Fab Lab expanding across Devon
The UK’s first Fab Lab, based at the newly refurbished Exeter Library, has proven such a hit that it is expanding its service in Devon.
Devon County Council opened the Fab Lab, or fabrication laboratory, in May this year as part of the multi million pound revamp of the library.
Plans are now in place to expand the service, with Totnes being the first area to benefit through a partnership with King Edward VI Community College.
The Fab Lab provides a low-cost digital workshop equipped with the latest laser-cutters, 3D printers and scanners, Computer Numerical Control (computer controlled) router, 3D milling machines, electronics bench and programming and design tools, where users can “make almost anything”.
The partnership with the Design and Technology Faculty at King Edward VI Community College will mean that this service can be extended to Totnes later this year – giving local people and businesses access to cutting edge technologies and workshop facilities.
The equipment enables users to develop or refine a product or object from first idea to a formed and working prototype.
Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, said: “Fab Labs are centres of inspiration and development acting as a ‘hot house’ for ideas and explorations. They aim to develop communities as innovators and creators and not as consumers, developing solutions through collaboration. It’s a really innovative scheme and I’m pleased that we can extend this to another part of the county, with the long term aim of a network across Devon.”
Councillor Robert Vint, Devon County Councillor for Totnes Rural, said: “I'm delighted that this project will enable KEVICC students to be involved with the cutting edge of new technology.”
David Irish, Head of Design and Technology at KEVICC, said: "We're proud to be part of this expanding project in Devon and working in partnership with Devon County Council. At KEVICC we're keen to work with our local community and to help local businesses realise their ambitions with the help of this exciting project."
There are now over 200 Fab Labs linked to one another around the world, open to local inventors, artists, small businesses, and entrepreneurs.
The Fab Lab Devon project is being supported via grant aid from NESTA (National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts) and RIO (Real Ideas Organisation) and RGN (Rural Growth Network).
The type of courses, activities and support which will be offered as part of Fab Lab Totnes will be shaped by an initial consultation meeting with the community on Tuesday 7 October at 6pm in the Dining Room at the King Edward VI Community College.
If you would like to attend this event, please book your place by visiting www.fablabdevon.org/events-workshops or follow this link: http://bit.ly/FabLabEB
