machines

Sticker cutter: Roland CAMM-1 Servo GX-24 Desktop Vinyl Cutter

This is the Fablab’s simplest machine. It is normally used to cut lettering for signboards and suchlike. In a FabLab it is used to cut brass stickers, etc. So while it can just be used to cut stickers, it does have related applications. The machine is approximately one metre wide and as high and deep as a laser printer.

Width: from 5 to 60 cm wide

Materials: Vinyl, paint mask, reflective vinyls, twill, heat transfer, and sandblast

Works with: .eps (save as Illustrator 8 file, not as CS version)

Designs:

3D Milling machine: Roland MDX-20

This machine is roughly the size of a laser printer. It uses a milling head which can mill away layers of material working from top to bottom. You can engrave with it. But if you remove more material, you can make a 3D object or mould. A scanning head can be affixed as an alternative to the milling head. This machine is used by, for example, jewellery makers, or as a simple prototyping machine. In the FabLab it is also used for etching printed circuit boards. Subsequently other components, such as a microcontroller, can be soldered onto them. In the FabLab the Roland Modela is also used for 3D modelling or making a mould.

Maximum work area: 203.2mm(X) x 152.4mm (Y) x 60.5mm (Z)

Materials: Wood, MDF, foam, plastics, alluminium, plexi, metals, no steel

Works with: STL files and Roland software

Designs:

Lasercutter/engravr: Laserpro Spirit 25 Watt

The laser cutter can cut sheets of wood, cardboard or Perspex very accurately, so accurately, in fact, that the 2D parts can be assembled securely, even without glue or screws. The machine is about a metre wide, just over a metre high and 80 cm deep.

Maximum work area 640 x 460mm, wood up to 4mm thick, plexi up to 6mm

Materials: Wood, plexi, paper, cardboard, textiles, leather, no PVC, no metals, no polycarbon

Works with: the laser works like a printer driven by correldraw. Files need to be 2D vector files. (.cdr, .ai (version 8, no CS versions), .eps, .dwg, .dxf (2004, not 2010))

Designs:

Extra: We charge 1 euro/minute to use the lasercutter.

Makerbot

Makerbot is an affordable, open source 3D printer. Out fablab has three of them.

Check out our makerbots and also have a look at www.makerbot.com

Building volume 8 x 8 x 8 cm

Materials: ABS in different collours and PLA

Works with: STL files and uses ReplicatorG as software.

Designs:

CNC router

check out Repairable machines > mini cnc for more details about how to build a cnc router.

Maximum work area: 20 x 20 cm

Materials: Wood and plexi up to 3mm thick

Works with: CAD.py files and ReplicatorG software (work in progress)

Designs:

Electronics corner

Our lab also has a workbench where you can solder.

Available tools: power supply, solder kit, oscilloscope, 12V battery, battery chargers, multimeter, several electronic components, arduino kits.

Metal corner

Our lab also has a workbench where you can work with metal.

Available tools: dremels, drilling machines, turning lathe, jig saw, grinding wheel, column drill, welding material, compressor, nuts and bolts in various sizes