MakerspaceCT upcoming events

Intro to Onshape: Get Started with 3D Modeling (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Are you ready to bring your ideas to life with cutting-edge design tools? Join our Intro to Onshape Class at MakerspaceCT and dive into the exciting world of Computer-Aided Design (CAD). Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this class is perfect for you!

This class is designed as an introductory session, providing a foundational understanding of Onshape. It is not a comprehensive course but rather a stepping stone to get you started. Participants will gain basic skills in sketching, 3D modeling, and exporting designs for use with other MakerspaceCT tools and equipment, equipping them with the essential knowledge to explore further on their own or in more advanced classes. This session aims to ignite your interest and confidence in CAD, paving the way for deeper learning and more complex projects in the future.

Onshape is a powerful, cloud-based Computer-Aided Design (CAD) platform that enables users to create, edit, and share 3D models collaboratively in real-time. With professional-grade features accessible from any device, Onshape revolutionizes the way designers and engineers work together. Onshape offers free accounts, as well as paid accounts, details of which will be covered in the class.

What You’ll Learn:

Setting up an account
Getting Started: Navigate the Onshape interface with ease.
Basic Sketching: Create precise 2D sketches.
3D Modeling: Transform your sketches into 3D models.
Exporting STLs for 3D printing
Exporting DXFs for laser cutting, plasma CNC cutting, etc

All people are welcome in this class and an active effort will be made to be inclusive to all people. This class will not tolerate sexism, ableism, racism, homophobia, or transphobia. MakerspaceCT is for everyone.

3D Printing Certification (Members Only) (Thursday, July 23, 2026)

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Prerequisites: Members Only

Credentials: 3D Printing Certification

Learn to print successfully more often! 3D printing or "Additive Manufacturing," is useful for hobbyists and professionals alike. Learn to slice a 3D file using a slicer/CAM software and put the code onto a printer to create incredible designs.

The course content includes:

Best practices for slicing
Where to find models for printing
Overview of what can and cannot be printed on our machines
Policies for machine use
Basic troubleshooting

This program allows for one hour of instruction and one hour of printing and troubleshooting with the 3D Printers.

Materials Included: We have a variety colors and brands of PLA/PLA+ plastic and our computers are equipped with software such as UltiMaker Cura and PrusaSlicer. You're welcome to bring a laptop, or bring your own PLA/PLA+. For this basics class, do not bring other filament types, as this class does not cover alternate styles of filament plastics.

3D Printing Certification (Members Only) (Tuesday, August 18, 2026)

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Prerequisites: Members Only

Credentials: 3D Printing Certification

The course content includes:

Best practices for slicing
Where to find models for printing
Overview of what can and cannot be printed on our machines
Policies for machine use
Basic troubleshooting

This program allows for one hour of instruction and one hour of printing and troubleshooting with the 3D Printers.