Classes

We offer 3 ways to view our schedule of upcoming classes:

  1. Read the class list below.
  2. View our monthly schedule of all classes and events.
  3. View the class list in Eventbrite.

If you have questions, or if you’re using a gift certificate to pay for your class, please send email to info@makersfactory.com.

Past Courses, Classes, and Workshops

  • Principles of 3D Printing
    • 3D Printing is a fascinating and transformative technology that will change our everyday lives over the next decade as fundamentally as did the personal computer and the cell phone. In this three hour presentation Chris Yonge will talk about the six main 3D printing technologies, including live demonstrations of powder and extrusion 3D printing using MakersFactory’s own machines. Students will learn how to design for the main commercial and open source 3D technologies, and which are most suitable for their own creative and business projects.
    • Instructor Chris Yonge
    • Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 6-9pm
    • 20 students max
    • $79
  • Principles of Computer Animation
    • Learn the basics of computer animation through 2D and 3D examples, and an introduction to the open source animation program Blender, and an overview of the industry. This will include character animation, technical animation, and simulation.
    • Instructor Chris Yonge
    • Monday, April 23, 2012, 6-9pm
    • 20 students max
    • $79
  • Principles of 3D Modeling using SketchUp
    • Learn the basic principles of 3D digital computer modeling using the free program, SketchUp. This class will include a history of 3D modeling, its use in creative and industrial applications, and lots of examples. You will also learn how to make basic models in SketchUp.
    • Requirements: a recent Mac or PC laptop with a working installation of SketchUp 8 (free or professional), a 3 button mouse. Installation link: SketchUp.
    • Instructor Chris Yonge
    • Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 6-9pm
    • 20 students max
    • $79
  • Get Linux Up and Running and More
    • This class is an introduction to Linux with an emphasis on getting it up and running. We will begin with a demonstration and share detailed instructions for installing dual boot Windows/Ubuntu 11 on a PC. Follow that, we will focus on downloading and installing useful open source software such as Blender, Gimp, Audacity, MySQL, Apache and PHP. The class will finish with a basic introduction to system configuration, administration, and a few important commands for the terminal.
    • Instructor Reuben Brasher
    • Monday, April 16, 2012, 6-9pm
    • 12 students max
    • $79
  • Principles of 3D Printing
    • 3D Printing is a fascinating and transformative technology that will change our everyday lives over the next decade as fundamentally as did the personal computer and the cell phone. In this three hour presentation Chris Yonge will talk about the six main 3D printing technologies, including live demonstrations of powder and extrusion 3D printing using MakersFactory’s own machines. Students will learn how to design for the main commercial and open source 3D technologies, and which are most suitable for their own creative and business projects.
    • Instructor Chris Yonge
    • Monday, March 26, 2012, 6-9pm
    • 20 students max
    • $79
  • Communicating your Fabrication Needs to a Machining Shop
    • Do you need custom made small metal for your product or project? Ralph Royer, owner of RCR Fabrication, a local precision engineering shop, will share his advice on the most precise and effective ways to define your CAD components. This includes lathed, milled, waterjet cut, and bent sheet metal parts.
    • Instructor Ralph Royer
    • Thursday, March 22, 6-8pm
    • 20 students max
    • $49
  • Training on the NextEngine 3D Laser Scanner
    • The NextEngine 3D laser scanner is commonly used to create 3D computer models of small items. This device brings an existing model into the computer environment for editing before printing on one of our 3D printers. Learn how to operate this so you can scan your own objects, and then edit and print them on our 3D printers.
    • Instructor Chris Yonge
    • Monday, March 19, 2012, 6-9pm
    • 12 students max
    • $79
  • Principles of 3D Printing
    • 3D Printing is a fascinating and transformative technology that will change our everyday lives over the next decade as fundamentally as did the personal computer and the cell phone. In this three hour presentation Chris Yonge will talk about the six main 3D printing technologies, including live demonstrations of powder and extrusion 3D printing using MakersFactory’s own machines. Students will learn how to design for the main commercial and open source 3D technologies, and which are most suitable for their own creative and business projects.
    • Instructor Chris Yonge
    • Wednesday, February 29, 2012, 6-9pm
    • 20 students max
    • $79
  • Introduction to 3D Characters using Poser Pro 2012
    • Poser is the premiere figure design tool used by professional and hobbyist graphic artists worldwide. It is the fastest way to get access to pre-rigged, fully textured posable 3D Humans, animals, clothing, props, and scenes.  Finely detailed images can be rendered.  Posed characters can be exported into other professional tools or used for 3D printing applications.  Many online vendors (Content Paradise, RuntimeDNA, Renderosity, etc) provide ready-to-use content for Poser at affordable prices.
    • Requirements: tbd
    • Instructors Larry Weinberg & Steve Cooper
