Fab Lab Workshop FAQs

What is the Fab Lab?

The Fab Lab is Carnegie Science Center’s very own maker space! It’s a place where you can create something from design to fabrication. Fab Lab is short for Fabrication Laboratory.

What kind of equipment do you have?

Equipment in the Fab Lab includes….

• 3D printers
• Laser cutters
• Computers and software
• ShopBot CNC milling machines
• Video conference equipment
• Electronics workbench equipment, including robotics
• Mini-mill/3d scanner (2)
• Sewing/embroidery machines
• Projectors and documentation cameras

Cool! Can I just go in there and use the stuff?

All of the equipment requires training to be able to use it safely and effectively. Register for one of our workshops to try out the technology!

What kind of workshops do you have?

Currently there are three types of public workshops:

1. 101 WORKSHOPS… are 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.

2. FREE FLOW FRIDAYS… are when the Fab Lab is open for makers ages 8 and up to work on projects using our technologies. Completion of level 101 equipment classes are required for the use of the laser cutter, vinyl cutter, CNC router, and 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. Advance registration required.

3. OTHER PUBLIC WORKSHOPS… are updated regularly on Fab Lab’s website.

Can I just show up for a workshop?

Space is VERY limited in the Fab Lab. Register in advance.

What are your safety measures?

At Carnegie Museums, we are committed to the safety of our staff, visitors, and outreach program participants. Please review our In-Person Outreach Program Safety Standards for information about booking a Mobile Fab Lab program at your location.

How do I register for a workshop?

Visit Fab Lab Public Workshops for a listing of other available workshops and to sign up online. Click the link next to the workshop you’re interested in to register.

Mentors in the Making

The Mentors in the Making program is a 1:1 mentoring program at BNY Fab Lab Carnegie Science Center for underserved youth ages 14-18 from the Pittsburgh area. The program was started in 2017 because, although the Mobile Fab Lab brings digital fabrication experiences to hundreds of students in their classrooms, there was a need for students to explore digital fabrication inside the Fab Lab space over a longer period of time. Through Mentors in the Making, students learn digital fabrication and design alongside their mentors during weekly sessions Together, students and mentors engage in the Engineering Design Process to work on complex projects. As students lead projects, mentors model skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. As STEM professionals, mentors also offer their guidance and perspectives regarding school and career choices.

Program Description

During the Mentors in the Making program, students are matched with an adult STEM professional, and the pairs co-learn digital fabrication technologies, software, and design skills led by Fab Lab Education Facilitators. The pairs meet weekly in the Fab Lab and online to work through digital fabrication projects including 3D printing, laser cutting, and electronics. Students are provided with all necessary materials, vouchers for transportation, and a laptop loaded with Computer Aided Design software. During the first phase of the program, mentors and mentees earn certification on CNC machines during hands-on sessions. For the second phase, mentoring pairs leverage new design and making skills to collaborate on a capstone project that will have a positive impact on their community. The capstone project begins with a Human-Centered Design session to engage all participants in brainstorming impactful and feasible project ideas. At the end of the program, the mentoring pairs share their projects during the program celebration. Students get to keep their laptop to enable future design work.

Mentors in the Making runs from Tues., Oct. 22, 2024 to Wed., March 26, 2025. For more information about Mentors in the Making, contact Fab Lab STEM Ed Coordinator Cathy Coudriet 412.802.2135