
Number of Sessions: Two
Cost: Part I: $30 members; Part II: $15 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: Two
Cost: Per session: $50 members
Maximum Enrollment: Four
Description: In the first session members will learn the planer, table saw, and the band saw. In the second session members will learn the miter saw, the disk, and belt sander and wood finishing. Members will have to complete work during the week to be ready for the second session.
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: TBD
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.
