The Fab Store: Difference between revisions

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Let's look into what goes into Fab Stores and Fab Shops.

=== People ===

===People===

All the equipment available to Fab Stores means nothing without talented people to operate it. Fixers and makers are crucial to a Fab Store's success.

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Makers know how to operate the equipment. They are great with CAD software. They know 3D printing technology and would jump at the chance to work on these large-scale printers and modern CNC machinery. Makerspaces are a great place to find makers.

=== 3D Scanner ===

===3D Scanner===

The first step to fabricating a new copy of a broken part is scanning the original part. This gives us the shape and dimensions of the object we're going to produce. The result of the scan appears in the software used to build the new part. If the part that is broken, it is repaired in software before fabrication.

=== 3D Printer ===

===3D Printer===

Make items not made of metal with the FDM 3D printer, found at the Fab Shop. It prints mostly plastics of various kinds, though it can also use rubber/silicone-like material, carbon fiber and nylon in its creations.

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While these FDM printers cover most scenarios, the Fab Store Network has even [[The Fab Store#Specialized Parts from High-end 3D Printers|larger and more specialized 3D printers]] for less common needs.

=== CNC Machinery ===

===CNC Machinery===

This equipment is primarily for fabricating metal items. Each Fab Shop has CNC mill and lathe machines ready to cut and shape metals into parts customers. Whether the part is a replacement for a broken hinge or going into a window shopping product, these machines are capable of some amazing feats.

Metal 3D printers exist but the equipment and the parts it produces are not cost-effective today. They often require CNC machining after printing anyway. While it might make sense for the Fab Store Network to have a metal 3D printer for special jobs, CNC machinery suffices for Fab Shops.

=== Other Tooling and Equipment ===

===Other Tooling and Equipment===

Fab Stores and Fab Shops need other complimentary tools that you might find at a repair cafe or makerspace. Sewing machines, a toolbox of tools, paint and more.

@@ Line 48: / Line 48: @@
 Let's look into what goes into Fab Stores and Fab Shops.
-=== People ===
+===People===
 All the equipment available to Fab Stores means nothing without talented people to operate it. Fixers and makers are crucial to a Fab Store's success.
@@ Line 55: / Line 55: @@
 Makers know how to operate the equipment. They are great with CAD software. They know 3D printing technology and would jump at the chance to work on these large-scale printers and modern CNC machinery. Makerspaces are a great place to find makers.
-=== 3D Scanner ===
+===3D Scanner===
 The first step to fabricating a new copy of a broken part is scanning the original part. This gives us the shape and dimensions of the object we're going to produce. The result of the scan appears in the software used to build the new part. If the part that is broken, it is repaired in software before fabrication.
-=== 3D Printer ===
+===3D Printer===
 Make items not made of metal with the FDM 3D printer, found at the Fab Shop. It prints mostly plastics of various kinds, though it can also use rubber/silicone-like material, carbon fiber and nylon in its creations.
@@ Line 67: / Line 67: @@
 While these FDM printers cover most scenarios, the Fab Store Network has even [[The Fab Store#Specialized Parts from High-end 3D Printers|larger and more specialized 3D printers]] for less common needs.
-=== CNC Machinery ===
+===CNC Machinery===
 This equipment is primarily for fabricating metal items. Each Fab Shop has CNC mill and lathe machines ready to cut and shape metals into parts customers. Whether the part is a replacement for a broken hinge or going into a window shopping product, these machines are capable of some amazing feats.
 Metal 3D printers exist but the equipment and the parts it produces are not cost-effective today. They often require CNC machining after printing anyway. While it might make sense for the Fab Store Network to have a metal 3D printer for special jobs, CNC machinery suffices for Fab Shops.
-=== Other Tooling and Equipment ===
+===Other Tooling and Equipment===
 Fab Stores and Fab Shops need other complimentary tools that you might find at a repair cafe or makerspace. Sewing machines, a toolbox of tools, paint and more.