It is a collection of commercially available machines and parts linked by software and processes for making things.
WHAT DOES IT CONSIST OF?
In the FabLab you will find:
a laser cutter - to cut out two-dimensional shapes that can be assembled into three dimensional structures
a sign cutter - that uses a computer-controlled knife to plot flexible electrical connections and antennas
a milling machine - that moves a rotating cutting tool in three dimensions to make circuit boards and precision parts
tools for programming tiny high-speed microcontrollers to embed logic (commands)
The equipment at the FabLab will help you to relatively quickly create prototypes of products,
catch errors before they become more expensive to correct in production, and test the sample on the market before you make millions of them.
HOW DOES ONE USE THE FABLAB?
Visit the FabLab to understand what it offers. Staff at the FabLab will give a guided tour.
You need at least two hours to get a feel for what can be done. Then come back to play.
The FabLab is not a production/manufacturing site - it is there to help you play and develop your ideas.
Staff at the FabLab will show you how to use the equipment - but will encourage you to do it on your own.
HOW DID FABLAB'S START?
Neil Gershenfeld (researcher and head of the Institute of Bits & Atoms at Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
came up with the FabLab concept - to roll out mini fabrication laboratories to areas and communities that needed to be introduced
to new technology and needed the know-how to make it work in service to their own environments.
Rolled out by MIT in conjunction with various governments, FabLabs have been established in countries such as Norway,
Ghana, India, Puerto Rico. In South Africa a partnership was established between MIT and the Dept of Science & Technology
(its Accelerated Manufacturing Technology Strategy division). The Cape AMTS FabLab is one of 5 in South Africa, but the only one
worldwide to focus on combining digital manufacture and Craft.
In Neil's words: 'A fab lab can mean a lab for fabrication or simply a fabulous laboratory.' At the CCDI, we're very excited
about the opportunity of churning out some fabulous products from our lab…
RULES OF THE FABLAB
The FabLab is open from 9-5, Monday-Friday and from 9-12 on Saturdays.
There is no cost to using the lab - only that you adhere to the FabLab rules -
Bishop Tarambawamwe approached the Product Development Clinic and the AMTS FabLab for help, with almost immediate results.
Bishop was making wire-and-bead African-figure flat-shapes as wall hangings, and trying to sell these off the street.
He had little confidence in the product and often yielded to bargaining and let the product go cheaply.
Together with the product developer, Amanda Youngelson,
he reviewed the purpose of the product, as well as the shape and colours. Better shapes were sourced from the Internet.
The FabLab produced templates of these shapes from which he could work. Bishop was also advised to turn his flat shapes
into 3-D shapes and make wall lights. With the improved shape, colour, and use, his product's selling prise has increased
from R120 to R320 per item. He has receiving several queries from buyers and there is the possibility of displaying in a gallery.
In addition, he has increased production from one to 5 shapes per day.
'I am so grateful to the CCDI for their guidance and support.
Both the quality and quantity of the product has improved,' says Bishop. 'Existing and upcoming crafters should use the CCDI's services
to improve their products and gain a foothold in the marketplace. I have confidence in this product now."
Bishop Tarambawamwe, sharing his experience and his revamped product at a Craft Sector meeting.
Bishop Tarambawamwe approached the Product Development Clinic and the AMTS FabLab for help, with almost immediate results.
'I am so grateful to the CCDI for their guidance and support.
Both the quality and quantity of the product has improved,' says Bishop. 'Existing and upcoming crafters should use the CCDI's services
to improve their products and gain a foothold in the marketplace. I have confidence in this product now."