What’s a FabLab?
A FabLab (short for fabrication laboratory) is a small-scale workshop allowing for individual fabrication via equipment such as a 3D printer, CAD software, and laser cutting machines.
Generally, a FabLab can facilitate production of different length scales and various materials, which makes them able to “make almost anything”. This can include small, useful, and customized objects which mass-production is not well-suited for.
FabLabs empower individuals to create. Whether you have a project, a vision and a purpose, or just curiosity about what is possible, the FabLab has something for you.
What can I do with a FabLab?
Whether you are a retiree, a homebuilder, a tradeworker, an artist, a prankster, a home-learning leader, a student, or anything else – there is something you can be inspired to help make into reality with our FabLab.
- Got a broken bit you want to reproduce? Scan it and 3D Print it.
- Have a plan for something close to what you need… but you know it’s not quite right? Use our software to help you edit the plan.
- Have an object that isn’t working right/fitting its purpose, but would if you could fix this one little thing about it? Scan it, edit it in our software, 3D print it. Now better than new, customized to you!
- Need a good photo editing software for a creative or professional project? Book time in the Lab to learn independently – and use LinkedIn Learning to help guide you as needed too!
- Want to introduce STEAM-skills magic to young ones? Try out the Glow Forge for a quick intro with big (and nearly instant) pay-off.
- Want to engrave, or cut, material such as glass, leather, rock or thin plywood to make signs, art, or craft project projects? Check out our Glow Forge.
FabLab Equipment
Every FabLab is unique, and they often change and adapt to community direction. At this time, the Library’s FabLab includes:
Glowforge: laser cutting machine
2 x Prusa MK3S+: 3D Printer
Matter & Form: 3D scanner
Cricut Maker 3: craft cutting machine
A dedicated design-computer, stocked with design software including Adobe Creative Suite.
Whether your interest is play, work, fun, function, creativity or exploration – the FabLab can help you take you from idea to real. What will you make?
Can I use the FabLab independently?
At this time we do not allow unsupervised time in the FabLab.
Booking independent time after completing certification may be an available option in the future, but is not currently available.
Is there a charge for using the space?
At this time, as we are launching the space, there is currently no charge. However, if projects are large (more than 100 grams), we reserve the right to charge for materials at their purchase plus shipping cost.
How do I book time to learn about the FabLab?
Book a time by clicking on the button below, or contact fablabs@saltspringlibrary.com.
Salt Spring Island Public Library gratefully acknowledges ongoing support of the FabLab by the Wilding Foundation, which allows for free operation of this FabLab for the Public, and which also funds STEM programming and workshops operating through the FabLab. Their generosity makes all of this possible.
We also thank the Salt Spring Island Foundation, and the New Horizons for Seniors Program through the Government of Canada. Initial Equipment purchases and materials were funded by the Salt Spring Island Foundation, while initial staffing and launch of the space funded through the New Horizons for Seniors Program.