From optimizing space in mobile labs to designing the proper flow of people and materials through large spaces with hundreds of students and faculty, we can help you design the perfect Fab Lab for your organization. From the placement of the machines to the proper adaptation of air handling, electrical systems and more, we accompany you in creating the perfect space in which your users can safely engage with the machines, tools and equipment.

The Fab Foundation has worked with the manufacturers and vendors of all the standard Fab Lab machines, tools and consumables for many years, and collaborates with the MIT Center for Bits and Atoms to assure we use the latest and best adapted tools and products during our deployments. Whether it's a small mini lab in a school, or a giant super lab dedicated to advanced prototyping, research and development, we can help you choose and install the right tools for the job.

The most successful labs have strong partnerships with both global and local organisations, from educational institutions, non- and for profit organisations to governments. We can help you find the right partners and design the right model for combined use of the lab. Fab Labs are often included in larger projects - we can show you how to properly balance the use of assets in a larger context.

After the initial investment, Fab Labs need consumables, materials and human resources. Machine parts need to be maintained and replaced from time to time and projects and their needs evolve. We can help you plan the opening of the lab, but also the following years to make sure you and your users can continue to invent, build and collaborate in a vibrant and sustainable environment.

We have shipped anything from single machines to full labs all around the world, always making sure we get the voltage and plugs exactly right. We can help you create your perfect Mini or Mobile lab, or set up a full Fab Academy ready lab in your space. Want more? We custom designed labs from small shops to industrial scale to serve specific needs and industries. We are also there to help you continue your work, with equipment upgrades and re-supply of consumables and materials for labs we install and those who participate in Fab Academy.

We can (and have) deliver(ed) (almost) anywhere, through any means - Air, sea, road, or a combination of those where needed. We can get your equipment to the closest sea- or airport, or straight to your door. Because of our direct connection with vendors, we have access to discounts that can be very significant when it comes to larger setups, and we forward all those discounts to you.

Dealing with customs and figuring out the best way to deal with importation and fees can be a headache. The Fab Foundation can help you find the right person on the ground to deal with the paperwork, and make sure your equipment does not get stuck on the road. We interface with all the vendors and manufacturers when it comes to warranties and support, and make sure you can directly talk to the specialists when there is a problem or a tool needs to be replaced.

In almost all cases we come and do the installation and training on-site, bringing in experts from our global team, to assure they speak the language and understand the local context and customs. We work with skilled professionals who have completed Fab Academy and installed machines in many locations - just check out some of the countries we have worked in, and the previous clients we engaged with.

When it comes to installing your lab, we generally send 2 experts to your site for 1 full week - changing the duration depending on the inventory. Tasks will include the unpacking of all items, assembly of tools which need this, setup of all the machines and performing tests to make sure everything operates correctly. Add on to that the organization of the space and tools, where we label items, create custom signage and fine tune the layout with the local team.

To make sure your local team will not only know how to use the equipment, but will use them safely and efficiently, we offer 1 to several weeks of on-site training (depending on the inventory). Going from basic safety training and running the equipment (using existing files, choice of materials and tooling, troubleshooting common faults) all the way to managing the space(s), communities and programs, we’ll be with you all the way. Before leaving the tools in the capable hands of your team, we also always make sure they know where to find the additional resources the Foundation offers, and how to use them.

If you’d like to participate in the global Fab Academy program, for local students, or your local team, we can set you up for success. In the Pre-Academy we don’t only offer all the knowledge we normally use in training, but add design skills and creating files for specific equipment and teach how to smoothly use version control and employ project and time management techniques to make sure everyone is ready for the first lecture.

The Fab Academy is a fast paced, hands-on learning experience where students learn rapid-prototyping by planning and executing a new project each week, resulting in a personal portfolio of technical accomplishments. This highly successful program has been running for many years both in the Center for Bits and Atoms at MIT, and globally as overseen by the Fab Foundation. Learn more on the Fab Academy website.

Standard labs have a few 3D printers and a laser cutter, CNC Mill and vinyl cutter. But what if you’d like to go beyond that? We can help you set up a full printer farm with multi materials processes, or a full metal machining setup, and offer training to go along. Working with Fab Academy graduates from all over the world, we understand the importance of locally relevant teaching and projects.

Next to digitally controlled machines, Fab Labs offer tools and materials to mold and cast products, create composite materials and parts and create reliable embedded electronics. We can offer training sessions on all the techniques employed in a standard lab, from safely handling materials and tools to advanced programming.

Sometimes you need more than just the start. The Fab Foundation offers long term support and management of your space(s) to make sure you don’t just hit the ground running, but you keep improving your projects and local impact. From months to several years, we can help you find the right person(s) for your Fab Lab and it’s projects!

The amazing global network of labs has produced myriads of other projects and offers that we are happy to connect to you and your efforts. Whether it’s workshops specifically designed for children and young learners, or the creation of content and solutions for humanitarian situations, there are groups out there working on just that. Instead of re-inventing the wheel, join the global network!