MakerLab Basics

• What is a MakerLab?

  A MakerLab is an open community lab that includes elements from machine shops, workshops, design studios and collaborative spaces. MakerLabs encourage innovation. These spaces are unique because not only do lab users have access to tools, but they have access to each other's skills and knowledge.

  Resources include:

  • 3D Printers: Filament (FDM) and Resin (SLA)
  • A variety of different colors of filament
  • Laser Engraver
  • 3D Scanner with Turntable
  • 3D Large Format Printer
  • Sewing Machines
  • Soldering Stations
  • And More!

   

  MAKERLAB MACHINE & RESOURCE GUIDE

• Become a Member

  Become a Member

  Want to have even more access to the MakerLab so you can utilize the equipment to work on your own projects? Members have access to the MakerLab during open lab hours, but reservations are required. Hours of operation are Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 9 p.m.

  Summer Membership Special

  If you've been thinking about joining the MakerLab, the summer is the perfect time to give it a shot! We are offering a summer membership special that gives you access to both labs for only $49 for the summer (May 20 - Aug. 8) semester.

  Current Prices

  Summer Special: $49
  Month: $40
  Quarter: $100
  Year: $200
  Current JJC Employee Annual: $150
  Current JJC Student Semester: $50 (The student fee includes a $20 credit to be used toward material fees.)

  Additional fees apply for materials.  

  BECOME A MEMBER

  RELEASE FORM FOR MEMBERS UNDER 18 

   

• MakerLab Material Fees

  To help keep the cost of memberships low, we charge a nominal fee for any materials you use while in the MakerLab. Please contact the MakerLab for more information regarding the current fees. You will be invoiced for your material fees. If you have received an invoice, please click the button below to pay your fees.

  Members can bring their own materials, but they must be approved by staff first.

  PAY FOR MAKERLAB MATERIALS

• Appointments Required

  Make an Appointment to Visit

  Please make an appointment to visit both locations. Note: Children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

  To Make an Appointment:

  1. Email Debra Daun at ddaun@jjc.edu. 
  2. Submit two preferred times for your visit, including start and end time.
  3. If you will be attending with a minor, list all names of each person who will attend the appointment.
  4. You will receive a confirmation email.

• Take a Tour

  We are always happy to show you or your group around either location. Send an email to makerlab@jjc.edu for more information or to request a tour. 

  Please note that at this time, the MakerLab can only accommodate groups of 30 or fewer people for tours or field trips.

  If you would like to incorporate a tour of the MakerLab into a field trip that includes other areas of JJC, such as the Trackman Planetarium, please send an email to fieldtripcoordinator@jjc.edu for more information.

• Custom Work

  If your schedule is packed, but you need an item created, we can do it for you! No membership is required. 

  To start the process, please complete the MakerLab Creation Request form, and a staff member will follow up with you shortly.

  MAKERLAB CREATION REQUEST

  Project Pricing*

  • 3D Scanning: $75 per hour
  • Laser Cutting: $50 per hour
  • 3D Modeling: $75 per hour
  • 3D Printing: Varies by project. Please request a quote

   

  These prices are only a starting point. Every project is priced individually. We take into account the cost of materials, amount of hands-on staff time and machine usage. For an exact cost of your project, please contact us for a quote at makerlab@jjc.edu. 

  *Please note: Our prices are considered quite reasonable for the industry, however, our turnaround may be slower than what you may expect. Deadlines are dependent on MakerLab priorities of community and student access.

  
   

MakerLab Classes and Events

MakerLab class offerings can be viewed in the current Community & Continuing Education catalog or in the tabs below.

• 3D Printing/Virtual Reality Lab Open House

  MakerLab Open House

  Explore all that you can do with 3D printing and other technology in the 3D Printing/Virtual Reality Lab at JJC Romeoville Campus! JJC employees will be on hand to discuss your project ideas and help you become familiar with the lab's equipment, including a variety of filament and resin 3D printers, a laser cutter, a 3D scanner, soldering equipment and much more! Registration for this free event is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome.

