What is a FabLab?
FabLabs (fabrication laboratory) are high-tech workshops open to everybody. Because of this FabLabs are places of education and knowledge transfer as well as focal points for innovation and start-ups.
They offer the possibility to use modern and user-friendly digital production machines like 3D-printers, lasercutter, CNC-machines and many more yourself. In a FabLab you can create your prototypes and small scale batches yourself.
The FabLab as part of the Schumpeter Laboratory for Innovation follows the Fab Charter.
Fab Charter
What is a FabLab?
FabLabs are a global network of local labs, enabling invention by providing access to tools for digital fabrication.
What’s in a FabLab?
FabLabs share an evolving inventory of core capabilities to make (almost) anything, allowing people and projects to be shared.
What does the FabLab network provide?
Operational, educational, technical, financial, and logistical assistance beyond what’s available within one lab.
Who can use a FabLab?
FabLabs are available as a community resource, offering open access for individuals as well as scheduled access for programs. Commercial activities can be prototyped and incubated in a FabLab, but they must not conflict with other uses, they should grow beyond rather than within the lab, and they are expected to benefit the inventors, labs, and networks that contribute to their success.
What are your responsibilities?
Safety: not hurting people or machines
Operations: assisting with cleaning, maintaining, and improving the lab
Knowledge: contributing to documentation and instruction.
Who owns FabLab inventions?
Designs and processes developed in FabLabs can be protected and sold however an inventor chooses, but should remain available for individuals to use and learn from.