Proposal

Narrative

Create a Fab Lab (Maker Space) open to ALL 30,000 FAU University students to model, design and, most importantly, create physical models of their ideas. The College of Engineering and Computer Science has started an ambitious project to create a 3,000 square foot Fabrication Laboratory in the Engineering East building room 101. The Fab Lab will be available to transform ideas into physical objects, whether it is for school projects or just personal interest to the students. The mission of the Fab Lab is to provide access to the tools and knowledge to educate, innovate and invent. This Fab Lab will provide the opportunity to express your creativity while learning fabrication techniques. The Fab Lab Network is an open creative community of fabricators, artists, scientists, engineers, educators, students, amateurs and professionals located in more than 100 countries and 1,750 Fab Labs across the globe. The Fab Lab community is simultaneously a manufacturing network, a distributed technical education campus, and a distributed research laboratory working to digitize fabrication, inventing the next generation of manufacturing and personal fabrication. http://fablab.org https://www.fabfoundation.org

Facilities

Approximately 3,000 square feet of College of Engineering and Computer Science space has already be approved and set aside for this project. All facility upgrades and changes are to be paid from separate funding (not Tech Fee).

Hardware Requirements

To join the international Fab Lab organization, there are recommended list of capabilities and vendors. An abbreviated list for our proposed lab includes: Laser cutter/marker 3D printers Wood working equipment (CNC router and saws) Desktop CNC milling (for non-ferrous metals and circuit boards) Electronic workshops (testing equipment, soldering) Vinyl Cutter, Heat transfer press, sewing/embroidery machines 3D design computers Workstations and tools to assemble projects Large format printers and plotters Inspection tools and equipment (surface profiler, calipers, 3D scanner, etc.) Video conferencing to connect with other Fab Labs throughout the world Supplies and materials to run the equipment and create projects The list in the attached spreadsheet is a suggestion/recommendation of what can be purchased. Technology improvements, pricing and availability change daily. The exact models, quantities and functions will be determined by the total available funds, supplier negotiated pricing, power available, and space allocated to each function. Other tools, parts, modules and supplies to support this project that are not specifically listed in the spreadsheet will also be considered. All equipment and supplies purchased will be properly vetted and pricing negotiated with the suppliers to provide the maximum benefit to the university students at the lowest cost. The selection and negotiations will begin as soon as the funding amount available is known.

Software Requirements

Specific software to run the equipment is supplied with the purchase of the equipment. CoECS has licenses for some engineering software that can be utilized. The Fab Lab organization has a list of open source software and freeware that are typically used to share projects worldwide. http://academy.cba.mit.edu/classes

Personnel Costs

Any personnel assignments to oversee the Fabrication Laboratory will be funded outside of Tech Fee funds. A Fab Lab club will be encouraged to have students teach students the best way to utilize the equipment. Club members can be from any college at FAU and will acquire invaluable knowledge of fabrication they can use in the years to come.

Other Costs

Costs for new flooring, furniture, and any necessary safety upgrades will come from other funding sources outside of Tech Fee funding.

Timeline

The background work has already begun with the approval of the space usage and FAU construction space layouts. Implementation of the Fabrication Laboratory can be started at any time. All equipment can be ordered along with the furniture to support it once the funds are available.

Sustainability

The College of Engineering and Computer Science has funds identified over the next 10 year to help cover the cost of operation of the Fab Lab.

Resource Matching

The CoECS has identified funds exceeding the amount requested for equipping the Fab Lab. These funds will go toward facility upgrades of the area as well as additional equipment not covered in this request.

Implementing Organization

The College of Engineering and Computer Science will work with its Technology Service Group to set up the equipment, and FAU Design and Construction Services to renovate the area for the Fab Lab. Costs of renovation to be paid from funds other than Tech Fee.