FabLab

FabLab at the SWC

Highly advanced, groundbreaking research requires new scientific approaches underpinned by specialist and unique instrumentation to acquire data and control processes. The SWC FabLab supports and accelerate innovative scientific research through the design, development and deployment of new research instruments. The FabLab provide multi-disciplinary engineering expertise, enabling assessment of scientific and technical requirements, proposal and development of engineered solutions.

The dynamic needs of science requires the ability to rapidly design, build and enhance designs as the research evolves.  To support such iterative development, a high level of investment in the FabLab facilities has equipped them with state-of-the-art design and manufacturing technologies for the rapid prototyping of electronic, 3D printed and precision machined parts. The combined facilities support scientific exploration far beyond what could be achieved through dependence on commercially available solutions.  The Fablab teams, headed by highly skilled and experienced design and fabrication engineers, additionally facilitate a highly-functional and multidisciplinary 24/7 MakerSpace enabling scientists at all career levels to freely and creatively experiment and prototype ideas.

Pursuing scientific discovery without boundaries requires continuous development of new technologies, the FabLab supports this process through the synergy of imaginative science and creative engineering.

FabLab Facilities

The FabLab consist of two teams:

1. Advanced Manufacturing FabLab
2. Innovation and Research FabLab

Both teams are multi-specialists in design and manufacturing techniques for processes such as 3D printing, laser cutting and system integration. Specialised disciplines such as electronics development and precision machining are managed by the IRFL and AMFL teams respectively. Both teams utilise standardised digital manufacturing work flows from concept through to the final product. The standardised design software also enables scientists to participate and produce designs suitable for direct manufacture.