Dr Julie MadiganChief Executive of The Manufacturing Institute

What is a Fab Lab?• The Fab Lab Initiative is an Educational Outreach Project from MIT.

• A Fab Lab is a fully Kitted Fabrication Workshop capable of supporting single user production of ideas, from inception through to prototyping.

• The Fab Lab allows for innovative manufacturing and creation in underdeveloped and financially challenged areas.

• The Fab Lab transforms people from Consumers to Producers.

• Fab Labs have been opened world-wide, and further partnerships with developing countries are being explored.

• Objective: To empower individuals, rather than institutions, to be able to make almost anything.

What is a Fab Lab?

A Global Community• International community linked through a common purpose• Fab Lab Charter• Open Innovation• Standardised equipment

CAD/CAM Design & Programming Tools

What’s in a Fab Lab‘a factory in a box’

• A collection of off-the-shelf, industrial-grade fabrication and electronics tools, wrapped in open source software and programs written by MIT.

• Currently the labs include a NC Mill, Vinyl Cutter, Laser Cutter, Plasma Cutter/Wood Router, Electronic components and tools & CAD/CAM Software developed by MIT.

Multi Purpose Waterjet / Laser Cutters, Lathes

Molding & Casting

3D Printing & Scanning Machines

Basic Machines Minimill, Vinyl Cutter

Circuits & Microcontrollers

What Can it Make?• Almost anything, limited only by your imagination.• Generally the Fab Labs create 2D parts which are assembled into 3D

objects. The Lab machines are classified as Subtractive i.e. they “Remove” Material.

2D Parts 3D Assembly

Plan & Design Fabrication Output

Who uses Fab Labs?• Individuals who wish to see their ideas or concepts become a

reality or simply just make things they’d like to make

• Inventors and entrepreneurs who wish to test or market their ideas with tangible, working prototypes

• Community groups designing and making products to help in their community

• Start-up companies wishing to develop their products

• Micro engineering or manufacturing businesses

• Teachers and students working on design competitions or educational workshops

What can it do?• The first UK Fab Lab opened in Manchester 3 years ago.

• Fab Lab Manchester has interacted with over 4,000 children, 20 community groups and many schools.

• There are over 1,500 regular Fab Lab Manchester users, several of whom have set up their own successful companies based around networks, products and techniques developed in the Lab.

• The model has now been replicated successfully with 7 Labs open throughout the UK and Ireland with support from The Manufacturing Institute.

• Fab Lab Ellesmere Port was officially opened by Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable on 31 October and has had over 300 individual users since September 2013.

Success story• The Manchester Lab has delivered its first millionaire, Piers Ridyard,

with a Fab Lab product, the Nifty Mini Drive

More things you can makeMusical

instruments

Furniture & household

Art & jeweller

y

Toys &

games

Gizmos &

gadgets

Clothes & bags

Bikes

Confectionary

Inventions

Community Lab Example

Fab Labs come in any shape and size, they can be tailored to suit the specific location. Generally the more space available the better as it allows for greater access and a safer working environment, however this is generally traded against Rent & Operating costs where those are considerations.

The Lab shown is the South End Technical Center, a Community Based Lab in downtown Boston.

It is approx 600 Sq Ft and is used by approx 50 people per day.

Equipment ListMachines

Laser cutter/engraver

Vinyl Cutter

3D milling machines

3D scanners

CNC router

Sewing and embroidery machines

Soldering irons, drills, general tools

Software

CAD software

CAM software

Benefits• Empowerment of individuals through the capability to produce their

own products

• Problem solving to support key agenda items such as transport (TIF), environmental technologies, sport, etc

• Development of technological and creative skills and education

• Creation of new SMEs & new jobs

• Stimulation of the local economy through partnering with local suppliers and manufacturers

• Innovation!!