If you can dream it, you can make it at the Fab Lab!
Are you an inventor, a maker, someone who loves to craft and create? Often big ideas come with big investments in technology or equipment. But with the Fab Lab at Lake Michigan College, we can take you from inspiration to creation in one space.
The Fab Lab at Lake Michigan College is an open-access digital fabrication studio and collaborative workshop. That means you'll have access to the information, tools, software and space you need to invent and create.
What can I create at the Fab Lab?
At the Fab Lab, you'll have open access to design software, high-tech tools and more. Here's just a brief list of some of the items we offer at the Fab Lab:
- Laser cutters
- 3D printers
- Vinyl cutters
- Woodshop
- CNC router
- Hand tools
- Adobe Creative Suite software
- Serger
- Embroidery machine
- Walking foot sewing machine
You can find a detailed equipment list in our LMC Fab Lab Manual.
What if I'm not sure what I want to make, or I need inspiration?
No problem! Maybe you know exactly what you want to create but aren’t sure how to get started. Or, you’re familiar with the tools but aren’t sure what to make. We offer low-cost, hands-on workshops on a variety of topics and tools. Our workshops give you great training and inspiration for your next creation.
Have an idea for a workshop? We're happy to host or help plan workshops for all ages and interests. Please contact us at fablab@lakemichigancollege.edu.
When is the Fab Lab open?
Monday through Thursday 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
(The Fab Lab will be closed when the Benton Harbor Campus is closed. Open Lab Hours are subject to change based on events/workshops held in the Lab. Follow us on Facebook for updates.)
Beginning in March 2020:
Mondays 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
Wednesdays 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
Other days are available for private bookings/workshops. Please email the Fab Lab with preferred date, time, and type of workshop that you are interested in hosting. Planned number of attendees is helpful as well. A sampling of workshops include:
- Wood Turned Pens
- Fab Lab 101
- Etching wine glasses
- Various jewelry making
- Red Hawk Stickers
- How to 3D print
- How to Laser
- Tours are also available
Where is the Fab Lab?
The Fab Lab is located within the Hanson Technology Center at Lake Michigan College’s Benton Harbor Campus
Who can come to the Fab Lab?
Open to all makers, ages 8 to 108. We do ask that minors on campus have the appropriate supervision while in the Fab Lab (see chart in the LMC Fab Lab Manual PDF). Super User accountsdo get priority reservations on the equipment. Other than that, it is first come, first served. Workshops and camps will have the appropriate ages listed.
How much does it cost to use the Fab Lab?
The Fab Lab is free to use for all makers in our area. However, we do have to charge to run certain equipment. Super User accounts are available for purchase (on a monthly basis) for priority, no cost reservations. Tech support is also included in the monthly fee. Email fablab@lakemichigancollege.edu to learn more.
For details please refer to the online LMC Fab Lab Manual.