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What is a Fab Lab?

Fab Lab is short for “Fabrication Laboratory.”  Although many places may be referred to as a fab lab, the CSUB Fab Lab is based on the MIT-designed model, which inspired their popular class “How to Make (Almost) Anything”.

Physically, a Fab Lab is an advanced digital fabrication laboratory that consists of a suite of fabrication and rapid prototyping machines, typically including a large CNC Router (the shopbot), a 3D desktop mill and scanner, a vinyl cutter, a laser cutter, an electronics work bench, a 3D printer and the accompanying computers and software.

Culturally, Fab Lab is a global community of practice unified by the shared desire to share knowledge, collaborate and to “make almost anything.” MIT-inspired Fab Labs across the world have the same core machines and are connected through video conferencing equipment and online sharing tools that connect labs across the world. The open source ethos of Fab Labs fosters and encourages collaboration and innovation across languages, time zones and even majors.

The impact of a Fab Lab, however, goes well beyond the machines it contains. Fab Labs allow people (even non-engineers) to explore the entire engineering design process in an authentic and real world contexts by providing tools that enable people to go from concept to drawing and models to prototype to redesign to final product. Fab Labs provide the opportunity for people with little technological expertise to develop highly complex inventions using technology previously only available to engineers.


Where is the CSUB Fab Lab?

Our Fab Lab is located in the Engineering Modular buildings at CSUB, 9001 Stockdale Hwy.  The best parking lot to use is lot H (http://www.csub.edu/campusmap/).


To find out more, go to: Campus map

Who Can Use the Fab Lab?

The CSUB Fab Lab is a community resource and is available to virtually everyone in the community.  Our students have access to the lab through courses CSUB offers. Additionally, we work with the local organizations and school districts to create programming for middle and high school students and to provide access and training to them as well.

The goal of Fab Labs is to provide access to advanced technologies to help anyone, anywhere “make almost anything.” In other Fab Labs around the world frequent Fabbers and Makers include engineers and architects, small manufacturing businesses, students, artists, theatrical set designers, teachers, inventors, musicians, seamstresses, and even kids as young as 8 years old!

Our Fab Lab is intended to be a community resource. We provide weekly community access to the lab through a publicly posted schedule. Please refer to our Programs and Events page for Open Access hours and dates. 


When is the Fab Lab Open?

Check out our Community Access Open Hours on the Programs and Events page.


What does it cost?

For students taking CSUB courses offered in the Fab Lab all materials and lab fees will be included in the course pricing. We want to encourage community use and therefore access to the Fab Lab is free. We have a limited inventory of materials available free of charge. Open Access is free but please reserve your ticket through the Eventbrite page.

The Fab Lab may also be available for rental.  Please contact us for more details. FabLab@csub.edu


What if I’ve never made anything before?

No need to worry! We are here to help. First, we will give you a tour of our facilities and introduce you to the staff who can assist you with technical issues and answer your questions. We do encourage those who may be new to the technology to consider taking a tour and checking out the Fab Lab during Open Access hours. We also offer monthly training opportunities on various equipment.


Can kids use the Fab Lab?

We have a very kid-friendly environment with age-appropriate programs that we run in collaboration with schools throughout Kern County and the broader San Joaquin region to give young Fabbers a fun and educational experience in developing analytical thinking, creative problem-solving and team-building skills. We offer youth-oriented training workshops for middle and high school students. 


Does the Fab Lab offer any training even if I’m not a CSUB student?

Absolutely! Our staff hosts tours and training seminars on equipment usage and safety.Check out our monthly Training Opportunity schedule for more information.

 


Can I request or schedule other programming for the fab lab?

Absolutely! Send us an email with your request at fablab@csub.edu


What equipment is in the Fab Lab?

The Fab Lab at CSUB has the following equipment:

  • 3D Printer
  • Laser Etcher/Cutter
  • CNC 3-Axis Router
  • High resolution NC milling machine
  • NC knife/signmaker
  • Fabrication Shop Tools
  • Computer Stations each loaded with Solidworks, AutoCAD, Inventor, MasterCAM, Corel and 


Contact Us

Contact us at FabLab@CSUB.edu or  by calling 661-654-4240

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Contact Information

Fab Lab
Engineering Complex I, Bldg 83
California State University, Bakersfield
Phone: (661) 654-4240
Email: fablab@csub.edu
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