  Fall | Wednesday, Sept. 4 | 5-7 p.m. | Romeoville Campus | Free

  REGISTER NOW

• Build a 3D Printer Class

  Free Information Session

  There will be a mandatory, free information session to allow students to meet with this instructor, review course objectives and ask specific questions before enrolling in the build class. Students who are unable to attend the information session should contact Debra Daun at ddaun@jjc.edu to make other arrangements. 

  Fall | Wednesday, Sept. 4 | 7-8 p.m. | Romeoville Campus | Free

  REGISTER NOW

  Build a 3D Printer (LLC 5895)

  In this hands-on class, participants will assemble a basic 3D printer with full guidance from an experienced instructor. Topics will cover how to maintain and operate the machines as well as the basics of 3D printing. Each student will take home their assembled 3D printer and a full roll of filament. No prior experience is required. Registration opens following the free information session. Kits will be ordered after registration closes; no refunds will be issued after the order is placed.

  Fall | Mondays, Sept. 23-Oct. 14 | 6-9 p.m. | Romeoville Campus | $389

  Registration opens Thursday, Sept. 5 to students who have attended a free information session or made other arrangements with the instructor.

• 3D Printer Repair Workshops

  3D Printer Repair Workshop (LLC 3748)

  Whether you have a 3D printer sitting in a closet that you just can't get to work properly or you want to learn more about how to keep them running, this class is for you. Bring in your printer, and we will work together to troubleshoot the problem and get the printer up and printing again. 

  Fall T1 | Tuesday, Sept. 24 | 7-9 p.m. | Main Campus | $29
  Fall T2 | Monday, Oct. 21 | 7-9 p.m. | Romeoville Campus | $29
  Fall T3 | Tuesday, Nov. 19 | 7-9 p.m. | Main Campus | $29

  REGISTRATION OPENS JULY 31

  Please Note: MakerLab members may attend the repair workshops for free. Please email ddaun@jjc.edu if you are a member and would like to attend.

• Project-Based 3D-Printing Classes

  Spooky Lantern (LLC 1030)

  Take a hands-on journey into the world of craftsmanship, where technology meets artistry! In this workshop, you'll create a one-of-a-kind Halloween decorative piece. Let by our expert instructor, this class introduces you to the fascinating realm of 3D printing and its endless possibilities; no prior experience is necessary. Make sure you bring your creativity and willingness to your imagination soar! Esta clase es en Ingles y Espanol!

  Fall | Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 5-8 p.m. | Romeoville Campus | $79

  REGISTRATION OPENS JULY 31

  3D-Printed Card Models: Halloween (LLC 1232)

  A 3D-printing class for the whole family! Each adult/child team will assemble and paint 3D-printed, Halloween-themed model card kits in class. Please Note: Each paid registration covers one adult and one child from the same household. Additional family members may register at the reduced price of $10 per person. Please call (815) 280-1555 to register an additional family member. 

  Fall | Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 6-8 p.m. | Romeoville Campus | Ages 8 & Up | $59

  REGISTRATION OPENS JULY 31

  3D-Printed Christmas Ornament (LLC 1226)

  Go modern this holiday season and use the technology of 3D printers to create your own Christmas ornaments. Bring the joy home, mail it to your loved ones, or decorate with ornaments created and designed by you. Are you still wondering if you need another reason to attend this class? How about learning a trending skill that will bring you joy beyond Christmas. Esta clase es en Ingles y Espanol!

  Fall | Wednesday, Dec. 4 | 6 - 8 p.m. | Romeoville Campus | $29

  REGISTRATION OPENS JULY 31

MakerLab Highlights

• MakerLab News

  • Nursing Program Cuts Costs By Using 3D-Printed Teaching Tools 
  • MakerLab 3D Prints Prosthetic Components for Student Projects
  • JJC Supporting Frontline Health Workers by Creating, Donating PPE (Joliet Junior College)
  • Joliet Junior College Donates Protective Masks to Help Combat COVID-19 (The Herald News)
  • Joliet Junior College Donates 3D-Printed Medical Masks to Local Hospitals (Joliet Patch)

• Reference Materials

  • Photo Gallery