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Rist Family FabLab
The Rist Family Foundation FabLab is a “digital fabrication and learning laboratory” for people to make (almost) anything they can dream up, design, and develop using advanced tools, technologies, and materials.
As a “prototype platform” for all sorts of innovation and invention, the Rist Family Foundation FabLab is an exciting stimulus for the creative community. Innovators and inventors, entrepreneurs and engineers, scientists and students, amateur and professional: everyone gains valuable knowledge, skills, and a deep appreciation for the engineering and design process, its materials and machines, technologies, tools, and more when they imagine and create their personal dream projects at the FabLab.
The FabLab offers the following tools:
- CNC Router
- Laser Cutter/Etcher
- 3D Printers
- Electronics Workshop
- Vinyl Cutter
- Sublimation Press
- Shaper
- Computer-Operated Mill
The Rist Family Foundation FabLab is designed as an inspiring, imaginative environment for exploring and experimenting, designing and learning, making and mentoring concepts and ideas. As such, the FabLab is a valuable educational resource for project-based, hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) literacy, and an investment in our community’s dreamers, designers, and creatives.
What is a FabLab?
MIT Professor Neil Gershenfeld, a scientist and inventor, formed the concept for FabLab after offering a course called “How to Make (Almost) Anything” which was met with overwhelming demand. “His idea was a simple one: to provide the environment, skills, advanced materials and technology to make things cheaply and quickly anywhere in the world, and to make this available on a local basis to entrepreneurs, students, artists, small businesses and in fact, anyone who wants to create something new or bespoke.”
The Community in the FabLab
The lab will be staffed by IMAG staff (FabLab Director, program facilitators), interns, volunteers and community partners to help you build your inspiration.
The Rist Family Foundation FabLab will have weekly sessions set aside for crafters, entrepreneurs, artists, and school programs, as well as open hours for general public access and use of tools. After-hours usage is also available by appointment.
