THE DIGITAL FABRICATION LAB
A school resource that may seem a bit intimidating to those who are not familiar with its role and content is the digital fabrication lab, also known as the Fab Lab. Now, when I first heard about it I didn’t really know what it was and thought I would need some background skills in software development or be able to understand high tech programming. It was the unfamiliarity of what a digital fabrication lab was that made me think you’d have to understand some sort of digital/software aspects to use the lab. However, I was greatly surprised at how easy it was to utilize the various equipment to create what I would need whether it be for school or for personal reasons. Many of the students that use the Fab Lab use it for personal use and some for schoolwork. As a matter of fact, after taking a free class on 3D printing that the lab offered, I was able to print my own one handed book holder!
Moreover, the Fab Lab can be thought of as a library where all of its resources are open to Century students and require no background skills to use at all. The numerous equipment available to use include: a laser engraver, mini-mills, sign cutter, 3D printer, sticker printer, and embroidery machine. For any questions or inquiries, Jason Huebscher is the manager of the lab who can help! He explained to me that the Fab Lab is pretty much self-led by the students along with him overseeing and answering/helping those with questions. He can be emailed at [email protected] for any inquiries!
Additionally, just like how you may have a time limit on the study rooms in the library, there is a two-hour time limit on 3D printing currently implemented so that multiple students may use the machines. Nonetheless, this does not mean you cannot print an item that may take longer than two hours. It is just asked that you print during the after hours of the lab. The usage of the resources are absolutely flexible meaning Jason will accommodate (within limits) any requests. There have been students that print something overnight and return the following day to pick it up and more often than not, once an item has been printed, they usually stay in the same spot unless another student needs the machine. So in this case, the item will be stored in one of the cubicles on the wall awaiting its pick up.
To sum it up, if you’re looking for a gift idea or have a personal project that may be missing a piece, you can always stop by the Fab Lab to get it! Come print, laser, embroider, and more and while you wait, you can relax, work on homework, or come back later.
