Fab Lab Planning Guide - Allegheny Educational Systems

Transcript

Fab Lab Planning Guide DDM - Direct Digital Manufacturing with 3-D Printers, Scanners, CNC Routers, Plasma Cutters and Laser Engravers Pricing Available 800-232-7600 1425 Freeport Road • Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania 15065 • www.alleghenyedusys.com Contact Us: About US: Allegheny Educational Systems Today’s teaching and learning tools have expanded well beyond the blackboard. From interactive multimedia to project-based learning, technology is enabling educators to offer dynamic teaching materials, devote more time to classroom discussion, and provide valuable hands-on learning for students. 1425 Freeport Road Natrona Heights, PA 15065 p. 800-232-7600 p. 724-230-2400 f. 724-230-2406 Western PA Dan Walters p. 800-232-7600 c. 724-448-2686 [email protected] Philadelphia and Southeastern PA John Walters p. 800-232-7600 c. 215-620-9129 [email protected] Northern NJ and Central New York and PA Gary Lavieri p. 800-232-7600 c. 570-401-2389 [email protected] Founded in 1979, Allegeheny Educational Systems provides innovation, technology-based educational systems and professional resources to more than 2,000 schools, college, and universities throughout Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. As one of the most highly respected education service providers in the industry, Allegheny Educational Systems offers complete turnkey solutions for new construction or renovated education labs, as well as customized technical equipment training. Allegheny Educational Systems takes a multidisciplinary approach to technical education solutions to ensure ideal learning environments that provide integrated math, science, technology, and hands-on problem solving for students at all education levels. Through our network of more than 30 manufacturing partners, Allegheny Educational Systems provides the most up-to-date coursework, laboratory equipment, training, and customer service in a wide range of technical education programs for K-12 through post-secondary education. Southern New Jersey and Southeastern PA John Dohoney p. 610-269-7753 c. 610-368-4125 [email protected] Western and Upstate New York Robert Link c. 713-553-3562 [email protected] 1 www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600 TABLE OF CONTENTS About Allegheny Educational Systems 1 Visualize zSpace Immersive Learning 3 Design 3D/2D CAD Design Programs Solidworks Draftsight 4 CAD/CAM/CNC Programs 5 Mastercam Design Programs 6 Roland SRP Player CorelDRAW Graphics Suite Additive Manufacturing Desktop 3D Printers 7 MakerBot uPrint SE and SE Plus Mojo Full Size 3D Printers 9 Dimension 1200es and Elite 3D Production Systems 10 Fortus 3D Production Systems High Precision 3D Printers 11 Solidscape 3D Scanners eScan 3D Digital/Optix 12 Subtractive Manufacturing Laser Engravers 13 Epilog Laser Engravers/Cutters Desktop Milling Machines 14 Roland Modela Series Vinyl Cutters 15 Roland GX Series and STIKA Cutters Plasma Cutters 16 APC Series and EZMachine Large Format CNC Routers 17 EZ Router CNC and Scorpion Tabletop CNC Routers 18 EZ Router Flex, EZ Router Mini, and EZ Squared Techno CNC Routers 19 APC Series and EZMachine What is a Fab Lab? 20 The Allegheny Educational Systems Difference 22 2 www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600 zSpace, Inc. is a leading-edge technology provider that is shaping the future of human-computer interaction through its flagship product, zSpace®. zSpace is an integrated hardware and software platform for developing 3D applications that allows users to visualize, create and experience in ways not previously possible. Accelerate the design and development processes through 3D visualization. zSpace provides an immersive environment to visualize objects with realism in stereoscopic 3D. The richness of the zSpace platform fully engages the senses, providing breath-taking, interactive graphics and an unsurpassed, highly visceral experience. • Stunningly realistic visual environment with full color and high resolution • Virtually-holographic images appear “solid” in open space, as if they are real physical objects • Direct and natural interaction enables users to navigate, manipulate and explore 3D models as never before possible 3 www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600 3D/2D CAD Design Programs SolidWorks offers the best suite of tools for engineering design, documentation, simulation, and sustainable design in one easyto-learn software package. Certification and experience with Solidworks is an in demand skill. Making 3D designs that can be exported to a 3D printer, gives students a glimpse into taking a product from design to testing. In today’s competitive job market, CAD professionals need every advantage they can get, and the SolidWorks Certification Program gives