LCCC Fab Lab
The LCCC Fab Lab is now a reality with equipment in place, tested, and vented. This lab is based upon the concepts of Dr Neil Gershenfeld, the director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Center for Bits and Atoms.
A Fab Lab is a collection of commercially available machines that can be used to "make just about anything with features bigger than those of a computer chip." Realistically, it offers the tools needed to "conceptualize, design, develop, fabricate and test” a wide variety of things.
The best part is that the equipment is surprisingly easy to use. The LCCC Fab Lab should benefit students in almost every educational discipline throughout the campus.
| Fab Lab Hours |
|
Faculty, staff, students and the general public are welcome to check out the LCCC Fab Lab during the hours below. If someone is interested in using the equipment, lab personnel should also be available to help during these times. |
| Monday |
Closed |
| Tuesday |
9 am - 4 pm |
| Wednesday |
2 - 6 pm |
| Thursday |
9 am - 4 pm |
| Friday |
10 am - 6 pm |
| Saturday |
9 am - 1 pm | |
| Fab Lab Course Fall 2007 |
AETC 192 - Intro to Personal Fabrication - 1 credit hour
This course is an introduction to “personal fabrication” in LCCC’s Fab Lab. Students will learn to use commercially available technologies to "conceptualize, design, develop, fabricate and test” objects. The Lab features advanced computer software and contemporary tools for cutting, milling, electronics, engraving, and other processes of rapid and automated prototyping. Products and processes are typically individualized but can be developed entrepreneurially for commercial production.
LCCC’s Fab Lab is modeled on Neil Gershenfeld’s “fab labs” at MIT and around the world. Its tools are easy to use by anyone with basic computer skills, imagination, and a desire to invent and make new objects using modern technology and cutting-edge processes. The Lab is designed to explore interests in graphic design, visual arts, business, computer-assisted design, physical and natural science, and mathematics, as well as well as engineering and other advanced technologies. Laboratory required.
Prerequisite: None. General computer skills highly recommended.
This is a 10-week course that meets only once per week.
Day Section:
Lecture - 1:00-1:50 p.m. on Tuesdays
Lab - 2:00-3:15 p.m. on Tuesdays
9/25/07 - 12/15/07
Night Section:
Lecture - 5:30-6:20 p.m. on Tuesdays
Lab - 6:30-7:45 p.m. on Tuesdays
9/25/07 - 12/15/07 |
The LCCC Fab Lab currently has the following equipment:
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Roland CAMM-1 Servo - Automated vinyl cutter. This machine is basically a plotter that uses a razor blade instead of an ink pen. It can be used to make vinyl signs of just about any size. It can also cut fabric, cardboard, very thin metal, vellum, etc. For more info see -
http://www.rolanddga.com/products/
cutters/gx24/default.asp
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Roland Modela 3D Plotter MDX-15 - Basically a table-top milling machine. This machine can be used to drill holes, mill slots and pockets, 3D engrave, and more. It also comes with a scanner attachment that allows existing 3D items to be reproduced. For more info see
http://www.rolanddga.com/products/3D/
combo/mdx15/default.asp
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Epilog Mini 18 - CO2 laser cutter - This versatile machine can engrave text, graphics, and photographs onto a wide variety of materials (wood, acrylic, marble, mat board, leather, glass, and more). It is also capable of cutting through many materials up to approximately 1/4" thick.
Click here to see a slide show of the Epilog
For examples of what you can make with the laser cutter, see -
http://www.epiloglaser.com/
laser_industries.htm For general info see -
http://www.epiloglaser.com/
Learn more about Fab Labs
Here is a link to a USA Today article on Fab Labs:
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/
techinnovations/2005-11-06-fab-lab_x.htm
You may also want to check out the MIT Fab Lab web pages:
http://fab.cba.mit.edu/
For more information about the Lorain County Community College Fab Lab, contact:
R. Scott Zitek
Engineering Technologies Division
(440) 366-7024
rzitek@lorainccc.edu