FABLAB
DESCARTES

Training courses & workshops

A digital manufacturing workshop
accessible to all!

TRAINING COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

The training courses and workshops (in French) are an opportunity to get together in a small group around the same subject and to learn in a fun and friendly way.

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The training sessions and workshops offered at the Fablab provide an opportunity to gather in small groups to explore a shared topic and learn in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Check out the video featuring Thomas, Fab Manager, and Antoine, Assistant Fab Manager!

SEE THE FULL TRAINING COURSES AND WORKSHOPS CALENDAR

Training courses

The aim of the training courses is to make you autonomous on the Fablab Descartes’ numerically controlled machines.
These training courses are mandatory to be able to handle the machines on your own.

To register, click on the relevant course!  If you need help, click here to watch the tutorial of the booking module (in French).

F01 – Laser cutting
F01 – Laser cutting

Presentation

We review the drawing techniques suitable for this machine (line colour, thickness, line doubling, etc.) as well as the basic settings for safe production (cutting speed, laser power, etc.).

 Organisation

  • Max. number of participants: 5
  • Duration: 1h30 + 15 min of cutting
  • Level: beginner
  • Required equipment: none

F01 – Laser cutting

F02 – 3D printing
F02 – 3D printing

Presentation

We invite you to discover the general principle of 3D printing and its different technologies. We also discuss the main parameters for successful printing, going into more detail about the slicer’s functions and options. The aim is to enable you to serenely approach parts with “complex” shapes.

Organisation

  • Max. number of participants: 4
  • Duration: 1h30 + 30 min of printing
  • Level: beginner
  • Required equipment: none

F02 – 3D printing

F03 – CNC milling machine
F03 – CNC milling machine

Presentation

We study the 2D1/2 and 3D drawing parameterisation techniques adapted to the machine as well as the basic settings enabling you to carry out your productions in complete safety (choice of tool, cutting conditions, trajectories).

Organisation

  • Max. number of participants: 3
  • Duration: 3h + 30 min of cutting
  • Level: experienced maker
  • Required equipment: none

F03 – CNC milling machine

F04 – Digital embroidery machine
F04 – Digital embroidery machine

Presentation

We deal with the two main aspects of digital embroidery: setting up the embroidery pattern (order, direction, colours, stitch used) and the handling of the machine (filling the bobbin, setting up the bobbin, choosing the drum, starting the embroidery).

Organisation

  • Max. number of participants: 2
  • Duration: 1h30 + 15 min of embroidery
  • Level: beginner
  • Required equipment: none

F04 – Digital embroidery machine

F05 – Vinyl cut
F05 – Vinyl cut

Presentation

We review the drawing techniques suitable for the vinyl cutting machine (line thickness, doubling line, etc.) as well as the basic settings to carry out your productions in complete safety (cutting speed, cutting pressure, etc.)).

Organization </ strong>

  • Maximum number number of participants: 4
  • Duration: 1h30 + 15 min cutting
  • Beginner level
  • Material required: none

F05 – Vinyl cut

F06 – 3D modelling (Fusion 360) – Beginner level
F06 – 3D modelling (Fusion 360) – Beginner level

Presentation

You know Thingiverse and would like to create your own 3D model? Discover the basics of CAD (Computer Aided Design) with the very complete Fusion 360. We will cover the different functions of sketch drawings (2D) and the main functions of volume production (3D), to help you gain more autonomy with this software.

Fusion 360 is a free software for individuals and students, and is oriented towards the design and manufacture of mechanical parts.

Organisation

  • Max. number of participants: 4
  • Duration: 3h
  • Level: beginner
  • Required equipment: You can bring your laptop if you wish. In this case, the software will have to be installed. Don’t forget to bring a 3-button mouse.

F06 – 3D modelling (Fusion 360) – Beginner level

F07 – 3D modelling (Fusion 360)
F07 – 3D modelling (Fusion 360)

Presentation

This training course covers the more complex modelling functions, including surface design, as well as the drawing, assembly and animation modules of Fusion 360.

Organisation

  • Max. number of participants: 4
  • Duration: 3h
  • Level: intermediary
  • Required equipment: you can bring your laptop if you wish. In this case, the software will have to be installed. Remember to bring a 3-button mouse.