your students a proven edge. Solidworks offers a host of resources for education and a Solidworks Certification course that can help get your students into careers. Solidworks offers tutorials and specialized curriculum for educators (Including: robotics, STEM, medical, machinery, F1, Formula SAE, and a host of other topics!). SolidWorks® Education Edition includes: • SolidWorks® Premium Software • SolidWorks® Simulation Premium • SolidWorks® Motion • SolidWorks® Flow Simulation • Complete Curriculum, including a Teacher Guide and Student Guides, that makes teaching easier at every level. • Extensive interactive Courseware projects • Access to our online educational community, plus our library of articles, tutorials, product resources, and more. DraftSight is a professional-grade, open 2D CAD product for users who want a better way to create, edit, and view DWG files. Based on an advanced architecture, DraftSight has a small footprint, should take less than a few minutes to install, and runs on multiple operating systems. Included with The DraftSight Premium for Education Classroom Pack (45 licenses) and Campus Pack (200 licenses) is access to the DraftSight Community. The community is a collaborative, design focused online CAD environment where users can learn, interact, and support each other. The community offers an abundance of learning resources including online training videos, tutorials, curriculums, and more! The DraftSight Premium for Education Pack includes: • Telephone and email support • Access to DraftSight’s API’s • Comprehensive curriculum • All of the online training materials offered through the DraftSight SwYm Community www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600 Ideal for Students: • Web access to download DraftSight free* at home and in their dorm • All of the online training materials offered through the DraftSight SwYm Community • Free access to upgrades * Standalone License. Activation Required 4 CAD/CAM Programs Mastercam delivers CAD/CAM software tools for all types of programming, from the most basic to the extremely complex. 2-axis machining, multiaxis milling and turning, wire EDM, router applications, free-form artistic modeling and cutting, 3D design, drafting, surface and solid modeling – whatever your machining needs, there is a Mastercam product for your budget and application. There are more curricula available for Mastercam than any other CAM system. Our Educational Division continually provides exceptional teacher training and educator support. We have years of experience in the educational market and that helps us understand the specific needs of our instructors, schools, and students. Since Mastercam is the most widely used CAM software in the world, our products are industry proven. Mastercam has been designed for any level of skill or machining. From middle school exploratory classes to a university research lab making complex molds, Mastercam provides the tools to fit the application. Teaching MasterCam with QuickPart CAD/CAM can be challenging to learn, and even more challenging to teach. Mastercam QuickPart gives students a fast, easy way to design and cut parts while learning the principles of CAD/CAM, and having fun doing it. Mastercam QuickPart is easy to use, and provides a path for instant success. QuickPart takes a student step-by-step through a basic CAD/CAM application. It uses Mastercam functionality to let a student first design a part, and then create toolpaths to cut the part. From material selection, to stock size, to tool selection, a student will learn the methods involved in manufacturing with state-of-the-art CAM software. QuickPart guides students through the process of creating simple parts by presenting them with one concept per screen. When students are able to cut parts they designed shortly after being introduced to Mastercam, they are encouraged by their progress and eager to learn more. Extensive instructor controls allow instructors to configure the program to match their students’ needs and available resources. In addition, each QuickPart project can generate a printable detailed setup sheet showing toolpath, stock size, selected tool, and more that instructors can review before running the CNC machine. 