The Fab Store: Difference between revisions

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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.

In addition, Fab Stores may finally deliver on the promise of a [[The Fab Store#Beyond Repairs: A Small-scale Manufacturing Revolution|small-scale manufacturing revolution]].

==To Repair is Rare==

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.

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

I can't find a practical solution to repairing my item instead of replacing it in cases like these.

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The repair expert extracts the broken axle from the toy and scans it with a 3D scanner. The object appears virtually in CAD software, where the expert "repairs" the broken part in the software. Then the expert 3D prints a new axle and installs it in the truck. Your child gets more milage out of their toy and another item is spared from the landfill.

[[File:3DMakerPro Seal 3D Scanner - Marketing Photo.png|alt=A 3DMakerPro Seal 3D Scanner is shown scanning a small figurine atop a rotating platform.|thumb|3D Scanners, like the 3DMakerPro Seal shown here, capture all the nuances of physical world ~~object~~ down to 0.01 millimeters. [https://store.3dmakerpro.com/products/seal Image courtesy 3DMakerPro].]]

[[File:3DMakerPro Seal 3D Scanner - Marketing Photo.png|alt=A 3DMakerPro Seal 3D Scanner is shown scanning a small figurine atop a rotating platform.|thumb|3D Scanners, like the 3DMakerPro Seal shown here, capture all the nuances of physical world objects down to 0.01 millimeters. [https://store.3dmakerpro.com/products/seal Image courtesy 3DMakerPro].]]

==~~Anatomy of a~~ Fab ~~Store~~==

==Fab Shops Power Fab Stores==

A Fab Store really consists of two buildings:

A Fab Store really consists of two buildings: Fab Stores and Fab Shops. In short, Fab Stores interact with the customers and Fab Shops fabricate parts. Both make repairs.

*'''Retail storefronts''' Convenient, neighborhood Fab Store locations serve customers where they live- anywhere you might find a 7-Eleven. The retail stores diagnose problems and make common, minor repairs. They also sell unique products, [[The Fab Store#Beyond Repairs: A Small-scale Manufacturing Revolution|manufactured in ~~small quantities]] on~~ Fab Store ~~equipment, in search of the next Rubik~~'s ~~Cube or Hula Hoop.~~

Let's look at each's role in the Fab Store's success.

*'''Fab Shops''' Fixing and fabricating happen here! You'll find a 3D Scanner, 3D printer, CNC machinery and makers. These are located in light-industrial zoned areas by necessity. One Fab Shop serves many Fab Stores in the same city.

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

=== Fab Stores: Neighborhood Storefronts ===

[[File:Tormach 770M CNC Mill.png|alt=Marketing photo of the Tormach 770M CNC Mill. A large machine with a computer screen on a post.|thumb|An example of a CNC mill for cutting and shaping metal parts. It's one of two CNC machines needed to cover most metal needs. [https://tormach.com/machines/mills.html Image courtesy of Tormarch]]]

Convenient, neighborhood Fab Store locations serve customers where they live- anywhere you might find a 7-Eleven. The retail stores diagnose problems and make common, minor repairs.

The stores have an array of tools and parts on hand, similar to what you'd find in a repair cafe. If the customer's repair requires a fabricated part, it's off to the Fab Shop where the 3D printers are.

Fab Stores also sell unique products, [[The Fab Store#Beyond Repairs: A Small-scale Manufacturing Revolution|manufactured in small quantities]] on Fab Store equipment. These items draw new people into the store and give offer repair customers impulse buying opportunities. The designs for these products are freely available online and one of them might be the next Rubik's Cube or Hula Hoop.

=== Fab Shops: Fabricating Happens Here ===

Fixing, fabricating and manufacturing happen here at the Fab Shops. Here you'll find all the expensive equipment, including a 3D Scanner, 3D printer, CNC machinery and more.

One Fab Shop serves many Fab Stores in the same city. This reduces the cost and headcount required to own and operate all this reasonably expensive equipment.

Fab Shops are located in a separate building by necessity. CNC machines are typically not permitted in commercial zones. Light-industrial zoned areas allow them.

But even if the machines were permitted in a Fab Store by law, here are several reasons why you still shouldn't do it:

* These machines take a lot of space. You'd have to find a building big enough to house both the retail and fabrication sides. This would cost more to lease and limit the locations where you could open a Fab Store

* The machines are noisy and dusty. You don't want to have to yell over the CNC lathe to talk to the customer!

* Fab Stores will have a smaller, repair cafe-style shop on site that will handle most repairs.

== Anatomy of Fab Stores and Shops ==

[[File:Tormach 770M CNC Mill.png|alt=Marketing photo of the Tormach 770M CNC Mill. A large machine with a computer screen on a post.|thumb|An example of a CNC mill for cutting and shaping metal parts. It's one of two CNC machines needed to cover most metal needs. [https://tormach.com/machines/mills.html Image courtesy of Tormarch]]]We've seen the distinction between Fab Stores and Fab Shops. Now let's dive deeper into what goes into each.

