Fab Lab

A Fab Lab (short for fabrication laboratory) is simultaneously a workshop and a laboratory, equipped with computer-controlled tools like laser cutters, CNC milling machines and 3-D printers. A global network of Fab Labs gives teams and individuals access to digital high-tech fabrication technologies. The Fab Lab movement is founded on the groundbreaking idea of enabling alomst everybody to make almost everything, almost everywhere. The book opens with various authors sharing insight on topics including the emergence of Fab Labs, the philosophy behind them, and their commercial aspects, as well as the techniques, methods and processes used. Following this, a real-world example is presented, looking at the creative and technical processes of one project undertaken at Fablab Amsterdam. In the second half of the book, 27 noteworthy projects and products are featured in the Fab Gallery, demonstrating the full diversity of possibilities that Fab Labs offer.

In the course of the digital revolution, Fab Labs (short for Fabrication Laboratory) make high-tech production technologies available for small teams or individuals, who can make there "almost everything" themselves. Fab Labs are simultaneously workshop and laboratory, equipped with computer controlled tools such as laser cutters, CNC milling machines and 3D printers. Following on from desktop publishing and digital video editing, the production of physical products is now possible for anyone anywhere.

In the first section of the publication, various authors provide insight into topics such as the emergence of Fab Labs, the philosophy behind them and their commercial aspects as well as the techniques, methods and processes involved. After this, the artistic and production processes in a Dutch Fab Lab are presented as a real-world example. Around 30 noteworthy products are featured, each over several pages, in the Fab Gallery at the end of the book, thus demonstrating the full diversity of possibilities offered by Fab Labs.

• Access to high-tech production technologies for everybody anywhere
• Background information about all important aspects of the movement
• Technologies and processes
• Extensive presentation of Fab Lab-made products