5 www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600 Design Programs Roland SRP Player Roland SRP Player is ideal for all rapid prototyping and custom rapid manufacturing applications. The CAM software simplifies the production process and generates tool paths that turn out parts with smooth surfaces and accurate, fit-tight precision. • Optimum tool paths for each application for surface or polygon data • Produces flawless shapes with smooth, accurate curves • Extends the lifespan of tools by reducing their load • Cuts only desired sections, producing shapes with maximum efficiency • Detailed parameter settings ensure professional precision and quality • Easy-to-use, intuitive operation • Compatible with all Roland MDX Series milling devices CorelDraw Graphics Suite Embrace the design power of CorelDRAW® Graphics Suite X6, offering you content-rich images and fonts, professional graphic design tools, photo-editing capabilities and website design software. Plus, the enhanced speed of 64-bit support allows you to quickly process larger files and images. Give your projects a high-quality look with over 1,000 premium fonts, 1,000 professional, high-resolution digital photos, 10,000 versatile clipart and 350 professional templates. Efficiently organize your design assets with Corel® CONNECT™ X6, a content finder that instantly locates content on your computer, local network and websites. www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600 6 Desktop 3D Printers World-class additive manufacturing at 100-micron layer resolution. Highresolution is now a standard feature. · Discover what it’s like to make true-to-life, high-resolution models and things. · Make surfaces so smooth they don’t need sanding or post-production. · Hold real-life objects that feel good to the touch. · Create professional-quality, realistic products. Designed and optimized for MakerBot PLA Filament [renewable bioplastic]. 7 · Rely on builds that stick to the platform; practically no peeling, curling, or sliding. · Build big with dimensional stability. · Expand your creative palette with a whole new range of matte, translucent, shimmery, metallic, and sparkly colors. · Super strong, great for moving parts and complex assemblies. · Ready to print in less than two minutes. · Minimal shrinkage factor means smooth builds with no cracks. · 32% energy savings versus building with ABS Filament. · Make things that feel great to the touch. · Design accurately; get what MakerBot MakerWare is designed for the ultimate Replicator 2 experience. A fast machine needs even faster software. · Prepare models for printing up to 20 times faster with the new MakerBot slicing engine. · Drag and drop multiple models right onto the virtual build space, and then make them all at once. · Now supports .stl and .obj files from all leading design software. · New .thing file format saves multi part projects in one file. · Friendly interface has intuitive icons and controls. · Compatible across Mac/Linux/Windows. www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600 Desktop 3D Printers The Idea Series ® Available with a PEPPM PA State Contract The uPrint SE and uPrint SE Plus 3D printers allow you to print professional-grade 3D models right at your desk. With the uPrint SE and uPrint SE Plus 3D printers, you can build accurate, functional concept models, rapid prototypes and product mockups in ABSplus thermoplastic. The uPrint series is one of our most successful 3D printer choices for in-class use. With the basic uPrint SE 3D Print Pack you get everything you need to start printing concept models right away. The whole package includes: • uPrint SE 3D Printer • WaveWash Support Cleaning System • Start-up Kit (Ivory build material, support material, EcoWorks Cleaning Agent, modeling bases and more) uPrint series features: • Network connectivity • Desktop size • uPrint Print Pack comes with uPrint 3D printer, WaveWash cleaning system, and Start up kit with everything you need to start printing that day uPrint SE: • Build Size: 8 x 6 x 6 in • Print Material: ivory ABSplus uPrint SEplus: • Build Size: 8 x 8 x 6 in • Print Material: ABSplus available in ivory, white, blue, yellow, black, red, gray, orange, or olive green ® Available with a PEPPM PA State Contract The Mojo 3D Printer allows you to print professional 3D models right at your desk. It has the easiest setup and operation in the industry. The Mojo 3D Printer builds accurate functional concept models, rapid prototypes, and product mockups in ivory ABSplus thermoplastic. With every material change, the Mojo Print Engine installs a fresh print head to ensure optimum print quality. The snap-in print head is also easy to use and fast to change. The Mojo 3D Printer uses soluble support material so that the material dissolves away in a water-based solution. You just pop your completed model off the modeling base and place it in the wash system. www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600 Mojo features: • Build Size: 5 x 5 x 5 in • Print Material:ivory ABSplus • USB connectivity • Mojo 3D Print Pack includes the Mojo 3D printer, software, WaveWash 55 cleaning system, and all materials you need to start printing that day 8 Full Size 3D Printers The Design Series Multiple 3D printers. One ideal solution for any application. The Stratasys Design Series offers two distinct categories of prototyping solutions, depending on your exact needs: Precision Prototyping and