    • Monday, February 27, 2012, 6-9pm
    • 20 students max
    • $79.
  • Training on Vinyl Cutter and Laser Cutter/Engraver using Inkscape
    • Inkscape is a free open source program that can replace Adobe Illustrator for creating vector graphics. It is the primary software used to create self adhesive signage, laser cut, and laser engraved items on our Epilog laser cutter and Roland vinyl cutter. Learn how to create your own custom decals, slot-together 3D constructables, and other cool stuff.
    • Instructors Jay Campbell and Chris Yonge
    • Monday, February 20, 2012, 6-9pm
    • 12 students max
    • $79.
  • Introduction to EAGLE, the free PCB design tool
    • From the electronic circuit diagram design to a finished, mounted printed circuit boards. EAGLE, an acronym that stands for Easily Applicable Graphical Layout Editor, is a free PCB design tool from Cadsoft.de for creating circuit diagrams and laying them out into a printed circuit board. EAGLE is certainly the best of the “low cost” solutions for PCB development and provides professional results for small to medium sized projects. The instructor will show you the steps through the various processes from selecting components, making nice schematics to the layout process, design rule check and Gerber file creating for manufacturing. You will learn how to create bill of material lists and the programming files for the SMD pick and place machines. The instructor will spend some time on creating the EAGLE libraries for your project, when components are not designed for EAGLE yet. Topics covered include: Schematic Entry and PCB Layout, Creating Library Parts, Design Rules, Copper Pours, Silkscreen Art, Fabrication, Resources.
    • Requirements: Some knowledge of electronics and reading schematics is required.
    • Instructor Juergen Kienhoefer
    • Friday, February 17, 2012, 6-8pm
    • 12 students max
    • $49.
  • Training on the 650 Color 3D Printer
    • The 650 is a state of the art 3D color printer widely used by the design industry. It creates colored models from thin layers of powdered material. Learn the principles and finishing operation of our Z Corporation 650 color 3D printer. Instructor will demonstrate the processes of designing, printing, de-powdering, and finishing a 3D model.
    • Instructor Chris Yonge
    • Wednesday, February 15, 2012, 6-9pm
    • 12 students max
    • $79
  • Principles of Computer Animation
    • Learn the basics of computer animation through 2D and 3D examples, and an introduction to the open source animation program Blender, and an overview of the industry. This will include character animation, technical animation, and simulation.
    • Instructor Chris Yonge
    • Wednesday, February 8, 2012, 6-9pm
    • 20 students max
    • $79
  • Principles of 3D Modeling using SketchUp
    • Learn the basic principles of 3D digital computer modeling using the free program, SketchUp. This class will include a history of 3D modeling, its use in creative and industrial applications, and lots of examples. You will also learn how to make basic models in SketchUp.
    • Requirements: a recent Mac or PC laptop with a working installation of SketchUp 8 (free or professional), a 3 button mouse. Installation link: SketchUp.
    • Instructor Chris Yonge
    • Monday, February 6, 2012, 6-9pm
    • 20 students max
    • $79
  • Training on PP3DP Extrusion Printer
    • The PP3DP is a $3000 extrusion printer that uses a thread of ABS engineering grade plastic to build up strong, accurate 3D parts that can be used to prototype and build working mechanisms and structures. Learn how to operate the PP3DP, how to import models into its control software, and hints on how to produce a fast and successful result. This class is a prerequisite to using the PP3DP 3D printer in MakersFactory.
    • Instructor Chris Yonge
    • Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 6-9pm
    • 12 students max
    • $79
  • Introduction to 3D modeling with the free open source program Blender — three Mondays, full length course
    • Blender is one of today’s leading integrated modeling, animation, and video editing programs – and it’s free. This introductory course demonstrates the Blender interface, what the program can do, and lays a foundation of modeling and rendering skills that encourages students to continue their studies independently or through more advanced courses. Instructor Chris Yonge teaches two courses of Blender at UCSC School of Engineering and has been a professional animator for over ten years.
    • Requirements: a recent generation Mac, PC, or Linux laptop with the free Blender program installed from http://blender.org. A 3-button mouse with scroll wheel is required and an external keypad is recommended if a dedicated keypad is not present on the laptop.
    • Instructor Chris Yonge
    • Three Mondays: January 9, 16, 23, 2012, 6-7:30pm
    • 8 students max.
    • $149
  • 3D Extrusion Printing using our PP3DP
    • The PP3DP is a $3000 extrusion printer that uses a thread of ABS engineering grade plastic to build up strong, accurate 3D parts that can be used to prototype and build working mechanisms and structures. In this class students will learn how to operate the PP3DP, how to import models into its control software, and hints on how to produce a fast and successful result. This class is a prerequisite to using the PP3DP 3D printer in MakersFactory.
    • Instructor Chris Yonge
    • Wednesday, December 14, 2011, 6-9pm
    • 12 students max.
    • $79
  • 3D Digital Scanning using PhotoFly or our NextEngine 3D Laser Scanner
