Fab Lab is the educational outreach component of MIT’s Center for Bits and Atoms (CBA), an extension of its research into digital fabrication and computation. A Fab Lab is a technical prototyping platform for innovation and invention, providing stimulus for local entrepreneurship. A Fab Lab is also a platform for learning and innovation: a place to play, to create, to learn, to mentor, to invent. To be a Fab Lab means connecting to a global community of learners, educators, technologists, researchers, makers and innovators- -a knowledge sharing network that spans 30 countries and 24 time zones. Because all Fab Labs share common tools and processes, the program is building a global network, a distributed laboratory for research and invention.
A Fab Lab is comprised of off-the-shelf, industrial-grade fabrication and electronics tools, wrapped in open source software and programs written by researchers at MIT’s Center for Bits & Atoms. Currently Fab Labs include a laser cutter that makes 2D and 3D structures, a sign cutter that plots in copper to make antennas and flex circuits, a high-resolution NC milling machine that makes circuit boards and precision parts, a large wood router for building furniture and housing, and a suite of electronic components and programming tools for low-cost, high-speed microcontrollers for on-site rapid circuit prototyping. Originally designed for communities as prototyping platforms for local entrepreneurship, Fab Labs are increasingly being adopted by schools as platforms for project-based, hands-on STEM education. Users learn by designing and creating objects of personal interest or import. Empowered by the experience of making something themselves, they both learn and mentor each other, gaining deep knowledge about the machines, the materials, the design process, and the engineering that goes into invention and innovation. In educational settings, rather than relying on a fixed curriculum, learning happens in an authentic, engaging, personal context, one in which students go through a cycle of imagination, design, prototyping, reflection, and iteration as they find solutions to challenges or bring their ideas to life.
Main Fablab Machines
PRSalpha48x96
Size: 3.05x2.01x1.7 m
Step Resolution: .0004” (0.010mm)
Positional Repeatability: + 0.002” (0.051mm)
Linear Cutting Force: Approximately 150 lbs. (68Kg)
X and Y Axis Drive System: Rack and Pinion
Z Axis Drive System: Rack and Pinion
Book MachineBrothers PE770
Size: 425.958 x 540.004x 438.912mm
Extensive design editing. Rotate, mirror-image, increase and decrease the size of your designs, and see how your edited design looks on the large, easy-view back lit LCD display before stitching.
Reliable, easy threading of both top thread and bobbin, and auto thread cutter, for consistent stitching and precision thread trimming
Book Machine
JET JDP 15MF drill press
Size: Floor mount:(677 x 434 x 1623 mm) Bench mount: (677 x 434 x 1115 mm)
More specs:
Powerful 15-Inch floor model drill press ideal for home or professional use
3/4-Horsepower motor
16-Speeds ensure proper application for a variety of different jobs
Includes built-in work lamp
Weighs 180-Pounds
Book MachineJET JWBS-14SF Wood band saw
Size: 760 x 665 x 1890mm
Cutting Capacity Width – 34.29 cm
Cutting Capacity Height – 34.29 cm
Blade Length – 317.5 cm
Blade Speed – 3000 SFPM
Table Size – 54.61 cm x 40.4 cmW
Blade Width – 1.27 cm
Maximum Blade Width – 2 cm
Minimum Blade Width – 0.3175 cm
Table Tilt – 45º Right/10º Left
Table Height from Floor – 99.06
Motor Power – 1-3/4 HP
Motor Phase – 1
Motor Voltage – 115/230
Motor Voltage Prewired – 115
Motor Current – 15 amp/7.5 amp
Book MachineJET VBS 1408 Metal bandsaw
Floor space required: 863.6 x 609.6 mm
This vertical band saw
Two-speed gear box and variable speeds provide quick setting and allow proper adjustment for high efficiency cutting, including the cutting of ferrous type metals.
Cutting Capacity - Flat Stock in. x in. 82-330, Blade Type Bi-metal, Dimensions L x W x H in. 34 x 24 x 68 1/2, Blade Size L x W x Thickness in. 114 x 1/8-1/2.
Heavy-duty, completely enclosed steel frame ensures durability Variable speeds provide proper adjustments for high efficiency cutting Multi-tilting work table provides versatility for a variety of projects
Book MachineJuki LU-1508
Bed size= 517mm×178mm
Max. Sewing Speed: 2500 stitches/minute
Max. Stitch Length: 9mm
Unit dimensions (LxWxH): 48 inches by 20 inches by 48 inches
Needle: 135 X 17
Book MachineLathe machine
Tormach PCNC1100 (metals)
Size: 2.03x1.143x2.082 m
Maintenance capacities:
Coolant / Oiler Capacity: 7 gallons
Auto Oiler Capacity: 2.1 quarts
Manual Oiler Capacity: 0.25 quarts
More specs:
Computer Controlled Spindle Speed and Direction
Precision R8 spindle – 5000 RPM Vector Technology
Ground P4 Ballscrews and Single Shot Lubrication
34" x 9.5" Table
Provides both manual & automatic operations
Book MachineRoland Truvis SG30
Size: 2390 [W] x 800 [D] x 1291 [H] mm
Included items: Stand, power cord, blade, blade holder, media clamps, media holder, replacement blade for separating knife, software RIP, user's manual, etc.
Book Machine
Roland SRM20
Size: 451.0 (W) x 426.6 (D) x 426.2 (H) mm
Max cutting area: 232.2 (X) x 156.6 (Y) mm
Power: Machine: DC24V, 2.5A,
Dedicated AC adapter: AC 100-240V ±10%, 50/60Hz
Included items: USB cable, AC adapter, Power cord, Cutting tool, Collet, Set screw, Spanners (7,10mm / 0.28, 0.39 inches), Hexagonal wrench (size 2,3 mm / 0.059, 0.12 inches), Positioning pins, Double-sided tape, Start-up page guidance card
Book MachineRoland GS24
Size:[851 (W) x 310 (D) x 235 (H) mm]
With stand: [851(W) X 310 (D) X 1035 mm (H)]
Max cutting area:
Width: 22.9 in (584 mm)
Length: 984.25 in (25000 mm)
Power: AC 100 to 240 V ±10 % 50/60 Hz 1.7 A
Included items: AC adapter, power cord, blade, blade holder, roller base, alignment tool, USB cable, Setup guide
Book MachineSinger 14T968D
Size: 360 x 290x 300 mm
SINGER PROFESSIONAL SEWING MACHINE: The SINGER 14T968DC Serger Overlock machine has 5-4-3-2 thread capability providing a wide selection of stitch options for all types of projects with professional results every time.
ADJUSTABLE STITCHING SEWING MACHINE
SEWING SPEED: The Singer 14T968DC Professional 5 sewing machine with a maximum sewing speed of 1,300 stitches-per-minute, projects can be sewn quickly.
Included items : Foot, Needle Set, Tweezers, Spreader, Screwdrivers, Clean Pocket, Serging Knife, Spool Caps, Anti-Spill Net, Oiler, Brush, Cone Adapters, Soft-Sided Dust Cover, CD Workbook Included, Instruction Manual with included Stitch Guide, Foot Control, Power Cord.
Book MachineTrotec Speedy 400 (CO2)
Size: 1000x610x305 mm
More Specs
39 x 24 inch work area for increased productivity
12” high workpieces can fit within the enclosure
120 watts of laser CO2 power
Cuts: acrylic, fabric, laminates, leather, paper, plastics, wood
Engraves: all above, plus glass and stone
Quattro Laser Exhaust activated carbon filter ensures safe and clean operation
Book Machine