Performance Prototyping Solutions Whether you are looking for the best in product realism or unsurpassed durability to withstand rigorous testing, the Design Series has a 3D printer that is right for you. About our technologies... Our Objet® 3D Printers employ patented PolyJet® technology, which works by jetting state-of-the-art photopolymer materials in ultra-thin layers onto a build tray - layer by layer - until the highquality prototype is completed Our proven Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM Technology®) is the foundation for the Dimension® 3D Printers. Two materials (one for models, one for support) are heated in an extrusion head and deposited in thin layers on a modeling base. The model is precisely built, layer upon layer. 9 www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600 ® Available with a PEPPM PA State Contract 3D Production Systems The Production Series Fortus 3D Production Systems produce accurate, durable prototypes and production-grade parts using high-performance thermoplastics. Each of our digital manufacturing solutions offers: • Sophisticated software and technology • Production-grade materials • Large build capacity • Fast, accurate and repeatable parts Only Fortus FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) Technology combines tough, production-grade thermoplastic materials with state-of-the-art hardware and software. Compared to other additive manufacturing systems, Fortus offers unprecedented versatility and capabilities. Fortus 3D Production Systems use powerful Insight Software to turn CAD files into accurate, stable and durable prototypes, workholding tools or end-use parts. This advanced software automatically generates support structures and build paths. With Fortus digital manufacturing, you can create parts that are up to 300% stronger than those made with other 3D printers, even when using the same materials. www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600 10 High Precision 3D Printers High Precision 3D Printers Solidscape®, Inc. manufactures 3D printers that are used to produce small, high-precision models from industry standard CAD files (.STL). Universities, colleges and educational institutes of all sizes throughout the world use Solidscape systems in their classrooms for 3D printing applications. Currently Solidscape has 3D printers installed in 65 different countries. Over the years Solidscape has had the honor of seeing our products used in prestigious organizations. Applications have included research and development in medical/orthopedic, bio-technology, nano-fluidics and marine science. Other installations have involved more classical engineering design curriculums supporting areas such as electronics, aerospace and general industrial design. Solidscape supports and encourages studies in the arts, as well as the sciences. Solidscape has held a position of recognition as a top contributor in the advancement of the area of digital design and manufacturing of jewelry as well as digital dental restorations. Models printed on Solidscape machines have typically been used as master patterns for lost wax investment casting or rubber molding with secondary processes to allow injection of alternative materials. As a result, our technology has been instrumental in classical rapid prototyping, rapid tooling and rapid manufacturing. Our strongest niche has been precision investment casting. Because Solidscape offers extremely unique technical operating performance specifications, professors and administrators have been very successful in obtaining grant approvals and sole source justification. 11 www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600 3D Scanners The NEW eScan 3D Scanning made simple! 3D Digital Corp., the leader in 3D scanning technology, has pioneered a reverse-engineering solution that’s affordable and complete. It’s called eScan, and we designed it based on field research and extensive customer feedback. Our customers let us know they needed a total solutions package—not just a scanning device. With eScan we’ve delivered it. Here’s what you get with this new reverse-engineering system: • Affordability—it’s priced at just $7,795 • Versatility—uniquely able to scan large, medium and small sized objects • Phone tech support with live operators—not email-only like other vendors • Additional on-line training available • Measurements that are accurate and repeat reliably—click Specifications • Portable, easy to use • Dependable under industrial field conditions • Works indoors or outdoors, under all lighting conditions 3D Digital’s line of 3D Scanners, including the Optix and eScan, series is now in its third generation. www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600 12 Laser Engraver Machines Laser Engravers/Cutters Laser Engravers/Cutters are the ideal tool for