F07 – 3D modelling (Fusion 360)

Intermediary level

F08 – Vector drawing (Inkscape)
F08 – Vector drawing (Inkscape)

Presentation

The Vector drawing workshop allows you to discover the Inkscape software for editing vector files. This style of digital drawing allows you to control the different machines of the Fablab Descartes: Laser cutting machine, Vinyl, Milling machine, Embroidery machine. From image vectorisation to the copying of, this workshop will make you autonomous on the use of the software.

Organisation

  • Max. number of participants: 3
  • Duration: 3h
  • Level: beginner
  • Required equipment: you can bring your laptop if you wish. In this case, the software will have to be installed. Remember to bring a 3-button mouse.

F08 – Vector drawing (Inkscape)

F09 – Vector drawing, level 2 (Inkscape)
F09 – Vector drawing, level 2 (Inkscape)

Presentation

This course will help you improve your skills in the use of Inkscape, a vector file-editing software. The curriculum covers some of the advanced features of the software, including certain extensions suitable for digital fabrication.

Organisation

  • Max. number of participants: 3 
  • Duration: 3 h
  • Level: intermediate – for those with basic experience of Inkscape and/or on completion of our level 1 training course.
  • Required equipment: you can bring your laptop if you wish. In this case, the software will have to be installed. Remember to bring a 3-button mouse.

F09 – Vector drawing, level 2 (Inkscape)

Niveau intermédiaire

F10 – CFR 3D printing with Markforged Mark Two
F10 – CFR 3D printing with Markforged Mark Two

Presentation

Training in 3D printing with a Continuous Fiber Reinforcement (CFR) printer.

With this training, available only on request, you will learn how to use the Markforged Mark Two 3D printer. Its special feature is to be able to add continuous fibres (carbon, glass, or Kevlar) inside the printed part, which are also extruded using a nozzle and thus fused with the part, giving it tenfold strength as well as other properties, depending on the type of fibre chosen. 

Organisation

  • Max. number of participants: 3 
  • Duration: 3 h
  • Level: beginner
  • Required equipment: none

This training course is only available on request. Contact us

F10 – CFR 3D printing with Markforged Mark Two

Available on request

F11 – Sublimation printer
F11 – Sublimation printer

Presentation

Training in transfer through sublimation.

Thermal sublimation is a rapidly growing technique.

The images are printed in mirror image, using a special printer, on heat-resistant transfer paper. Once printed, the images are transferred to the final substrate using a heat press. The training course includes the discovery and handling of the printer AND the heat press, so that you can carry out transfers independently.

Organisation

  • Max. number of participants: 4 
  • Duration: 2 h
  • Level: beginner
  • Required equipment: none

This training is available on request only. Contact us

F11 – Sublimation printer

Available on request

F12 – Water jet cutting
F12 – Water jet cutting

Presentation

Training in the use of our “Wazer” waterjet cutting machine.

The Wazer is the first “desktop” waterjet cutting machine. The principle of waterjet cutting is simple: water is projected at very high pressure, to which an abrasive agent (garnet sand) is added. The abrasive agent, carried by the power of the high-pressure jet, will reach a speed of Mach 2.5 (2.5 x the speed of sound) and thus enable the cutting of very hard elements such as stone, glass, steel, etc.

Organisation

  • Max. number of participants: 4 
  • Duration: 2 h
  • Level: beginner
  • Required equipment: none

F12 – Water jet cutting

F14 – Arduino
F14 – Arduino

Presentation

This workshop around the universe of Arduino, and the capabilities of this programmable electronic prototyping board , is led by Sébastien (Maker invested in the life of Fablab Descartes). You work quickly with the “Starter-Kits” available at the Fablab to carry out your first assemblies: plug in and turn on a led, make it flash, use a button pusher, etc.

Organization 

  • Maximum number number of participants: 4
  • Duration: 2 hrs
  • Beginner level
  • Materials required: none (you can always bring your kit) 

F14 – Arduino

F15 – Arduino level 2
F15 – Arduino level 2

Presentation

This workshop is for beginners who already have some knowledge on the use and programming of an Arduino Board. It is the sequel of our Arduino Level 1 workshop. You will learn how to use and program some basics and cheap components, sensors and actuators with an Arduino board.

