The largest publicly accessible Fabrication Lab in North America is adding over 4,000 square feet! The expansion of the North Forge FabLab^TM (FabLab) onto the 1st floor of its Exchange District location brings the footprint to over 15,500 sq. ft., making it a perfect space to continue with the convergence between the manufacturing fabrication lab, business, start-ups, and students. 

The metal equipment currently located on the 3rd floor will be relocated to the new space which will also accommodate additional storage and business workspaces. Having all of the metal cutting and shaping equipment available on the first floor, with access to the loading dock, will enable members ease of access with large pieces of metal products to the equipment and storage spaces.

The space that will open up on the 3rd floor, will have room for additional storage, future equipment, and work space to accommodate additional members and businesses working out of the FabLab.

As North Forge expands its fabrication lab capabilities, new advanced manufacturing equipment has arrived to enable entrepreneurs, businesses, and start-ups the ability develop product design iterations remotely, and accelerate prototypes and productions with more precision and accuracy. Some of the new equipment includes:

Double Robotics Telepresence Robot

A critical piece of equipment during COVID-19 development, the Double Robot Telepresence Robot will be a game changer for business members to remotely collaborate with other business colleagues while assisting in product development. It’s an innovative way of involving other team members into the design and production process when they cannot physically be at the FabLab. This vastly different method of telecommuting creates a strong collaborative environment for both the remote worker and the whole team.

Form 3 Additive Manufacturing 3D printer

The next generation of industrial 3D printing technology has been welcomed into the FabLab. This reliable and highly accurate 3D printer has professional-grade detail. Using a wide range of engineering grade materials for engineering, manufacturing and product design, it’s perfect for consistent prints, fast printing, end-use parts, or finished prototypes. 

More space also means more equipment will be made available to current and new members. We’ll be exploring the new equipment, their industry applications and advantages in subsequent articles. Stay tuned!