What is the Makerspace?
The UCI Makerspace is open to everyone and provides tools, space, and training on how to build your projects. The makerspace comes in several different branches, FABWorks, RapidTech, and the Machine and Welding shops.
Who can use the Makerspace?
FABWorks: This space is open for everyone to use!
RapidTech: This spaced is accessed through the Director and provides either a bit of overflow for FABWorks or a do-it-for-you setup utilizing higher end equipment not available elsewhere.
Machine and Welding Shops: These spaces are managed by their respective lab managers. They provide access directly to students who have gone through the required courses and can also provide do-it-for-you sort of service.
Where is the Makerspace located?
FABWorks; Engineering Tower, 3rd floor
RapidTech: Engineering Tower, Room 444
Machine Shop: Engineering Tower, Room 137
Does the Makerspace offer tours?
The Makerspace does offer tours through appointments. You can request a tour by contacting the Makerspace email.
Is the Makerspace free to use?
Some of the makerspace is free to use, while other parts do have a small cost associated with it so we can keep the equipment working and fed with material. Coming by and asking questions and getting training is free.
How do I access the Makerspace?
Appointments are best but drop-ins are welcome if we’re available. Users can reach out to the respective branch via email.
What projects can I work on in the Makerspace?
Users can work on projects for school, business, or personal stuff. Students often use the Makerspace for course projects or projects in student clubs/project teams. That being said, projects including weapons, drugs, and hateful things are not suitable for the space.
What types of equipment or tools are available?
There are a variety of things available to users depending on the space you are interested in from hand tools, to laser cutters and 3d printers, to metal cutting cnc machines and welders.
A list of specific equipment and tools in each Makerspace branch can be found on each space’s individual pages. You can explore these through the tabs on the menu bar at the top of the website or through the links on the homepage.
Do I need to bring my own materials, or are materials provided?
Whether you supply your own material or use ours will depend on the project and tool being used. If you want to 3D print, we supply the material. If you want to laser cut, or use saws, CNC machines, etc, you will need to bring your own. We may have small pieces of material on hand, but selection will be limited. You can always reach out to the staff to ask.
Where can I store my ongoing project?
The Makerspace has limited space for storing projects. Many users choose to take their projects with them when they come and go. For those that would like to leave their projects, we do have several sizes of lockers that are available to rent on a quarterly basis.
Does the Makerspace offer workshops or classes? How do I sign up?
Training sessions for FABWorks are available daily, appointments are recommend but walk-ins can work when staff is available. The makerspace will be offering classes and workshops once again in the future. Keep an eye on this site for further details
What should I do if I encounter a problem with the equipment?
Please warn others and alert the staff immediately. If it is safe to do so and you know how, stop the equipment and step away.
What should I do if I lose something in the Makerspace?
Please let the staff know and leave your contact information so we can reach out if we find it.
How can I contact the Makerspace team for further questions?
FABWorks staff can be reached at ucifabworks@gmail.com
For help with RapidTech, the makerspace director, Benjamin Dolan, is available at dolanb@uci.edu
The machine shop manager, Tyler Schuldt, is available at tjschuldt@uci.edu
The welding shop manager, Jacob Chutney, is available at jchutney@uci.edu