engraving and cutting a wide variety of materials. Use a laser to create a wide variety of products in many different industrial applications. Epilog Zing 16: Entry-level model combining affordability with a convenient small size and 16” x 12” engraving and cutting area. Epilog Zing 24: Move up to the Epilog Zing 24 for a larger 24” x 12” work area and Radiance High Definition Optics. Epilog Mini 18 and 24: Epilog Mini 18 is an entry-level model providing a 18” x 12” work area. Though it’s more compact, the engraving and cutting results is the same high quality as the large format lasers. Move up to the Epilog Mini 24 for a larger 24” x 12” work area that holds most standard engraving stock materials. Epilog Helix 24: The Helix 24 features a larger 24” x 18” work area and a 8.5” z-stroke which allows for engraving large/tall items. Fusion Laser System The Fusion Laser by Epilog is loaded with some of the most unique features we’ve ever put into a laser system. - Laser Dashboard™ Driver - Motorized Table - 3d Engraving Mode and much more! Ask us for details. ® Available with a PEPPM PA State Contract 13 www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600 Desktop Milling Machines The MDX-40A bench top CNC mill combines the advanced capabilities of a Subtractive Rapid Prototyping® (SRP) system with the ease of use of a milling machine to provide product engineers and designers with one powerful, yet affordable, 3D milling device. Offered at less than half the cost of additive systems, MDX-40 milling machines make it possible to affordably produce highly accurate prototypes from a wide variety of non-proprietary materials with greater precision and excellent surface finish. And, unlike other CNC mills and engraving machines used for rapid prototyping, the MDX-40A’s compact design is the perfect fit for any lab or classroom space. The optional ZCL-40A rotary axis unit automatically positions parts for unattended 360-degree modeling. Optional contact scanning unit digitalizes physical parts for use in reverse engineering, product design, woodworking, archiving, and more. The new MDX-540 features numerous upgrades including a more rugged body design, faster arithmetic processing, improved smoothing functions, a streamlined worktable and more. Nearly every part and feature has been upgraded for superior all-around performance. Curved and rounded surfaces are smoother than ever for flawless finishes every time. The MDX-540 features a combination of Digital AC Servo motors and Feed Forward Processing (DAC-FFP) commonly used in larger, more expensive NC machines. This advanced technology ensures optimum torque and speed throughout the production process for powerful, high-speed milling. Designed from the ground up for ease of use, the MDX-540 features a handy control panel that simplifies the setup and production processes by strategically grouping the most commonly used settings. Using a jog-dial, you can quickly and easily reposition tools and adjust spindle speeds without interrupting the milling process. 14 www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600 Vinyl Cutters Roland Vinyl Cutters Roland vinyl cutters produce crisp, eye-catching graphics with speed and precision. Applications include vehicle graphics, signs, decals, labels, stencils, pinstriping, and paint protection film and logos. Pro GX-640 Vinyl Cutter • 64” wide • Fits 72”, cuts 65” • Materials: Vinyl, paint mask, reflective vinyl, twill, heat transfer, and sandblast • USB connectivity • Three-year warranty GX Pro Series Vinyl Cutters • 30”, 40” and 50” widths • Roland CutStudio software • Quadralign crop mark registration • Materials: Vinyl, paint mask, reflective vinyl, twill, heat transfer, and sandblast • Three-year warranty GX-24 Servo Desktop Vinyl Cutter • 24” width • Materials: Vinyl, paint mask, reflective vinyl, twill, heat transfer, and sandblast • One-year warranty STIKA Desktop Vinyl Cutters • 8.5”, 12” and 15” widths • Materials: Vinyl, paint mask, reflective vinyl, twill, heat transfer, and etching materials • One-year warranty 15 www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600 Large Format CNC Plasma Cutters The APC Series The APC series of stepper-based CNC Plasma Cutters offers a wide selection of sizes and torch options to ensure you have the best fit to your program’s needs. Available in five sizes: 2’ x 2’, 2’ x 4’, 4’ x 4’, 4’ x 8’ and 5’ x 10’. All systems come standard with a 40amp Thermal Dynamics or Hypertherm plasma torch (customer’s choice). Also included is a stand with 4” deep waterbed, automatic torch height control, Mach 3 control, PC controller, SheetCAM software and a CD with DXF images to help get you started with your classroom projects. Upgrades to larger more powerful plasma torches are available. The EZ-Plasma Green Machine The ez-Plasma Green Machine line of stepper-based CNC Plasma Cutters provides you with a heavy-duty steel stand with blow-through bed for those larger/heavier projects. Available in five sizes: 4’ x 4’, 4’ x 8’, 5’ x 5’, 5’ x 10’ and 5’ x 12’. All systems come standard with a 40amp Thermal Dynamics or Hypertherm plasma torch (customer’s choice). Also included is a breakaway torch mount, automatic torch height control, Mach 3 control, PC controller, SheetCAM software and a CD with DXF images. 