Imagine a place

...where ideas are brought to life ...where people collaborate across the globe ...where you can make almost anything

Welcome to

The idea
Fab Labs digital fabrication laboratories were set up to inspire people and entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into new products and prototypes by giving them access to a range of advanced digital manufacturing technology. The idea was conceived by renowned inventor and scientist Professor Neil Gershenfeld at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His idea is a simple one: to provide the environment, skills, advanced materials and technology to make things cheaply and quickly anywhere in the world, and to make this available on a local basis to entrepreneurs, students, artists, small businesses and, in fact, anyone who wants to create something new or bespoke. A global network of over 100 Fab Labs now exists, connecting people, communities and businesses across the world and enabling them to collaborate, problem solve and brainstorm ideas.

Fab Labs give people the tools they need to create technology and make (almost) anything
Professor Neil Gershenfeld Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Fab Lab Manchester

The UKs rst Fab Lab opened in Manchester in March 2010. It is owned by The Manufacturing Institute and managed by its technically-skilled staff. The facility gives businesses, entrepreneurs, schools and communities the tools to bring their product ideas to life, educating users with the knowledge to develop new ideas, designs and products and allowing them to gain the technical skills to turn these concepts into products. By bringing these different elements together, Fab Lab Manchester is inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs, engineers and manufacturing talent.

To date, 3,000 small manufactureres, inventors, schools and community groups have used Fab Lab Manchester

A digital manufacturing revolution

At the heart of Fab Lab Manchester is digital manufacturing technology, combining 2D and 3D design with the latest fabrication technology. Embracing a broad spectrum of methods ranging from CNC machining to 3D printing, it can produce a single unique product from a digital design in a matter of minutes and at a very low cost in comparison to traditional tooling methods. Fab Lab Manchester also hosts a number of other technologies and equipment which provide broad manufacturing capability, including precision laser cutters and moulding and milling equipment through to electronic components and circuit boards.

Products and ideas

Since opening in 2010, the Fab Lab has helped to conceive, develop and prototype a range of products, with a number of these now being sold commercially.

The Crackit Bat

Australian International Matt King hit upon the idea for his Crackit Bat whilst playing beach cricket in his homeland. A cross between a tennis racket and cricket bat, the product is light enough for both children and adults to use. Matt worked closely with the Fab Lab team to develop the product which was brought to market in 2011. He has since had his rst order for 10,000 units.

Lichtkritzel
Innovative lighting designers in Manchester, leolightdesign, used Fab Lab to prototype an interactive light installation to be debuted at Frankfurts prestigious Light & Building Show in 2012. Using the expert knowledge on hand at Fab Lab, the company learnt how to use a range of digital fabrication processes to create the sculpture and are already preparing work on another sculpture using the same process.

The Crossings
Fab Lab Manchester worked with Manchesterbased design rm United Creatives to bring to life a design for a mural, as part of the companys work to develop a range of arts-based elements for Hull homeless shelter The Crossings. Using its state-ofthe-art CNC milling machine, Fab Lab worked from PDFs to create the innovative design.

Educating and inspiring

Education is at the heart of Fab Lab Manchester and free access is provided to noncommercial users on the basis that they share ideas and add to the Labs knowledge base. As such, it provides a unique environment to foster learning and build creativity. To build on this, Fab Lab hosts The Fab Academy, a Diploma level programme where inventors and entrepreneurs design and make various projects, taught via video link by world-renowned scientist and Fab Lab founder Professor Neil Gershenfeld. As the birthplace of new and innovative designs and products, Fab Lab is also an ideal setting for teambuilding, exploring innovation, creativity techniques and problem solving, which adds a fascinating and engaging dimension to the Lab. Education and training courses include:

About The Manufacturing Institute

The Manufacturing Institute is an independent charity, which delivers a wide range of education and consultancy services to build operational excellence in some of the worlds most effective manufacturing companies. All prot generated by these services is reapplied to charitable campaigns designed to improve the image of the sector and drive grassroots innovation, including Fab Lab Manchester.

Leading innovation - how to create an environment for innovation to ourish within a team or business Building creative teams a unique approach to understanding how to build creativity within teams Practical problem solving how to increase the speed and effectiveness of problem solving using key techniques and processes

Fab Lab Foundation

Our vision is to build on the expertise developed at Fab Lab Manchester by establishing a national network of similar facilities and drive a new generation of interest in digital manufacturing across the UK. Through the charitable Fab Lab Foundation, we will provide expertise, support and guidance to organisations or groups who may be interested in establishing a new Fab Lab.

Come and join us

Fab Lab equipment can be booked Monday Thursday. Different groups can use the facilities at the same time or the Lab can be reserved exclusively. On Fridays and Saturdays, Fab Lab provides open access for all. The best way to understand Fab Lab and how it can help bring your ideas to life is to call, visit us online or see us in person: Fab Lab Manchester Chips 2 Lampwick Lane New Islington Manchester M4 6BU Tel: 0161 205 0070 Email: info@FabLabManchester.org Visit: www.FabLabManchester.org

INSPIRE EDUCATE IMPROVE