Insights · IL
Hardware in Illinois
Where to prototype, which events to attend, and which programs back small manufacturers in Illinois. Researched 2026-10-12, with a source on every entry.
Start a designMakerspaces and fab labs
Build a first prototype
Shared shops where you can print, cut, and wire a prototype before you publish the design.
- Workshop 88Lists laser cutting and engraving, a Shapeoko CNC, a CNC mill, several 3D printers and an electronics lab with SMD PCB fabrication.Glen Ellyn · Website
- Pumping Station: OneVolunteer-run space at 3519 N. Elston Ave. whose site mentions an electronics lab and links a tools page that was not readable.Chicago · Website
Events
Meet other builders
- Maker Faire Lake CountyFree faire hosted by the College of Lake County, with the 2026 edition held on April 18.Grayslake · April · Event page
Programs
Labs, incubators, accelerators
Manufacturing specialties
What Illinois makes
- Food processingA state-promotional article calls the Illinois food processing cluster the second largest in the country, with more than 2,100 facilities.Source
- Aerospace and defenseThe same article reports nearly 19,000 companies and about 236,000 workers in aerospace and defense.Source
- AutomotiveThe same article reports the fifth-largest automotive employer ecosystem in the U.S.Source
- Advanced manufacturingThe same article reports more than 582,700 manufacturing workers, a concentration 18 percent above the national average.Source
Support
Help for small manufacturers
- Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC)Not-for-profit funded in part by NIST MEP that offers consulting, training and supply chain help to manufacturers.Website
With 01
A Illinois design, made by the right shops
Publish a design from Illinois. 01 matches each part to a shop by process, buyers fund the run through a waitlist, and every part is traced to the buyer.
FAQ
Illinois questions
Where can I prototype hardware in Illinois?
Illinois has makerspaces and fab labs such as Workshop 88 in Glen Ellyn and Pumping Station: One in Chicago. Check each space for current equipment and membership rules.
What support exists for small manufacturers in Illinois?
Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) offers support to small manufacturers and inventors. See each program for what it covers today.
Which hardware events happen in Illinois?
Recurring events include Maker Faire Lake County in Grayslake. Dates change, so check each event page.
Sources
Every entry above links to the page it came from. Details change. Confirm a space’s hours, an event’s dates, and a program’s terms with the organizer.
More states
Building in Illinois?
Publish the design. Let the waitlist fund the run.