What is a FabLab?

Detalles

Escrito por FabLab Cali

According to Neil Gershenfeld: “FabLabs are a global network of local labs, enabling invention by providing access for individuals to tools for digital fabrication”. Digital fabrication is any process converting a digital file into a physical object with the use of state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment.

The global FabLab movement promotes the possibilities to creatively use design tools and digital fabrication, and maintain a network to exchange ideas, experiences, resources and initiatives in favour of individuals and communities’well-being.

Fablabs combine free software (open source) and commercial software with industrial equipment such as milling machines, digital router, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, scanners, 3D printers, thermoforming,etc. These tools can process different types of materials at different scales to create (fab) artefacts (objects) be it decorative or high-tech.

A Fablab is an openspace for investigation, innovation and production that allow members of a community (children, artists, designers, craftmen, entrepreneurs, etc) to convert their ideas and concepts into reality.
The very concept of Personal Fabrication implies the access for individuals to tools for digital fabrication. Today’s families possess personal computers and it appears likely that in a near future many households will have personal fabrication systems and will fabricate their own objects (from household items to sophisticated equipment).

Here some examples of problems that can be addressed in a Fablab: the developement of biomedical mechanisms such as prothesis and assistance to disabled persons, fabrication of low-cost machines, supporting artists and designers in the developement of installations and other artistic forms of expression, the developement of low-cost elements for recreation parks and urban furniture, the application of alternative sources of energy, and, design and construction modular home.