What is a Fab Lab?
A Fab Lab – short for fabrication lab, is a (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) idea designed to empower community members to learn, dream, design, and build their ideas.
Who can use the Lakeshore Fab Lab?
Anyone – students, entrepreneurs, local businesses, museums, clubs.
What is unique about the Lakeshore Fab Lab?
- Only facility within a 30 mile radius.
- Contains equipment not likely to be in your garage!
- Supported and managed by Muskegon Community College.
When is it open?
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
Sunday |
12-8pm
|
12-8pm |
12-8pm |
12-8pm |
CLOSED*
|
CLOSED* |
CLOSED* |
*temporarily due to COVID19. We follow the Muskegon Community College re-opening plan and will expand hours when possible
What kind of equipment will be in the Lakeshore Fab Lab? What can it do?
- 3D printing for all levels of complexity, from making a toy dinosaur to high temperature resistant engine part prototypes or various medical uses.
- Robotics – program machines or build your own.
- Laser etcher – engrave wood, glass, plastic, and more.
- Digital scanning – create 3D printed copies of objects.
- Plasma water table cutter – cut metal sheets.
- Large routing table – shape plastic and wood.
- Metal milling – traditional metal working applications.
- Vinyl printer – banners, decals, car wraps, window clings, and more.
- Hot press – t-shirts for clubs, family reunions, or team spirit.
May members use the equipment by themselves?
Yes! After you pay for and take a certification class to learn how to use the equipment safely.
Does a member have to learn how to use the equipment?
No, MCC students will help on a fee for service and time and material basis. This helps inventors (low cost and speed) and students (gain experience and skills).
Why would inventors want to use the Fab Lab?
- Make quick and inexpensive prototypes.
- Tap volunteer and faculty expertise.
- Write a business plan and launch their business.
How might area business/engineers use it?
- Manufacturing firms relieve bottlenecks or utilize capabilities on a cost effective basis (can’t afford their own).
- Medical companies/inventors – make prosthetics and design tools/equipment.
- Museums – scan and print pieces.
Is this a place that kids can use?
- Absolutely! This is a facility where parents and children work together.
- K – 12 Teachers – this is a great place for field trips supporting STEM based learning.
- College students – an excellent place to develop class projects from many disciplines.
- Families – projects such as design and 3D print a rose or build a robot.
- Summer tech programs and learners.
Can area organizations use it?
- Clubs – such as 4 H’s Tech Wizards, 1st Robotic clubs, My Brother’s Keeper – a great meeting place with storage.
- Community based organizations such as Big Brothers/Sisters.
What else will the Fab Lab have?
- Entrepreneur store. Sell your products or services on consignment!
- Access to worldwide Fab Lab network.
- Entrepreneur training – MCC degree via the Rooks/Sarnicola Entrepreneur Institute.
- Speakers and seminars about creating ideas, designing products, and more.
Is there a cost to use the Lakeshore Fab Lab?
- Annual Memberships.
- Time and materials.
- Classes – training and project.
- Student fees and consulting if used.
Where can I get more information about the Fab Lab?
Chris Kaminsky
(231) 777-0212