The goal is to learn :

  • to collect some data from a sensor (temperatures, distances, brightness, humidity, presence of an object…)
  • to process these data
  • to display some results on the serial monitor of the Arduino, and if necessary, to control external modules through relays.

Organisation

  • Max. number of participants: 4
  • Duration: 3h
  • Level: intermediate
  • Required equipment: none (but, you can bring your kit)

F15 – Arduino level 2

Workshops

Our workshops are an opportunity to discover the world of makers, object design and innovation through micro-projects.
No equipment is required to participate unless mentioned.
To register, click on the relevant workshop!

A03 – Theme workshop
A03 – Theme workshop

Presentation

For young and old we build a laser cutting work support (haunted castle, skeleton for Halloween, Christmas tree, etc.) to animate it with LEDs, servo motors, etc. programmed on Arduino. The opportunity to discover a complete creation process, from drawing to manufacturing, including the personalization of elements!

The speaker adapts to the level of the participants so that this moment is an opportunity to learn and share a fun way around a common project.

Organization

  • Maximum number of participants: 4 (1 or 2 people per assembly)
  • Duration: 1/2 day
  • Beginner level

A03 – Theme workshop

A04 – Discovering Raspberry Pi
A04 – Discovering Raspberry Pi

Presentation

During this Raspebrry Pi workshop we introduce the Linux-based programmable nano-computer, with bluetooth and wi-fi connectivity, which allow you to start many various projects like IOT, retrograming, drones, home automation…
The workshops includes 2 parts: a presentation of all the possibilities of the device, and a practical part during which you will acquire the basic knowledge that will help you get started on your projects.

Organisation

  • Max. number of participants: 4
  • Duration: 3h
  • Level: beginner
  • Required equipment: a Raspberry Pi and a computer

A04 – Discovering Raspberry Pi

A05 – Robot discovery
A05 – Robot discovery

Presentation

Come and discover the possibilities offered by the educational robots Dash and Dot, Ozobot and Thymio, through demonstrations, manipulations and programming. These robots are designed as educational tools and offer, each with different approaches, multiple possibilities of interaction. The workshop will be led by Daniel.
Suitable for children from 7 years upwards.
Prices include membership:
– Reduced (under 25 years old, unemployed, partners): €20.
– General public: €30.

Organization

  • Number max. of participants : 4 + 1 adult per child
  • Duration: 2h
  • Level: beginner
  • Required material: none (you can still bring your tablet should you want to)

A05 – Robot discovery

A06 – GIMP
A06 – GIMP

Presentation

Come and discover the free photo retouching software The GIMP (equivalent to Photoshop). You will learn how to use layers, retouching tools and how to do “compositing” by associating several photos.

Organisation

  • Max. number of participants: 4
  • Duration: 3h
  • Level: beginner

A06 – GIMP

A07 – Set up your 3D printer
A07 – Set up your 3D printer

Presentation

From a kit on the market (Rep Rap France – Micro Delta or Dagoma – Discovery 200), take part in a one-day workshop to assemble your own 3D printer.

Organisation

  • Max. number of participants: 2
  • Duration: 1 day
  • Level: beginner

A07 – Set up your 3D printer

A08 – Arcade Bollard
A08 – Arcade Bollard

Presentation

This workshop is composed of two sessions:

  • Session 1: discovery workshop and creation of a retrogaming console on the Raspberry Pi “nanocomputer”
  • Session 2: cutting and assembly of your arcade bollard, connections, configuration and customisation

Organisation

  • Max. number of participants: 5
  • Duration: 2 x 4h
  • Level: beginner

A08 – Arcade Bollard

A09 – Birdhouse
A09 – Birdhouse

Presentation

Let your eco-friendly DIY soul speak for itself and protect the birds! After a presentation of the milling machine and a demonstration of how it works to cut out a nesting box, we move on to sanding, drilling, assembling and (natural) protection of the wood.

