The FabLab
Overview
The Rapid Fabrication Lab (FabLab) was set up in October 2005 in the Venables building (N2014b). It is currently being moved to N2029. It offers a range of equipment for rapid prototyping including additive and subtractive machining (see list below). The lab is the base for a number of PhD students. It aims to support various design research (including usability, user involvement in design and design modelling) plus design education research.
Click the play button in the image below to run the video of the FabLab.
Research in the FabLab
Steve Garner, Charlie Snelling and Gareth Paterson assisted PhD students from Life Sciences to convert a principle into a concept product as part of a national competition.
The Biotechnology Young Entrepreneurs Scheme (Biotechnology YES!) http://www.biotechnologyyes.co.uk/, took place in Manchester from 17-19 October 2007. The three-day event and competition provided training and awareness in entrepreneurship. It also exposed students to presentations by successful Biotech companies. Various PhD student teams developed business plans for their proposals and bid for funding to a panel of ‘financers’ to commercialise the idea. The student team from Life Sciences proposed a urine test for vitamin levels which could be used as an indication of nutrition. Photos of the concept product, packaging and event are shown below.
The Life Sciences team was Elizabeth Latta (Managing Director), Thurka Poobalasingam (Research and Development Director), Nicola Corbett (Operations Director), Ya Gao (Finance Director) and Kathleen Wright (Marketing Director), all 3rd Year PhD students.
The FabLab produced the templates for artist Ben Silvertown (August 2008).
Using the Lab
The lab can support a wide range of research activities. If you think your research could benefit from any of this technology or expertise please get in touch.
Steve Garner x55784 s.w.garner
Charlie Snelling x55163 c.r.snelling
Equipment
2 Dimension FDM 3D printers (one with water-soluble support)
Techsoft A2 Laser cutter and engraver
Roland Picza LPX-600 laser scanner
Konica Minolta 3D laser scanner
Roland Modela Pro II, 3D Miller/Router MDX-540E
Phantom haptic interface
Low temperature casting system
Roland vinyl and card cutter
Page Last Updated: 9 December 2010