Baxter Innovation Lab

Two students working on a robotic vehicle

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Baxter Innovation Lab

Dream it anywhere. Create it here.

The Baxter Innovation Lab promotes hands-on design and innovation for students, instructors and community professionals. Work on projects for your classes at CLC such as engineering, science, theater, media design and more. Use everything from shop tools to 3D printers in this design and fabrication workshop. There is always a project or two in progress. Come by and see what other folks are making. It just might inspire your next project. If you need some guidance, our student interns are here to answer your questions.

This maker space is free to use for all CLC students, staff and faculty. It is also a public resource, serving community members and businesses, as well as K-12 students and their teachers. The lab is central the engineering department’s community events including Maker Faire Lake County, Make a Thon, Lake County Robotics Competition and summer camps.

About our maker space

The Baxter Innovation Lab is a non-profit design and fabrication instructional workshop. It is located at the College of Lake County in Grayslake. Our goal is to help users learn and foster practical design skills through hands-on fabrication, testing and collaboration.

In May 2017, we partnered with Baxter International Inc. to start the lab because of a need for a space for CLC students in the Engineering Transfer program to build project prototypes in their classes.

The lab is modeled on MIT's Fab Foundation charter. It is a member of the United States Fab Lab Network. The lab houses equipment for 2D and 3D CAD design, woodworking, metalworking, plastic working, electronics, programming and other skills needed to work in STEM.

Baxter Innovation Lab

Faculty coordinators

Rob Twardock
(847) 543-2903
eng491@clcillinois.edu

Jan Edwards
(847) 543-2918
jedwards1@clcillinois.edu

Discover the possibilities at the Baxter Lab

Field trips & group visits

Schools, companies and other groups may arrange visits to the lab by coordinating with Engineering Faculty Jan Edwards or Rob Twardock. We can customize your visit, based on the interests of your group. Outside normal hours, we may charge a fee to cover staff time.

Email for group visit inquiries

Meetings & corporate events

The lab is available for teams, companies and other organizations to hold private events. Access and equipment use for each group is based on an evaluation of the group’s skills and training prior to the first meeting. Contact Central Scheduling for reservation procedures and costs.

Email for reservation inquiries

Classes for kids

Inspire your kids! CLC Explore classes deliver academic enrichment cleverly disguised as fun for Grades 1-12. Past courses held at the lab include “Design, Fabricate and Program with STEAM-Powered Makerspace (Grades 4-6)” and “Does Form Follow Function? Let's Find Out with 3D Engineering Design (Grades 6-9).”

Explore youth programs

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Equipment and software available

For digital fabrication, you have access to FDM and SLA 3D Printers, laser cutters, a vinyl print/cut machine and several milling machines. Tackle projects ranging from a printed circuit board to a functional chair. Woodworking tools include a drill press, miter saw, scroll saw and belt sander as well as hand tools. You have access to all the software needed to design your projects and operate the equipment.

Take a quick tour of the Baxter Lab

Support innovators & makers

This initiative benefits all Lake County residents and employers. Provide a one-time donation of money or equipment. To provide ongoing financial support, become a partner.

Your support of the lab as a corporate partner is tax deductible. Donors will receive benefits based on level of contribution, including inclusion on the lab's website and preferred access as the opportunity for business use expands.

Give to the Baxter Innovation Lab

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