Fab labs

A Fab Lab (fabrication laboratory) is a small scale workshop that functions as a research center where prototype designs are printed for further assessment before giving the go ahead to produce it in large quantities. Fab labs tend to require a collection of different (expensive) machines. The machines they have at their disposal allow them to make almost anything. This includes technology-enabled products generally perceived as limited to mass production.

Fab Labs, with their focus on creating accessible tools and technology, offer unique opportunities for generating revenue. These spaces can provide services such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and prototyping to individuals, schools, or small businesses. Charging for these services can sustain the lab while keeping prices affordable for the community.

In addition, Fab Labs can host workshops or training sessions to teach people how to use equipment or develop skills in design and manufacturing. Offering memberships is another option, where users pay a monthly fee for access to the lab and its tools.

A fablab is a portable machine shop / manufacturing facility under development at the MIT Media Lab. A small number of fablabs have been deployed around the world.

Fab labs are a common platform for open design, a.k.a. open hardware, allowing designs to be shared around the world electronically, and manufactured locally.

Fab labs around the world

A list of fab labs per country can be found at fablabs.io