Learn About 3D Printing And Doing Intricate Castings

You can 3D print objects, primarily in plastic. However, you can also create 3D models which you can then use to make castings in other materials- jewelry in precious metals, figurines, miniatures, railroad and other collectibles, and even chocolate.

Henry Locke, Maker extraordinaire and creator of Flex Vat 3D printer components, built one of his 3D printers for us. SLA printing uses a vat of light sensitive resin cured by a video projector to create amazingly detailed forms- think Terminator with the alien rising out of the vat of goop!

The main focus of the presentation will be how to make silicone molds from 3d printed masters and using those molds to make castings:

Learn how the SLA printer works
Tips for designing and printing your 3D object to be casting-friendly
We’ll have one or more 3D prints to demo
We’ll make a silicone mold and make one or more polyurethane castings but also discuss how to work with other materials.

Watch a video of the SLA printing a heart! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QsVX98-eP8)

This event is free.

DATE: March 9, 2019

TIME: 1pm to 3pm

February 20, 2019February 20, 2019

Bookbinding and a Beautiful Lasered Cover

Hand-bound book with wooden cover using laser kerf for spine

Jackie is a gifted self-taught bookbinder who has been coming in to use the laser. The picture above is one of her creations- a roughly 3 inch by 5 inch book of thick card stock that could be used for autographs, notes from guests at a special occasion, and more. See the video of the entire book.

She cut and laser etched the cover on our laser and added the beautiful medallion and elastic. The intricate design of the spine allows the solid wood to bend enough to serve as a cover. We have several designs for the spines that are both beautiful and have different amounts of bend.

We’re hoping to have Jackie in to demo her bookbinding techniques. Let us know if you’re interested in that. Plus, if you already have a book, phone, laptop, etc. that could use a cover, stop in and discuss how to make a personalized cover out of wood, plastic, leather, and more.

February 18, 2019February 18, 2019

Model Railroading and Miniature Builders

If you’re into model railroading, you’ve probably purchased kits to build extremely authentic replicas of buildings, scenery, vehicles, and other objects that make your layout come to life.

Why not easily create your own one-of-a-kind pieces? Al quickly designed and laser cut the sample outhouse above. He added the amazing details of the weathered paint and vent stack, and it makes it realistic enough to use!

You can also start with a kit/design you have, and we can show you how to modify it to make it uniquely yours.

You can also use the CNC router in the lab to “carve” your own logs, create non-linear/non-flat details on your creation, and create other details. 3D designs are out there (free and paid) to 3D print layout pieces. Those design files can also be used to CNC your item out of wood, plastic, Corian, soft metals, foam, cork, etc.

February 12, 2019February 12, 2019

Make Your Own Conversation Hearts

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Can’t find Conversation Hearts this year? The ones you find don’t have quite the message that you want to convey?

Phil has created the solution. With the laser, he has created his own conversation hearts. They’re about 1 inch in size and, while they’re not edible, they can get your message across in fine detail. These hearts really show off the amazing detail that the laser can deliver. They’re only 1 inch but the text and background come out amazingly clear.

Stop by and create your own!

February 9, 2019February 9, 2019

Learn To Solder Workshop

Learn the art of soldering electronics. When you build electronics, you solder the wires and components together or to the board so that the electrical connections are made. Learn a steady hand to make those solders while you build a sound sensor machine.

No experience necessary

DATE: Saturday, March 30

TIME: 10am to 1pm

COST: $25

Register Here

January 30, 2019January 30, 2019

Special Electronics Workshop – February 9th

Only 4 spots are left.

Our most popular workshop is back! Attend while Robin is still available!

Learn the basics for micro-controller coding and project design in our workshop hosted by Robin Mosely, Great Lakes IT, Inc., CEO and a former Bell Labs board designer. Robin has lots of examples- from robots to music synthesizers to motion detectors and machine controllers- to get you interested in your next project.

The workshop provides basics for creating and programming your own projects using Arduino. And Robin can answer ANY question you have about electronics!

Lunch is included.

WHEN: February 9, 2019 from 10am to 2pm

WHERE: SouthWorks MakerLab, 208 Forest Blvd., Park Forest, IL 60466

Cost: $40 at the door. We accept credit cards.

Since we only have 4 open spots, you must RSVP to don@southworksmakerlab.org in order to attend.

January 30, 2019February 4, 2019

Special Drop-In Valentine’s Workshop

Not sure what to do for your Sweetie for Valentine’s Day? Have an idea but you also want to get extra points for making something?

Saturday, February 9th, during our regular Open Lab Hours (1pm to 5pm), Phil is going to be demonstrating how, and helping you, to make one-of-a-kind Valentine’s cards. Cutout cards, personalized etched messages and images, picture frames, and more are all possible to complete in one visit.

Of course, you’re also welcome to come in to make many other Valentine’s gifts- personalized wine glasses and accessories and more.

Custom-designed box makes gift of wine even more special.

December 21, 2018December 21, 2018

Laser Cut Project

Anyone who has visited the lab knows how much we like to show off the kerf cut samples to demonstrate the precision cutting of the laser. The kerf designs turn solid pieces of material into flexible objects- with flexibility determined by the design of the kerf. One design even turns the solid sheet into something more like sponge- flexible in all directions!

Al made a marble maze and used kerfed boards to create the curved walls of the maze. Looks amazing. The kerfs even add an artistic touch to the maze.

December 17, 2018December 17, 2018

Santa’s Workshop Has Been Busy

Makers have been busy creating many holiday gifts (we won’t spoil the surprise and show them before Christmas) and decorating items. Here’s just a sample of the decorations that you can come in and make:

Laser Cutting:

Tabletop Christmas trees built around a mini-globe ornament

Votive candle etched with holiday wishes.

3D Sleigh to hold flowers, candy, etc.

3D Printed

CNC Router

December 13, 2018December 13, 2018

Create Your Own Snowflakes

Take snowflake making to a whole new level with an online snowflake creator that’s really easy to use. Yet, you can make simple as well as sophisticated designs.

http://rectangleworld.com/PaperSnowflake/

You draw lines in the triangle on the right and, like a hall of mirrors or kaleidoscope, it duplicates your design in the 11 other triangles that make up a whole snowflake- giving you an amazing design quickly and easily. You see and edit your designs on the screen, so you can experiment without cutting up a whole ream of paper. Then, download the design to print and cut it out by hand. Even easier, bring the design file and some paper to the MakerLab and cut out dozens with the laser cutter to decorate your tree!

Edit by adding new lines, moving red dots, etc. When your sub-design is done, hit add. You can still add or edit more. At the bottom, the green box allows you to download to your device to print, etc.

SouthWorks Maker Lab Park Forest

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