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MakerLab

The MakerLab is open to JJC and the surrounding community.

MakerLab


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.

The MakerLab at JJC is open to the entire community! Create your next innovative project or invention in our MakerLab. Whether you need to use a 3D printer or laser engraver, this state-of-the art equipment will take your projects to the next level.

Resources include:

  • 3D Printers: Filament (FDM) and Resin (SLA)
  • Laser Engraver
  • 3D Scanner with Turntable
  • Vinyl Cutter
  • 3D Large Format Printer
  • Two Singer Sewing Machines
  • Two Fully Equipped Soldering Stations
  • And More!

MakerLab Machine & Resource Guide

MakerLab Location & Hours 

The MakerLab is located in T-1034 (T-Building). It is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 9 p.m.

A MakerLab assistant will be available to help with any questions.

Romeoville 3D Printing Virtual Reality Lab

The MakerLab is excited to be a partner in opening a new lab at JJC's Romeoville Campus in RMA 1000 right by the lobby. The lab is available to JJC students, staff and faculty, as well as MakerLab members.​​​ 

Appointments for 3D printing are available Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 to 9 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Send an email to makerlab@jjc.edu to secure your spot. 

Days and times for virtual reality vary week to week. Send an email to ccase@jjc.edu to schedule an appointment.

If you happen to be at the Romeoville Campus and see that the lab is open, stop in and check us out!


MakerLab Basics

  • 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.

    Prices

    Monthly: $35
    Quarterly: $60
    Yearly: $150
    Employee Annual (Current employees only): $140
    Semester (Current JJC students only): $30

    Additional fees apply for materials. Fees for Workshop Tuesdays are waived for members. 

    Become a Member

    Release Form for Ages 16 or Younger

     

  • 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 the MakerLab. 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 to use the MakerLab, 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 the MakerLab. Contact Debra Daun at (815) 280-6679 or ddaun@jjc.edu for more information or to request a tour.

  • Custom Work

    If your schedule is packed, but you need an item created, we can do it for you! No membership is required. Contact us at makerlab@jjc.edu to discuss your project and to obtain a quote. 

    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 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 Workshops

We offer many workshops throughout the year for kids and adults to learn about 3D printing, laser cutting, sewing and more.

For more information about our classes and registration, take a look at our catalog or see the information below.

Spring 2023 Community Catalog

3D Printing

  • 3D Printing Basics (LLC 5126)

    3D Printing Basics (LLC 5126)

    Possibly one of the most fascinating technological developments in history, 3D printers offer endless possibilities. Whether you’re considering purchasing a 3D printer in the future or you would just like to experience this exciting technology in action, this class is for you. Our instructor will demonstrate how to operate a home 3D printer and you will experience the printer in action as it prints out a model.

    Spring T1 | Monday, Jan. 30 | 6-9 p.m. | Main Campus | $35
    Spring T2 | Monday, April 30 | 6-9 p.m. | Romeoville | $35

    REGISTER NOW

  • Experience 3D Printing (LLC 5127)

    Experience 3D Printing (LLC 5127)

    Designed to serve as an introduction to 3D printing technology, this three-week class will provide students with the opportunity to print their own simple 3D projects. Students will learn about the software involved in 3D printing, internet resources and also experience the JJC MakerLab in this hands-on class.

    Spring T1 | Mondays, Feb. 6-27 | 6-9 p.m. | $99
    (No class Feb. 20)

    REGISTER NOW

  • Build a 3D Printer (LLC 5895)

    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 machine as well as the basics of 3D printing. Each student will take home their assembled 3D printer and a full roll of filament. There will be a mandatory orientation two weeks before the class start date to allow students to meet with the instructor, review course objectives and ask specific questions before enrolling. No prior experience is required. Enrollment is limited. Kits will be ordered after the mandatory orientation session is completed; please be aware no refunds will be issued after the order is placed. An information session will be held Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. Enrollment for the course will not open until after the information session.

    If you would like to join the build class but aren't able to attend the info session, please contact Debra Daun for information.

    Spring T1 | Wednesdays, Feb. 22-March 8 | 5-9 p.m. | $382

    REGISTRATION OPENS AFTER THE INFO SESSION

     

    Build a 3D Printer Information Session

    Wednesday, Feb. 1 | 6-7 p.m. | Main Campus | Free

    REGISTER NOW

  • Intro to 3D Printing with Resin (LLC 5885)

    Intro to 3D Printing with Resin (LLC 5885)

    3D resin printers produce models with much finer detail than regular filament printers. This and the wide variety of resins available make them ideal for projects such as jewelry design and gaming minis. Experience the next level of 3D printing in this introductory course that will focus on preparation, printing and finishing of simple 3D models. This is an advanced class, so previous 3D printing experience is strongly suggested.

    Spring T1 | Wednesdays, May 3 & 10 | 6-9 p.m. | $64

    REGISTER NOW

Kids College

  • 3D Printing Camp (LLC 5163)

    3D Printing Camp (LLC 5163)

    Students in grades 3-8 will be enthralled with the opportunity to explore the world of 3D printing, where the possibilities seem endless. Students will learn about 3D printing, have an opportunity to print a 3D project of their own and tour the MakerLab in this technology-rich camp.

    Spring TY1 | Wednesdays, Jan. 11-25 | 5-7 p.m. | $69

    REGISTER NOW

Workshop Tuesdays

MakerLab members may attend Workshop Tuesdays for free. Prices below are for nonmembers. Members may reserve their spot by calling (815) 280-1555.

  • 3D Printer Repair (LLC 3748)

    3D Printer Repair (LLC 3748)

    Whether you have a 3D printer sitting in a closet that you just can't get to work properly or 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. Don't own a 3D printer? That's fine; just come and learn more about this fun, productive hobby that can lead to a business.

    Spring T1 | Tuesday, Jan. 17 | 7-9 p.m. | $19
    Spring T2 | Tuesday, March 21 | 7-9 p.m. | $19

    REGISTER NOW

  • Gaming Minis (LLC 5886)

    Gaming Minis (LLC 5886)

    Come spend the evening with others who share your love of minis and gaming! This is an open format workshop for anyone who has considered creating or painting their own gaming miniatures. Whether it's a character, monster or a piece of scenery, you will develop your creativity by finishing projects created with an SLA resin 3D printer. Models can be either printed by the student or the instructor, depending on skill levels and experience.

    Spring T1 | Tuesday, Feb. 14 | 7-9 p.m. | $19
    Spring T2 | Tuesday, April 18 | 7-9 p.m. | $19

    REGISTER NOW

More Information

  • COVID-19 Update

    In the event of important deadlines or class dates changing due to COVID-19, please visit JJC's COVID FAQ page for the most up-to-date information. All continuing education courses will follow JJC's COVID-19 precautions.

  • Photographing Program Participants

    Joliet Junior College reserves the right to photograph or film program participants. Photos and recordings are for college use only and may be used in college publicity materials and social media. Please notify programming staff if you do not wish to be photographed or filmed.

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