3D printing is coming out of its status as an emerging manufacturing technique and becoming a more commonly accepted means of manufacturing.  This is due to lowered costs and an easier overall process to end up with a finished product.

The laser cutter is a versatile machine found in many shops, studios, and businesses and can be used to precisely etch onto or cut through various materials, including acrylic, wood, paper, fabric, and foam. Popular with makers of all kinds, laser cutting is used for both prototyping and production work.

There are several manufacturing techniques which have recently increased in popularity.  Vinyl Cutting is counted among these due to its decrease in cost and difficulty to learn. Vinyl cutting, as a manufacturing technique, has very broad applications from simple craftworking to creating professional graphic designs.

Electronics covers a wide range of topics that allow makers to add automation, lighting, sensors, and interactivity to their projects. This is a growing area of our makerspace where we will be adding more trainings soon.

CNC milling is a well tested subtractive manufacturing.  The process of CNC milling is the precise removal of material from a block to yield the desired piece.  The mill we use in the IDEAStudio is Crbide 3D's Nomad 3. It has a cutting area of  8"(X), 8"(Y), 3"(Z).  Although some metals are permitted, the mill mainly cuts on wood and plastics.

The Melco embroidery machine will yield professional looking results on a variety garments and accessories.  This training will show you how to set up a design and stitch it onto the fabric of your choice. 

Dip your toe into the world of metalwork with our basic 4-hour training class. This class covers general attitudes and behaviors necessary for working in the metal shop.  You will learn how to safely operate the following pieces of equipment:

• Metal chop saw
• Horizontal Bandsaw
• Notcher/Bender
• Bench Grinder
• Sheet metal Brake

Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this class equips you with the fundamentals to forge a path in the exciting realm of metal fabrication.

Embark on a creative journey into woodworking through our basic 4-hour training class. This class covers general attitudes and behaviors necessary for working in the wood shop.  You will learn how to safely operate the following pieces of equipment:

• Power Hand tools:  drill, impact driver, random orbital sander, disc sander
• Planer/Jointer
• Miter Saw
• Disc/Belt Sander
• Drill Press
• Band Saw
• Scroll Saw

Suitable for all skill levels, this class provides the knowledge and confidence to navigate the realm of woodworking and begin creating work pieces that showcase your newfound expertise!