News: Fab Academy returns to AS220!
Now Accepting Applications for 2014
The Providence, RI branch of the Fab Academy is now accepting applications for the class of 2014. Classes meet at AS220 Labs in Providence, RI from January 15, 2014 through May 28, 2014 and additional open lab time is available through June 30th, 2014. For complete program information and how to apply, visit our site at as220.org/fabacademy. If you have any additional questions, contact the Providence Fab Academy Instructor, Shawn Wallace or AS220 Labs Manager, James Rutter.
How to make (almost) anything
The Fab Academy is a Digital Fabrication Program directed by Neil Gershenfeld of MIT’s Center for Bits and Atoms and based on MIT’s rapid prototyping course, MAS 863: How to Make (Almost) Anything. The Fab Academy began as an outreach project from the CBA, and has since spread to Fab Labs around the world. The program provides advanced digital fabrication instruction for students through an unique, hands-on curriculum and access to technological tools and resources.
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News: Learn how to use the Arduino
What is the Arduino?
The Arduino is a very small computer, otherwise known as a microcontroller. It was designed with the intentions of making electronic projects easier and more accessible to artists and makers. The Arduino is hardware that can control lights, speakers, motors, and all other sorts of electronic gadgets. It is also software environment that allows you to program simple computer code to run your project. Learning the Arduino will enable you to bring life to your projects.
We’ve designed a set of workshops that gives you the essential training to get comfortable working with the Arduino. If you are interested in making some interactive projects or have been waiting to learn the Arduino, then check out these Spring Workshops.
Intro to Soldering: Build Your Own Arduino
Learn how to solder electronics components up by making an Arduino Kit, students will be making NKC Electronic’s Freeduino Kit, which is shield compatible and very similar to the Arduino UNO. You’ll pick up some knowledge of electronic components along the way too.
Introduction to the Arduino: rxprednisone Physical Pixel
From powering up to programming, you’ll learn everything you need to know to get started with the Arduino. This class will build a simple “Physical Pixel” project, where students will construct a simple circuit that controls the color of an RGB LED from 3 knobs that the user adjusts.
Arduino Workshop: Ambient Orb
A project oriented class, where you can take your Arduino to the next level. In this workshop, you’ll build a simple LED circuit that is controlled by data pulled off the internet – like stocks prices, twitter feeds, etc. It is expected that you already own an Arduino prior to taking this workshop, and have some experience already.
Arduino Workshop: Robots!
Another project oriented workshop, but geared up for folks interested in robotics. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to control motors and mechanical parts to create a simple robot. It is expected that you already own an Arduino prior to taking this workshop, and have some experience already.
LASER CUTTING
Intro to the Laser Cutter – Saturday, October 6, 13 10am-1pm, $80
Learn how to use this tool to cut or etch wood, plastics, papers or textiles! This class will cover the basics of using the laser cutter safely, techniques for working with different materials, and the software for preparing work for the cutter.
Laser Cut Acrylic Side Lit Signs and Figurines – Wednesday, September 26, 7-10pm, $40
In this class students will learn about side-lit acrylic. We will discuss the concept, design a project, and build a side lit sign or figurine. Each student will get to make their own side lit acrylic project on the laser cutter.
NEW! Laser Cut Jewelry Making – Monday, October 22, 7-10pm, $40
In this class students will use AS220 Labs’ laser cutter to cut patterns and shapes out of acrylic to make jewelry. Participants will be provided will all the necessary materials to make their very own laser-cut earrings.
Press Fit Construction -Wednesday, October 24, 7-10pm, $40
Make a custom birdhouse, wine rack, or box! Participants will learn about the basics of press fit design using the Lab’s Epilog Mini Laser Cutter. This is a great starting point for students interested in developing their own press fit designs.
Laser Cut Textiles – Saturday and Sunday, November 17 & 18, 1pm-7pm, $120
Learn to laser cut textiles! This machine enables entirely new possibilities from easily cutting pattern pieces to create new textures, functional decorations, dimensional objects, and even etching images or text onto fabric!
Laser Cut Relief Printing – 2 Saturdays, November 3 & 10, 2-6pm, $95
Using the laser cutter in the Labs as a carving tool, prepare wood blocks. At the Printshop, you will print images on the etching press. This is a great opportunity to learn what the laser cutter can do for your work.
Letterpress Label Making – Tuesday, September 25, 6pm–10pm, $35
Print your own labels using the letterpress for canning and home-brewing beer!
3D PRINTING
NEW! Intro to the 3D Printer – 2 Thursdays, September 27 & November 29, 7-10pm, $40
Learn how to use this tool to do rapid 3D prototyping. This class will cover the basics of using the 3D Printer safely, proper techniques, and the software tools for preparing work for the printer.
CNC ROUTING
NEW! Intro to the CNC Router (ShopBot) –
Mondays, September 17 & 24 7-10pm, $80 / Saturdays, October 27 & November 3, 7-10pm, $80
Learn how to use this tool to cut and carve tadalafiltablets into materials up to 4’ x 8’ x 6” in size. This class will cover the basics of using the CNC router safely, techniques for working with different materials, and the software for preparing work for the cutter.
VINYL CUTTING
Sign Making with the Vinyl Cutter – Tuesday, October 9, 7-10pm, $40
In this class, students will learn how to use the Lab’s Roland Desktop Vinyl Cutter by making custom signs. This tool is perfect for any artist or small business owner in need of signage.
NEW! T-Shirt Making with the Vinyl Cutter – Wednesday, November 28 4, 1-4pm, $40
In this class, students will learn how to use the Lab’s Roland Desktop Vinyl Cutter to cut vinyl decals and transfer them onto t-shirts. Students will be supplied with the vinyl material but are required to bring a t-shirt to use for the workshop.
ELECTRONICS
Intro to Soldering – 3 Tuesdays, September 18, October 16, November 13, 7-10pm, $40
Learn how to solder electronics in these introductory workshops. Every month, we offer a new kit for the public to build. Participants will leave with soldering skills and a fancy new gadget. Check the website for kit of the month
Soft Circuits – 2 Saturdays, November 10, 1-4pm, $50 (Brooch) / November 17, 1-4pm, $50 (Bracelet)
This workshop is an introduction to soft circuits, including tips on working with conductive thread and guidance on sewing connections between a light and a battery. You will experiment with conductive everyday objects, like metal beads, to make a flickering felt brooch or an illuminated bracelet. No previous sewing or electronics experience necessary.
NEW! Fabduino – Build your own Arduino Clone – Saturdays, October 20, 27, 10am-1pm, $80
Make your very own Arduino Clone from scratch. Participants will learn the fundamentals of CNC milling while creating copper circuit boards on AS220 Labs’ Roland Modela MDX-20 Milling Machine. The following session will involve powering up and programming a simple program on your new microcontroller.
Electronic Workstation Tool Training – Tuesday, October 23, 6-8pm, $20
Looking for somewhere you can hack away on your electronics projects? We’ll cover all of the electronic workstation equipment – soldering irons, oscilloscopes, function generators, variable power supplies, multimeters, & hand tools.
CRAFT
Intermediate Knitting – Thursdays, October 18, 25, 7-10pm, $80
Learn to knit in the round on double pointed needles, work a rib pattern, and do a basic cable stitch, while creating a pair of hand warmers.