    • Many times it’s necessary to bring the form of an existing building or other object into a 3D program for 3D printing, animation, or machining. This class shows students how to use Autodesk’s free online PhotoFly photogrammetry (measurement from a series of photographs) application as well as MakersFactory’s NextEngine 3D laser scanner to create 3D model files that can be used for creative and professional work. It is a prerequisite to using MakersFactory’s NextEngine 3D laser scanner.
    • Instructor Chris Yonge
    • Wednesday, December 7, 2011, 6-9pm
    • 12 students max
    • $79
  • Creating Durable Equity: IP Strategy & Business Formation Considerations for Start-ups
    • This class will review key issues to be addressed in optimally designing the legal structure of a new technology firm and in distinguishing the key intellectual property assets of a creative venture. The viewpoint of investors in evaluating a business will be highlighted.  Best practices in certain areas of intellectual property strategy will be presented.
    • Instructor Pat Reilly
    • Tuesday, December 6, 2011, 7-9pm
    • $49
  • Introduction to Sketchup — three Thursdays, full length course
    • This course will introduce SketchUp to new and beginning users, including an overview of features, modeling and texturing processes, setting up scenes, hidden features, and presentation techniques. In the final class students will be introduced to SketchUp’s close links with Google Earth and how to move their projects into this environment. Instructor Chris Yonge has used SketchUp professionally for ten years for architectural and product rendering and is a registered Google for NonProfits SketchUp/Google Earth developer.
    • Requirements: a recent Mac or PC laptop with a working installation of SketchUp 8 (free or professional), Google Earth, a 3 button mouse, and the ability to perform basic computer operations. Installation links: SketchUp and Google Earth.
    • Instructor Chris Yonge
    • Three Thursdays: December 1, 8, 15, 2011, 6-7:30pm
    • $149
  • Industrial Housing Design for your Electronic Device – a case study in 3D product development
    • This introduces students to the principles of designing an economic, attractive, and strong plastic case for your product. Anyone who is developing a consumer item which includes injection molded plastic parts will benefit from the information and experience that Dr. Juergen Kienhoefer will share. This class will include: workflow housing design, electronics part modeling, housing concepts, design to the mold, finishing, assembly and packaging.
    • Instructor Dr. Juergen Kienhoefer
    • Friday, December 2, 2011, 6-8pm
    • View presentation
    • $49
  • Learn Inkscape using our Roland Vinyl Cutter
    • Inkscape is the free, open source alternative vector image editor to Illustrator and CorelDraw. This capable program outputs files that can be used to control a laser cutter, a vinyl cutter, and even a waterjet cutter. In this three hour class Chris Yonge will introduce students to Inkscape as well as to its use for making digitally cut vinyl and paper shapes with the Roland digital knife. This class is a prerequisite to using MakersFactory’s Roland GX-24 paper and vinyl cutter.
    • Requirements: a recent generation Mac or PC laptop with the open source Inkscape installed from http://inkscape.org. A 3-button mouse with scroll wheel is also needed.
    • Instructor Chris Yonge
    • Wednesday, November 30, 2011, 6-9pm
    • $79.
  • Principles of 3D Printing
    • 3D Printing is a fascinating and transformative technology that will change our everyday lives over the next decade as fundamentally as did the personal computer and the cell phone. In this three hour presentation Chris Yonge will talk about the six main 3D printing technologies, including live demonstrations of powder and extrusion 3D printing using MakersFactory’s own machines. Students will learn how to design for the main commercial and open source 3D technologies, and which are most suitable for their own creative and business projects.
    • Instructor Chris Yonge
    • Thursday, November 17, 2011, 6-9pm
    • $79.
  • Introduction to 3D modeling with the free open source program Blender — three Tuesdays, full length course
    • Blender is one of today’s leading integrated modeling, animation, and video editing programs – and it’s free. This introductory course demonstrates the Blender interface, what the program can do, and lays a foundation of modeling and rendering skills that encourages students to continue their studies independently or through more advanced courses. Instructor Chris Yonge teaches two courses of Blender at UCSC School of Engineering and has been a professional animator for over ten years.
    • Requirements: a recent generation Mac, PC, or Linux laptop with the free Blender program installed from http://blender.org. A 3-button mouse with scroll wheel is required and an external keypad is recommended if a dedicated keypad is not present on the laptop.
    • Instructor Chris Yonge
    • Three Mondays: January 9, 16, 23, 2012, 6-7:30pm
    • $149
  • Media Making and Using Google Apps
    • Instructor Nada Miljkovic
    • Tue, October 25, 2011, 6-7:30 pm
  • Starting a Business, Patents, and Copyrights 
    • Instructors Dave Britton and Pat Reilly
    • Tue, October 18, 2011, 6-7:30 pm
  • 3D applications workshop (Blender, Sketchup, Rhinoceros)
    • Instructor Chris Yonge
    • Tue, October 11, 2011, 6-7:30 pm
  • 3D printing and laser cutting workshop
    • instructor Chris Yonge
    • Tue, October 4, 2011, 6-7:30 pm