UC Makerspace hosts open house inside 1819 Innovation Hub

On Monday, Feb. 27, from 5-7 p.m., the UC Ground Floor Makerspace will hold an open house inside the 1819 Innovation Hub for innovators of all ages. The collaborative workspace is equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, woodworking, soldering stations and various other tools for prototyping and fabrication.

The event is free and open to the public.

Visitors can:

• Tour the facility
• Watch demonstrations on state-of-the-art tools and equipment, such as CNC routing equipment — an automatic machine tool for milling, drilling, engraving, cutting and routing
• Engage in hands-on activities such as laser cutting and sticker printing

"We're trying to build a community where people can come together and create amazing things in the Makerspace, from prototypes to small batch production. Whether you're a beginner interested in exploring 3D printing or an expert wanting to create a functional prototype for an idea, there's something for everyone," said Benjamin Jones, manager of the UC Ground Floor Makerspace.

One of the highlights of the open house will be the opportunity to connect with other makers and innovators. Visitors can post their “needs” and “haves” on the maker connection board.

Student makers also can learn more about the UC Makers Club, a registered student organization that is partnering with the Makerspace on the event. 

Makerspaces have become popular venues for empowering inventors, builders, tinkerers and creators with the resources and tools for turning their ideas into reality.

• With over 12,000 square feet of space, the UC Makerspace accommodates everyone from students working on capstones to hobbyists expanding their skill sets to aspiring entrepreneurs creating prototypes.
  
• The collaborative workspace provides access to equipment for anyone with an interest in creating.
• The UC Makerspace offers specialized technologies and technicians to meet the needs of a diverse community of all ages and backgrounds.

The UC Makerspace offers free membership for UC faculty, staff and students and partners in the 1819 Innovation Hub. Certain services such as 3D printing and machining are billed at modest hourly rates.

For those not affiliated with UC, memberships are available.

Members get access to specialized equipment that might be too large or costly to own.

Other benefits include:

• Make-and-take workshops
• Certification classes
• Collaboration with other members