The Fab Store: Difference between revisions

An idea by Jeff Lawlor
Created on 2025-08-18
IdeaMan (talk | contribs)
No edit summary
IdeaMan (talk | contribs)
No edit summary
Line 13: Line 13:
== Fabricate and Fix Your Way to Zero Waste ==
== Fabricate and Fix Your Way to Zero Waste ==
How often have you trashed an entire product because of a single broken part? What if you could simply replace the part, at a fraction of the cost and waste? The Fab Store pairs advanced 3D printing with repair experts to fix previously unfixable items. These stores keep more stuff out of our landfills and more money in your pocket!
How often have you trashed an entire product because of a single broken part? What if you could simply replace the part, at a fraction of the cost and waste? The Fab Store pairs advanced 3D printing with repair experts to fix previously unfixable items. These stores keep more stuff out of our landfills and more money in your pocket!
In addition, Fab Stores may finally deliver on the promise of a small-scale manufacturing revolution.


== To Repair is Rare ==
== To Repair is Rare ==
Too often, a single broken part means sending the sum of all its parts to a landfill. Example- A hinge broke on my old electric tea kettle, preventing me from closing the lid properly.  
Too often, a single broken part means sending the sum of all its parts to a landfill. For example- A hinge broke on my old electric tea kettle, preventing me from closing the lid properly.


You can't buy a new hinge. I wouldn't know how to install the hinge even if I had one.
You can't buy a new hinge. I wouldn't know how to install the hinge even if I had one.


In most cases, I can't find a practical solution to repairing my item instead of replacing it.
In cases like this, I can't find a practical solution to repairing my item instead of replacing it.
 
== The Fab Store Expertly 3D Prints Parts and Fixes Products ==
Imagine a store equipped with 3D printers capable of fabricating parts made of metal, wood, food-grade plastic and more. An expert greets you, examines your broken item, prints out the broken pieces and repairs your item for you. We have the technology and talent available today. If only there were someone to make the store a reality.
 
== Beyond Repairs: A Small-scale Manufacturing Revolution ==
One-off and small batch manufacturing has the potential to explode into mass manufacturing success. Places like the Thingaverse are filled with designs for imaginative items you can't buy in stores. But you can print with them your Fab Store equipment. Lurking among those designs might be the next best-selling product.
 
Using your existing equipment and talent, you could offer:
 
* Pre-fabricated products
* User-requested products
* Custom designed products
 
=== Pre-fabricated Products: Unique Item Window Shopping ===
You start by producing a single, intriguing item. Then you put it in the store window. Repeat until your store window is filled with unique and interesting items.
 
When an item sells, produce another. Maybe two. Increase your production as demand increases.
 
At some point, enough demand builds to support mass manufacturing. That's when you become the brand leader in the new product space.


== The Fab Store Expertly Fabricates Parts and Fixes Products ==
The Fab Store network contains the collective wisdom of all Fab Stores on which items sell and which are duds. You decide which products are ready for the big time (mass manufacturing) through this collective data.
Imagine a store equipped with 3D printers capable of fabricating parts made of metal, wood, food-grade silicone, plastic and more. An expert greets you, examines your broken item, prints out the broken pieces and repairs your item for you. We have the technology and talent available today. If only there were someone to make it a reality.


== Beyond Repairs: A Small-scale Manufacturing Solution ==
Who knows which design might turn into a commercial success? Producing a limited quantity of a wide range of products in search of a winner is a low-cost, low-risk way to discover the next Rubik's Cube, hot jewelry trend or must-have phone case. Imagination is about the only limit!




Line 49: Line 69:
Simply Fab
Simply Fab


Repair cafes
Next level repair cafes


On every block. Come in and browse finished products (also for sale), chat with a fabbing expert and build something just to your liking.
On every block. Come in and browse finished products (also for sale), chat with a fabbing expert and build something just to your liking.