===People===

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[[File:Venn Diagram of 3D Printer Materials by Printer Technology.png|alt=Venn diagram showing 3 bubbles. Each bubble represents a different 3D printing technology, which are FDM, SLS and SLA. Inside the bubble is a list of materials each prints can use.|thumb|Which 3D printing can utilize which material. See the accompanying table for details about each printer type's capabilities.]]

====Specialized Parts from High-end 3D Printers====

=== Specialized Parts from High-end 3D Printers ===

Each Fab Store has the following equipment:

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*'''Customers should regularly see Fab Store products in the experience''' The physical stores display products to draw in window shoppers. The online experience should also offer window shopping. The small-scale manufacturing revolution waits. Fab Stores should be a part of it from the beginning.

== Starting Out ==

The vision is a Fab Store everywhere you might find a 7-Eleven, multiple Fab Shops supporting the stores and the Fab Store Network. You first need to get it off the ground, though. Here are some thoughts on starting small and scaling up to the global fabricating repair cafe behemoth it is bound to be!

~~Fab Stores:~~

Online Repairs and Sales

*Are a next-level repair cafe where experts 3D print missing or broken parts

*A retailer selling unique and ~~customizable products manufactured one at a time~~

~~Equipment~~

One Building Does It All

~~Procedures~~

== Obstacles ==

== Conclusion ==

Dump Throwaway Culture

~~They build exactly what you need for you. They always have better equipment, deeper integration and more supplies than you do at home.~~

~~Suggest and advise on variations of original designs. Have a library of customization presets.~~

~~Order online. Pick up at the store or ship.~~

Simply Fab

~~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.~~

~~Repair shops too- building custom parts to replace broken ones~~

What if cost is more than it's worth

~~Fab stores have windows with fun items on display~~

~~Fab stores have repair experts who can look at something and know how to fix it~~

~~3D printers in the store, off-site industrial building for CNC, wood working, anything that involves fumes or noise~~

~~Walk ins or set up an appointment online~~

~~Browse items, services and learn about it online~~

~~Beyond a repair cafe- you're able to fabricate broken parts for things you couldn't otherwise repair~~

