what exactly is a fab lab?
A Fab Lab, created by Neil Gershenfeld at MIT, is short for Fabrication Laboratory. It is a place meant to invent, tinker, prototype, learn, mentor, create, and play!
To qualify as a Fab Lab, the space must include a 3D printer, a laser cutter, a vinyl cutter, a precision CNC milling machine, and a large wood router.
A Fab Lab is a place for many types of people:
To qualify as a Fab Lab, the space must include a 3D printer, a laser cutter, a vinyl cutter, a precision CNC milling machine, and a large wood router.
A Fab Lab is a place for many types of people:
- Kids who like to learn new things
- Young adults looking to build workforce skills
- Adults seeking to build a resume
- Tinkerers wanting to make replacement parts and more
- Entrepreneurs wanting to invent a prototype
- Mentors, looking to share their skills and help people
How long does it take to master?
Rome wasn’t built in a day. Similarly, CAD and CAM knowledge doesn’t happen in one class. Each class adds to your skill set. Remember, everyone learns at their own pace! Don’t get discouraged, you can do it! When you book a class with us, you can decide what machine/skill you would like to work on for the 2 hour class. As soon as you are certified on a machine, we can work out a time for you to come in "independently" to make longer prints and to use the machines with minimal staff guidance. The typical schedule seems to follow this pattern:
- On your own: complete paperwork, watch safety class, Afinia H480 videos, and laser engraver video
- 1st class: Learn H480 3D printer and laser engraver
- On your own: create a tinkerCAD account and practice simple designs
- 2nd and 3rd class: Continue practicing H480 3D printer and laser engraver, certifying on both machines
- On your own: Watch Afinia H800 and Ultimaker 3 videos
- 4th and 5th class: Learn and certify on H800 and Ultimaker 3 3D printers
- On your own: watch vinyl cutter videos
- 6th class: Learn and certify on vinyl cutter
- On your own: Watch ShopBot videos
- 7th class: Learn Shopbot design software
- 8th, 9th and 10th class: Learn and certify on Shopbot
How do I Start taking Classes?
Call, or make an appointment at the front desk. We currently offer classes Mondays and Fridays, 3 each day. We will give you the paperwork to fill out at home. We will ask your name and phone number, and find an open time slot that works for you. Watch the machine tutorial videos and safety quiz on the main Fab Lab page as well.
Do I have to learn lots of complicated coding?
Not at all! Design programs can be super simple. www.tinkercad.com/ is probably the easiest for beginners and kids. Simply make an account (enter your birthday, create a username and password), drag a shape into the workspace, change the dimensions of the shape, save as an .stl file and you can print your creation from our printers. There is a tutorial at the beginning to learn other cool stuff. Other design software that we have installed on our computers includes Solidworks, AutoCAD Fusion 360, CorelDraw, Adobe, and Blendr.
The software to use for running the machines is fairly simple. The tutorial videos show about 90% of what there is to know. In one lesson, we teach the other 10%. We always have a step-by-step procedure list next to each machine that you can use (except the certification practical test). We usually begin with the Afinia printers because they are beginner friendly.
The software to use for running the machines is fairly simple. The tutorial videos show about 90% of what there is to know. In one lesson, we teach the other 10%. We always have a step-by-step procedure list next to each machine that you can use (except the certification practical test). We usually begin with the Afinia printers because they are beginner friendly.
What is the cost? This stuff can't possibly be free!
The classes are, in fact, free to all library patrons. The machines are free to use as well. Donations are welcome for classes and machine use.
We only ask for donations for the materials you use. You can bring your own materials or use ours, and we do ask an at-cost suggested donation (We hunt for the best deals possible)
We only ask for donations for the materials you use. You can bring your own materials or use ours, and we do ask an at-cost suggested donation (We hunt for the best deals possible)
- ABS filament for the 3D printers is $.03-$.05 per gram
- Specialty filament (flexible or infused filament is $.05-$.11 per gram.
- Vinyl is $.45 per sq. ft.
- Acrylic sheets are $5/sq. foot.
- We have lots of donated wood as well.
I have found something on the Internet that I want to make... Can I have you make it for me?
The short answer is no.
The long answer is:
Our lab is for people to learn to create stuff. As a Fab Lab in a library, we LOVE to teach people new skills. We teach a man to fish as the old saying goes. Accomplishing a seemingly daunting task improves self-esteem and gives a sense of self-worth. Plus, everything is a learning process. Why not take our classes?
Similarly, we can't have for profit use in our lab. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to prototype here, but large scale production is prohibited.
The long answer is:
Our lab is for people to learn to create stuff. As a Fab Lab in a library, we LOVE to teach people new skills. We teach a man to fish as the old saying goes. Accomplishing a seemingly daunting task improves self-esteem and gives a sense of self-worth. Plus, everything is a learning process. Why not take our classes?
Similarly, we can't have for profit use in our lab. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to prototype here, but large scale production is prohibited.