4” and 12” waterbeds, larger more powerful plasma torches and an oxy fuel torch attachment are available as upgrades. 16 www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600 Large Format CNC Routers EZ Router CNC Similar to the smaller ez Router Mini machines, the ez Router CNC routers are the full sized stepper-based counterparts available in six sizes: 4’ x 4’, 4’ x 8’, 5’x 5’, 5’ x 10’, 5’ x 12’ and 6’ x 12’. These machines are perfect for any wood shop or fabrication lab requiring a reliable machine with larger travel. All systems ship complete with 3.25HP Porter-Cable spindle, aluminum extrusion bed, automatic Z-setter plate, aluminum dust foot, welded steel frame/stand, echain cable protection system, router bit/collet starter kit, Mach 3 control, PC controller and Vcarve Pro software. Optional HSD spindles, ATC, servo motor upgrade, vacuum tables and 4th axis rotary are available. Scorpion The Scorpion systems are servo-based CNC routers for the most demanding applications. Available in five sizes: 4’ x 4’, 4’ x 8’, 5’ x 5’, 5’ x 10’ and 5’ x 12. These systems include a fully enclosed base, 4.1HP HSD spindle, t-slot vacuum table, regenerative vacuum pump, automatic Z-setter plate, aluminum dust foot, e-chain cable protection system, router bit/collet starter kit, Mach 3 control, PC controller and Vcarve Pro software. Larger HSD spindles, ATC, different vacuum pumps, and 4th axis rotary are also available. 17 www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600 Tabletop CNC Routers EZ Flex The ez Flex systems are small tabletop stepper-based machines designed for routing basic projects in woods and plastics. Available to two sizes: 12” x 24” and 24” x 24”. All systems ship complete with RotoZip spindle, aluminum extrusion bed, automatic Z-setter plate, Mach 3 control, PC controller and Vcarve Pro software. EZ Router Mini The ez Router Mini systems are larger tabletop stepper-based machines. Available in three sizes: 30” x 30”, 30” x 48” and 40” x 40”. A more powerful 3.25HP Porter-Cable spindle and larger travel make these some of the most capable tabletop CNC Routers on the market. All systems ship complete with 3.25HP Porter-Cable spindle, aluminum extrusion bed (optional MDF bed pictured), automatic Z-setter plate, aluminum dust foot, router bit/collet starter kit, Mach3 control, PC controller and Vcarve Pro software. Optional stand, HSD spindles, servo motor upgrade, vacuum tables and 4th axis rotary are available. Coming Soon! The ezSquared fully enclosed CNC Router System Please contact us for details. 18 www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600 Techno CNC Routers Benchtop BT12112 • Precision Ball Screws on all three axes • 800 Watt (1 HP) Kress variable speed spindle 8,000-24,000 RPM • Brushless micro stepper motor control system • Aluminum t-slot table HD Mini • 2’ x 3’ Process area • Precision Ball Screws on all three axes • 2 HP HSD high frequency collet spindle • Brushless micro stepper motors and controls • Aluminum t-slot table for easy part fixturing • Automatic tool calibration pad HD Series • 4’ x 4’, 4’ x 8’ and 5’ x 10’ Stock sizes (Special sizes available upon request.) • 4 HP HSD high-frequency collet spindle • Maintenance free high precision brushless stepper drive motors • Automatic Tool Calibration easy and accurate “Z” zero position for single and multiple tool changes HDS Series • 12 HP HSD automatic tool changer spindle • Maintenance free brushless AC servo motors and drives • 4-Zone vacuum t-slot table • Pneumatic material placement stops • Hand-held pulse generator with rotary hand wheel controls the axis selected PC with flat screen monitor, keyboard and mouse Venture • Key features are a 12 HP HSD high frequency automatic tool changer • pneumatically retractable vacuum hood • multi-zone vacuum t-slot table • precision helical rack-n-pinion on the X and Y axes with a ballscrew Z axis drive • PC based Osai industrial CNC controller with easy to use system interface 19 www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600 What is a Fab Lab? Fab labs have spread from inner-city Boston to rural India, from South Africa to the North of Norway. Activities in fab labs range from technological empowerment to peer-to-peer project-based technical training to local problem-solving to small-scale high-tech business incubation to grass-roots research. Projects being developed