Fab Lab Limerick Equipment Courses – Laser Cutting, 3D Printing & CNC

Fab Lab Limerick Equipment Courses – Laser Cutting, 3D Printing & CNC

Learn how to use laser cutters, 3D printers and CNC routers at Fab Lab Limerick with practical, beginner-friendly equipment courses. No previous experience is required, making these workshops suitable for complete beginners as well as makers who already have experience with similar digital fabrication machines.

The courses focus on hands-on making, machine setup and safe operation. Fab Lab Limerick generally uses free and open-source software and can also provide guidance on design software and preparing your own files for digital fabrication.

Laser Cutting Course – Trotec Speedy 400

This approximately 120-minute laser cutting course introduces the operation of the Trotec Speedy 400. Participants learn how to prepare files, configure the machine and create laser-cut and engraved projects.

• Introduction to laser cutting and engraving
• Explore materials including wood, stone, glass, plastics and veneer
• Prepare the laser cutter and configure a job
• Prepare files for cutting and engraving
• Practical experience using the Trotec Speedy 400

3D Printing Course at Fab Lab Limerick

The approximately 180-minute 3D printing course introduces additive manufacturing through demonstrations using Prusa 3D printers and other machines available in the Fab Lab.

• Introduction to FDM, SLA, SLS and other 3D printing technologies
• Overview of different types of 3D printers
• Preparing and slicing 3D models
• Understanding materials and printing processes
• Preparing and starting your own 3D print

CNC Router Course – ShopBot PRSAlpha

Learn the complete process from a digital drawing to a CNC-machined part during this approximately 180-minute CNC router course. Fab Lab Limerick uses a ShopBot PRSAlpha CNC router capable of machining many types of timber, plastics and some soft metals.

The machine offers a working capacity of up to 2440 × 1220 × 200 mm, making it suitable for both prototypes and large-format fabrication projects.

• Practical experience operating the CNC router
• Introduction to CNC tools, bits and accessories
• Machine setup and calibration
• Material selection and safe CNC operation
• Introduction to CAM software
• Preparing designs for CNC routing and cutting

Digital Fabrication Training in Limerick

These equipment introductions provide a practical way to learn the essential technologies available at Fab Lab Limerick. Participants can develop skills in laser cutting, laser engraving, 3D printing, CNC machining, CAD/CAM and digital fabrication while gaining confidence using professional workshop equipment.

Course Schedule and Booking

Tutorials are held on Saturdays, generally on the last Saturday of the month, while CNC tutorials are generally held on the first Saturday. Availability, start times and prices vary, so advance booking is recommended.

Participants may bring their own laptop, although computers with the required software are available in the Fab Lab. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.