Fab Lab Network
The Fab Lab Network is an open, creative community of fabricators, artists, scientists, engineers, educators, students, amateurs, professionals, of all ages located in more than 90 countries in approximately 1,500 Fab Labs. From community based labs to advanced research centers, Fab Labs share the goal of democratizing access to the tools for technical invention. This community is simultaneously a manufacturing network, a distributed technical education campus, and a distributed research laboratory working to digitize fabrication, inventing the next generation of manufacturing and personal fabrication.
Below you will find an overview of fab labs, information on the global network, and all of the resources needed to start a lab in your local community!
Fab Lab resources
SOLIDWORKS Software Licenses
Dassault Systemes Solidworks Corporation is a partner of Fab Labs and Academany, providing world-class 3D Design and Engineering software through a unique sponsorship program with MIT’s global Fab Lab network.
I am a Fab Lab. How can I access what SOLIDWORKS has to offer? If you are fab lab located within the pool of countries listed below, we invite you and your makerspace to join the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makerspaces program by Dassault Systèmes:
Countries: Algeria, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. More countries will be added soon.
Through the program, your fab lab manager, staff and members can receive Special pricing for 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers - a collection of professional, fun to use cloud based 3D design tools (including 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Professional, 3D Creator, 3D Sculptor, NC Shop Floor Programmer, Rendering, and more) that can be used on any device from wherever you want, in your fab lab or from the comfort of your homes.
Discount on new eco-friendly 3D Printing PLA and ABS filament
Fab Lab Hub has secured a discount on new eco-friendly 3D Printing PLA and ABS filament from 3D PrintLife for any Fab Lab in the Network. Fabbers from the network have tested the new filament and given it a performance thumbs-up after testing. Click on the button to go to the 3D PrintLife Fab Lab Hub page for details on the material and ordering instructions:
APPLYKanbanchi for G Suite Software Licenses
Kanbanchi for G Suite is the only online project management / task management / collaboration software with Kanban Board, Gantt Chart and Time Tracker, built specifically for G Suite. Project boards with lists and cards visualise a workflow of all your tasks and activities. Collaborate with your team in real time and manage your projects visually! Intuitive, simple familiar interface and no learning curve can get people engaged easily.
Participating Fab Labs are eligible to use the core version of the software free, and get a 50% discount on paid plans. Please, apply by writing us a message in free form from an official lab email, registered on fablabs.io.
E-mail addressFab Foundation Forum is Launched!
The Fab Foundation Forum is a new initiative for the Fab Lab Network.
Our main goals are to:
Facilitate communication, sharing and collaboration between regional networks, and by extension, between fab labs and fabbers around the world.
Gather and distribute resources and data from the Fab Lab Network that can help those looking to start new labs, or to enhance the operations, sustainability and fundraising capacity of existing labs. --> see Fab Census
Develop a unified strategy for promoting and communicating about the Fab Lab Network that enables individual labs to identify themselves as members of an international network of like-minded organizations with internal resources and governance.--> See Annual Report
Feel free to contact us with any questions or comments for making a stronger network!
Contact Us Fab Census Annual Report Based on Census DataMore than 1,750 Fab Labs all over the globe!
To be a Fab Lab means connecting to a global community of learners, educators, technologists, researchers, makers and innovators: a knowledge sharing network that spans 100 countries and 24 time zones. Because all Fab Labs share common tools and processes, the program is building a global network, a distributed laboratory for research and invention.
Adding a Lab to the Map: Fablabs.io
Fablabs.io is the online social network of the international Fab Lab community and is the current official list of Fab Labs that share same principles, tools, and philosophy around the future of technology and its role in society. Click here to be redirected to the platform's guidelines and FAQ on how to add a lab to the map and the community.
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