and produced in fab labs include solar and wind-powered turbines, thin-client computers and wireless data networks, analytical instrumentation for agriculture and healthcare, custom housing, and rapid-prototyping of rapid-prototyping machines. Fab labs share core capabilities, so that people and projects can be shared across them. This currently includes: • A computer-controlled lasercutter, for press-fit assembly of 3D structures from 2D parts • A larger (4’x8’) numerically-controlled milling machine, for making furniture- (and house-) sized parts • A signcutter, to produce printing masks, flexible circuits, and antennas • A precision (micron resolution) milling machine to make three-dimensional molds and surface-mount circuit boards • Programming tools for low-cost high-speed embedded processors These work with components and materials optimized for use in the field, and are controlled with custom software for integrated design, manufacturing, and project management. http://fab.cba.mit.edu What can a Fab Lab do? A Fab Lab is a place where ingenuity and creativity can be put to advanced skills. A Fab Lab can teach students STEM related topics and give in-depth insight into problem solving, design, and creative thinking. The projects done in a Fab Lab require multiple machines for specific purposes. Using a variety of approaches, the right tool can be used to solve a specific problem. This type of learning creates an atmosphere of inventive ideas, technology based learning, encouragement, and fun. The hands-on nature of the lab itself adds to classroom learning. Skills can be practically put to use teaching also about materials science and how technology can achieve objectives. While the projects done in the Fab Lab cover a variety of topics, it also fosters a sense of invention and ingenuity. When combined with a healthy curiosity for technology, STEM based learning programs grow. This creates a broad understanding of technology among students generating collaboration and interest. Adding a Fab Lab will teach job and life skills that can encourage students to start thinking about jobs, entrepreneurial ambitionsor higher education. 20 www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600 21 www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600 The Allegheny Educational Systems Difference Consulting: With over 35 years of experience in Technical training, Allegheny Educational Systems is a business partner that you can trust to help plan, manage and implement your programs. Our professional resources are designed to provide your team with complete solutions. From equipment and curriculum, software, furniture, eLearning support and management, we combine a clear vision of your goals to maximize technical effectiveness and to provide a consistent and professional design, delivery and implementation of each project. Planning: The staff at Allegheny assist in the careful planning of a total learning environment—not just a lab! We’ll work with education administrators, architects and local business leaders to help develop and layout learning areas, providing electrical specifications , air drops, data connections. We provide detailed drawings and specs for all of our projects. By forming closely integrated teams, AES becomes your partner in effective project planning, management and control to meet your goals. Implementation: When the new building is ready for the lab equipment and furniture to be installed, the technicians from Allegheny will work to have the project completed on time and within budget. Our manufacturing partners provided concise on-site training for the staff’s instructors and lab support members, and our after-care support insures effective long-term lab maintenance and updated program implementation. Support: Our staff of trained technicians and sales support personal has worked to insure that all equipment and associated software and instructional materials are all functioning as specified and are constantly being kept up to date. This attention to detail minimizes disruption and ensures that the colleges training partners enjoy success and long-term productivity. 22 www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600 Allegheny is NY, NJ, & PA’s #1 STEM and Fab Lab Resource! • 3D Printers and 3D Scanners • Laser Engravers/Cutters • CNC Routers/Mills/Plasma • CAD/CAM/CNC Software • Installation, Service & Support New York State and PEPPM Contract Pricing Available! Allegheny Educational Systems has provided Technology Educators with the highest quality products and after-sale support for over 35 years. Our services include lab layout design, curriculum implementation, installation and training for all products that we offer. 1425 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights, PA 15065 800-232-7600 www.alleghenyedusys.com • 800-232-7600