DIY at Aalto Fablab
FabLab, an open workshop with state-of-the-art equipment like 3D printers and laser cuttters, is something that started at MIT, spread around world and through Japan, India and Netherlands reached Aalto University’s School of Art, Design, and Architecture in Helsinki.
3D printer at Aalto FabLab. Photo: AaltoFabLab / Flickr.com (Creative Commons).
Fablab is a short from Fabrication Laboratory. Currently, the fabrication of different materials and objects is changing as techniques like 3D printing are breaking into the industry during this decade.
The benefits of 3D printing are that it is quick, cheap, and sustainable production method as no material goes to waste. Starting 2 October, at Aalto Fablab anyone can design and implement their projects by themselves using the Fablab’s machinery for free, except that materials that have to be paid for.
“Using the machines is not difficult. Anyone can be responsible for manufacturing their own project with our machinery after a short guidance. The instructions will be available at the laboratory and our website,” says studio master Anu Määttä from Aalto Fablab.
Fablab is equipped with the following manufacturing machines: a laser cutter for cutting and engraving wood, plastic, fabric and other materials, a vinyl cutter for making signs, stickers and flexible electronic circuits, a small precision CNC milling machine for making cast molds, engraving different materials or printed circuit boards and two 3D printers that print plastic. Traditional tools and facilities for building electronics are also available.
“At the Fablab visitors are able to use such machines that typically only the students or professionals of this field have access to,” Määttä clarifies.
Currently, there are over 80 fab labs in the world, and more are on the way. The workshops are in continuous touch with each other through a video conferencing system and the lab personnel meet in international events from time to time to share information about their projects and build common knowledge about the work processes.
In a broader perspective, the fab lab phenomenon can be viewed as an integral part of the blooming do-it-yourself culture or the so-called maker culture.
To find out more, visit: fablab.aalto.fi.
Source: Aalto University News & Events.
Elisa Lautala works as web editor for University of Helsinki's Faculty of Science. Elisa likes all kinds of cultural events, good books, warm weather, and aqua-jogging.