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Fab Lab Public Workshops

Take a crash course in maker technology at BNY Mellon Fab Lab Carnegie Science Center! With Fab Lab public workshops, you can learn the basics of 3D printing, laser cutting, vinyl cutting, and more in Pittsburgh’s favorite makerspace.

Our Friday 101 Workshops give you a foundation for using the technology in the Fab Lab to create your very own designs. Explore endless creative possibilities during these maker workshops as you take your project from computer screen to digital fabrication machine!

Whether you’re looking to design and build a prototype from scratch or just want to try out some new technology, Fab Lab is the place to be!

Fab Lab public workshops with various themes and topics are now available. Upcoming dates and times are listed below. With questions, please email a Fab Lab staff member.

Looking for educator workshops in the Fab Lab? Check out our Teaching Excellence Academy programs.

101 Workshops

These introductory workshops set the foundation to use Fab Lab’s machines. These workshops serve as certifications that count as a pre-requisite for the Fab Lab Open Workshops (FLOW).

Advance registration is required. Because of small class sizes and limited workshop availability, workshops are non-refundable.

3D Printing 101

Fri., April 12

Learn to design and print on Fab Lab’s 3D printers and explore the technology of 3D printing using a 3D printing pen. This introductory class is required in order to use the 3D printer during Fab Lab Open Workshop (FLOW). Workshop is open to ages 8 and up. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult who also registers for the workshop.

Please note: Tickets are being sold up to four weeks in advance.


Designing for the 3D Printer

Learn to stretch the limits of what the 3D printers in the Fab Lab can do! Turn 2D objects into 3D objects using 3D-design software, then design interlocking shapes that can be printed in one piece to create your own customized chain and charm! Workshop is open to ages 8 and up. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult who also registers for the workshop.

Please note: Tickets are being sold up to four weeks in advance.


Basic Circuitry and Soldering 101

Learn to solder a basic LED circuit at Fab Lab Carnegie Science Center. This introductory class is required in order to use the electronics equipment and soldering irons during and Fab Lab Open Workshop (FLOW). Workshop is open to ages 8 and up. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult who also registers for the workshop.

Please note: Tickets are being sold up to four weeks in advance.


Blender 101

Fri., March 22
Fri., June 7

Learn the basics of Blender, a free and open-source 3D sculpting and modeling software! Create organic shapes, then animate and render them using Blender’s suite of computer animation tools.


Laser Cutting 101

Fri., March 15
Fri., April 19

Learn to use the 40W laser at Fab Lab Carnegie Science Center to safely cut and etch your own designs! This introductory class is required in order to use the laser cutter during any Fab Lab Open Workshop (FLOW). Workshop is open to ages 8 and up. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult who also registers for the workshop.

Please note: Tickets are being sold up to four weeks in advance.


Laser Rotary Attachment 101

The laser is a great tool for etching glass and painted metal surfaces. Learn how to use the rotary attachment to etch your own designs into cups, bottles, and other round items!

Prerequisite: Previous completion of Laser Cutting 101. This introductory class is required in order to use the laser rotary attachment during any Fab Lab Open Workshop (FLOW). Workshop is open to ages 8 and up. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult who also registers for the workshop.

Please note: Tickets are being sold up to four weeks in advance.


3D Design for the Laser

Using 2D design software and the laser cutter, explore the mathematics behind designing and creating 3d shapes using flat sheets of material. Learn how to create strong joints that will help move your laser cut projects from 2D to 3D! Prerequisite: Laser Cutting 101.

Please note: Tickets are being sold up to four weeks in advance.


Vinyl Cutting 101

Fri., April 5

Learn to use the computer controlled vinyl cutter in Fab Lab Carnegie Science Center. This introductory class is required in order to use the vinyl cutter during Fab Lab Open Workshop (FLOW). Workshop is open to ages 8 and up. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult who also registers for the workshop.

Please note: Tickets are being sold up to four weeks in advance.


Free FLOW – Fab Lab Open Workshop

Every Friday

Fab Lab is open for makers ages 8 and up to work on projects using our rapid prototyping technologies. Completion of level 101 equipment classes are required for use of certain equipment: 3D printer, laser cutter, vinyl cutter, CNC router, milling machine. FLOW is free, but materials fees are an additional cost. Materials will be available to purchase on the evening of the workshop inside the Fab Lab with a credit card.

Workshop is open to ages 8 and up. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult who also registers for the workshop.

Advance registration is required.

Please note: Tickets are being sold up to four weeks in advance.

All sales are final, no cancellations or refunds.
Carnegie Science Center reserves the right to cancel any program one week before it begins due to insufficient registration. In case of inclement weather, please check the website to see if a program has been canceled. All registered participants will receive a full refund in the case of cancellation.

Safety Policy: Based on current best practices, we require masks for program participants and program staff when the Allegheny County COVID-19 Community Level designation is at the red/high mark.

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