Organisation

  • Max. number of participants: 5
  • Duration: 4h
  • Level: beginner

A09 – Birdhouse

A10 – Build a chair
A10 – Build a chair

Presentation

Would you like to personalise your interior with a unique piece of furniture? After a presentation of the digital milling machine and a demonstration of how it works to cut out a chair, we move on to sanding, drilling and assembly. 
We will work on this chair model, however painting is not included in the workshop:

Organisation

  • Max. number of participants: 4
  • Duration: 4h
  • Level: beginner

A10 – Build a chair

A11 – Make your own resin Christmas decorations
A11 – Make your own resin Christmas decorations

Presentation

You have never used a laser cutter and want to learn about working with resin? In this 2-hour workshop, Marine Lepère will guide you in your first steps in the creation of a wooden Christmas bauble with a resin covering.

This workshop will introduce you to the many possibilities of laser cutting and resin and is the perfect forum to have your questions about this medium and technique answered. You will leave with extra knowledge and the desire to create something new!

The Christmas bauble workshop is the ideal opportunity to discover laser cutting and engraving as well as learn about the use of UV resin and how to handle it properly to obtain desired results.

Organization

  • Number max. of participants: 5 
  • Duration: 2h
  • Level: beginner
  • Required equipment: none

A11 – Make your own resin Christmas decorations

A12 – Create a personalised Christmas gift
A12 – Create a personalised Christmas gift

Presentation

In this workshop, we offer you the opportunity to make a personalised Christmas gift yourself, choosing from the following 3 options:

  • A laser-cut “paper chart”, A4 format – visual of your choice – frame not supplied
  • A personalised mug with colour printing – visual of your choice
  • A personalised garment (supplied by you) – visual of your choice. Colour printing possible on polyester, or flocking on cotton

This is the perfect opportunity to come and discover the Fablab’s machines and leave with a unique gift for yourself or someone else.

Organization

  • Number max. of participants: 5 
  • Duration: 4h
  • Level: beginner
  • Required equipment: none

A12 – Create a personalised Christmas gift

A13 – Make your own Tote Bag
A13 – Make your own Tote Bag

Presentation

Are you a complete beginner in sewing? You have never used a sewing machine or want to go further in its use? In this 2-hour workshop, Marine Lepère will guide you in your first steps with a sewing machine while designing a tote bag.

You will be given a guided tour of the handling and diverse uses of a sewing machine. The workshop aims to reveal the intricacies of a sewing machine and embroidery options, to you, over two hours.
You will leave inspired with new knowledge and the desire to sew and create your own masterpieces.

Organization

  • Number max. of participants: 5 
  • Duration: 2h
  • Level: beginner
  • Required material: none

A13 – Make your own Tote Bag

A14 – Repair Café
A14 – Repair Café

Presentation

Are you looking for a clever and economical way to repair a faulty item? Come with this item (all except electronic and computer  equipment). Each participant, depending on his/her skills, can also contribute to repair objects brought by others.

Organisation

  • Max. number of participants: 8
  • Duration: 3h
  • Level: beginner
  • Required equipment: your broken objects!

A14 – Repair Café

A15 – Jewellery
A15 – Jewellery

Presentation

Benefit from personalised support during the jewellery creation phase (with tools designed especially for you) to design and make your first pieces (necklace, earrings, etc.). Let the artist in you run free!

Organisation

  • Max. number of participants: 5
  • Duration: 3h
  • Level: beginner

A15 – Jewellery

A16 – Photography
A16 – Photography

Presentation

You have a Reflex camera but only use it in automatic mode? Would you like to discover the possibilities of your camera and understand how it works so that you can use it better? Take part in this workshop, master the settings and add creativity to your shots!

Organisation

  • Max. number of participants: 5
  • Duration: 2h30
  • Level: beginner
  • Required equipment: DSLR camera or with manual mode

A16 – Photography

A17 – Design thinking
A17 – Design thinking

Presentation

The Design Thinking workshop immerses you in a user-centred method of innovation. This technique – developed at Stanford University and adopted throughout Silicon Valley – approaches problems by understanding users and their needs. The information collected and analysed becomes the basis for an ideation session aimed at finding first solutions to challenges.
A prototype is then produced and compared with user opinion.
This process then leads to a definitive solution that meets an identified need.
The workshop is illustrated by concrete examples from facilitators who have developed their products using this particular technique.

Organisation

  • Max. number of participants: 8
  • Duration: 1/2 day
  • Level: beginner

A17 – Design thinking

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