Gateway is a member of the United States Fab Lab Network, http://usfln.org
What is a Fab Lab?
The Industrial Design Fab Lab is a work space containing a variety of computer controlled tools that allow for the manufacture of nearly anything an individual can conceive. The concept was developed at MIT as a way to spur innovation. Read the charter here.
What makes Gateway unique?
Here at Gateway a student or industry professional has the opportunity to conceptualize and design a product using 3D design software in the Mechnanical Design Classroom working with programs such as Solidworks, print a prototype next door in the Fab Lab and then if it is a success, have access to the flexible manufacturing lab where it can be created to scale.
Equipment
Roland GX-24 Vinyl Cutter – This is a plotter that uses a knife instead of a pen. It is capable of either cutting or scoring a variety of materials with precise accuracy to create designs, signage, packaging, and assist in model building.
Roland MDX-40A Milling Machine – This small 4 axis milling machine allows users to quickly build high quality product prototypes. This machine supports G code and NC programming.
Roland 3D Scanner – Using a laser, an object is scanned to exact tolerances and that data is converted into a file that we can use in our SolidWorks CAD software. Allowing for reverse engineering or adding unique shapes to your design.
Epilog Helix Laser/Engraver – Cutting and engraving to an accuracy of 5/1000’s of an inch, the laser can be used to create complex engravings or cut highly detailed pieces for models or other projects.
Objet 3D Printer – Using a process called additive manufacturing, layers of resin are added layer by layer to create a full 3 dimensional prototype directly from 3D CAD software like SolidWorks.
Equipment in the Industrial Design Fab Lab was made possible in part under award 06-79-05547 from the Economic Development Administration EDA, U.S. Department of Commerce.
