Fab Lab

Book excerpt: 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.