~~Picture - rubber gromet on tea cups.~~

~~https://www.thingiverse.com/~~

https://www.3dsourced.com/3d-printers/metal-3d-printer-buyers-guide/

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 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.
+In addition, Fab Stores may finally deliver on the promise of a [[The Fab Store#Beyond Repairs: A Small-scale Manufacturing Revolution|small-scale manufacturing revolution]].
 ==To Repair is Rare==
 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.
+I can't buy a new hinge. I wouldn't know how to install the hinge even if I had one.
 I can't find a practical solution to repairing my item instead of replacing it in cases like these.
@@ Line 39: / Line 39: @@
 The repair expert extracts the broken axle from the toy and scans it with a 3D scanner. The object appears virtually in CAD software, where the expert "repairs" the broken part in the software. Then the expert 3D prints a new axle and installs it in the truck. Your child gets more milage out of their toy and another item is spared from the landfill.
-[[File:3DMakerPro Seal 3D Scanner - Marketing Photo.png|alt=A 3DMakerPro Seal 3D Scanner is shown scanning a small figurine atop a rotating platform.|thumb|3D Scanners, like the 3DMakerPro Seal shown here, capture all the nuances of physical world object down to 0.01 millimeters. [https://store.3dmakerpro.com/products/seal Image courtesy 3DMakerPro].]]
+[[File:3DMakerPro Seal 3D Scanner - Marketing Photo.png|alt=A 3DMakerPro Seal 3D Scanner is shown scanning a small figurine atop a rotating platform.|thumb|3D Scanners, like the 3DMakerPro Seal shown here, capture all the nuances of physical world objects down to 0.01 millimeters. [https://store.3dmakerpro.com/products/seal Image courtesy 3DMakerPro].]]
-==Anatomy of a Fab Store==
+==Fab Shops Power Fab Stores==
-A Fab Store really consists of two buildings:
+A Fab Store really consists of two buildings: Fab Stores and Fab Shops. In short, Fab Stores interact with the customers and Fab Shops fabricate parts. Both make repairs.
-*'''Retail storefronts''' Convenient, neighborhood Fab Store locations serve customers where they live- anywhere you might find a 7-Eleven. The retail stores diagnose problems and make common, minor repairs. They also sell unique products, [[The Fab Store#Beyond Repairs: A Small-scale Manufacturing Revolution|manufactured in small quantities]] on Fab Store equipment, in search of the next Rubik's Cube or Hula Hoop.
+Let's look at each's role in the Fab Store's success.
-*'''Fab Shops''' Fixing and fabricating happen here! You'll find a 3D Scanner, 3D printer, CNC machinery and makers. These are located in light-industrial zoned areas by necessity. One Fab Shop serves many Fab Stores in the same city.
-Let's look into what goes into Fab Stores and Fab Shops.
+=== Fab Stores: Neighborhood Storefronts ===
-[[File:Tormach 770M CNC Mill.png|alt=Marketing photo of the Tormach 770M CNC Mill. A large machine with a computer screen on a post.|thumb|An example of a CNC mill for cutting and shaping metal parts. It's one of two CNC machines needed to cover most metal needs. [https://tormach.com/machines/mills.html Image courtesy of Tormarch]]]
+Convenient, neighborhood Fab Store locations serve customers where they live- anywhere you might find a 7-Eleven. The retail stores diagnose problems and make common, minor repairs.
+The stores have an array of tools and parts on hand, similar to what you'd find in a repair cafe. If the customer's repair requires a fabricated part, it's off to the Fab Shop where the 3D printers are.
+Fab Stores also sell unique products, [[The Fab Store#Beyond Repairs: A Small-scale Manufacturing Revolution|manufactured in small quantities]] on Fab Store equipment. These items draw new people into the store and give offer repair customers impulse buying opportunities. The designs for these products are freely available online and one of them might be the next Rubik's Cube or Hula Hoop.
+=== Fab Shops: Fabricating Happens Here ===
+Fixing, fabricating and manufacturing happen here at the Fab Shops. Here you'll find all the expensive equipment, including a 3D Scanner, 3D printer, CNC machinery and more.
+One Fab Shop serves many Fab Stores in the same city. This reduces the cost and headcount required to own and operate all this reasonably expensive equipment.
+Fab Shops are located in a separate building by necessity. CNC machines are typically not permitted in commercial zones. Light-industrial zoned areas allow them.
+But even if the machines were permitted in a Fab Store by law, here are several reasons why you still shouldn't do it:
+* These machines take a lot of space. You'd have to find a building big enough to house both the retail and fabrication sides. This would cost more to lease and limit the locations where you could open a Fab Store
+* The machines are noisy and dusty. You don't want to have to yell over the CNC lathe to talk to the customer!
+* Fab Stores will have a smaller, repair cafe-style shop on site that will handle most repairs.
+== Anatomy of Fab Stores and Shops ==
+[[File:Tormach 770M CNC Mill.png|alt=Marketing photo of the Tormach 770M CNC Mill. A large machine with a computer screen on a post.|thumb|An example of a CNC mill for cutting and shaping metal parts. It's one of two CNC machines needed to cover most metal needs. [https://tormach.com/machines/mills.html Image courtesy of Tormarch]]]We've seen the distinction between Fab Stores and Fab Shops. Now let's dive deeper into what goes into each.
 ===People===
@@ Line 141: / Line 160: @@
 [[File:Venn Diagram of 3D Printer Materials by Printer Technology.png|alt=Venn diagram showing 3 bubbles. Each bubble represents a different 3D printing technology, which are FDM, SLS and SLA. Inside the bubble is a list of materials each prints can use.|thumb|Which 3D printing can utilize which material. See the accompanying table for details about each printer type's capabilities.]]
-====Specialized Parts from High-end 3D Printers====
+=== Specialized Parts from High-end 3D Printers ===
 Each Fab Store has the following equipment:
@@ Line 303: / Line 323: @@
 *'''Customers should regularly see Fab Store products in the experience''' The physical stores display products to draw in window shoppers. The online experience should also offer window shopping. The small-scale manufacturing revolution waits. Fab Stores should be a part of it from the beginning.
+== Starting Out ==
+The vision is a Fab Store everywhere you might find a 7-Eleven, multiple Fab Shops supporting the stores and the Fab Store Network. You first need to get it off the ground, though. Here are some thoughts on starting small and scaling up to the global fabricating repair cafe behemoth it is bound to be!
-Fab Stores:
+Online Repairs and Sales
-*Are a next-level repair cafe where experts 3D print missing or broken parts
-*A retailer selling unique and customizable products manufactured one at a time
-Equipment
+One Building Does It All
-Procedures
+== Obstacles ==
+== Conclusion ==
 Dump Throwaway Culture
-They build exactly what you need for you. They always have better equipment, deeper integration and more supplies than you do at home.
-Suggest and advise on variations of original designs. Have a library of customization presets.
-Order online. Pick up at the store or ship.
 Simply Fab
-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.
-Repair shops too- building custom parts to replace broken ones
 What if cost is more than it's worth
-Fab stores have windows with fun items on display
-Fab stores have repair experts who can look at something and know how to fix it
-D printers in the store, off-site industrial building for CNC, wood working, anything that involves fumes or noise
-Walk ins or set up an appointment online
-Browse items, services and learn about it online
-Beyond a repair cafe- you're able to fabricate broken parts for things you couldn't otherwise repair
-Picture - rubber gromet on tea cups.
-https://www.thingiverse.com/
 https://www.3dsourced.com/3d-printers/metal-3d-printer-buyers-guide/