Choosing the right equipment for your Fab Lab is key to unlocking creativity while providing students with hands-on experience using real-world, industry-grade tools. We’ll suggest what you need (and be ready to see some ideas you might not’ve thought of!) But first…
First, let’s start with some simple background. A Fab Lab (short for Fabrication Laboratory) is a creative workshop where innovation comes to life, thanks to a mix of cutting-edge digital tools. Equipped with technologies like 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and electronics manufacturing devices, these labs are designed to turn ideas into physical prototypes quickly and efficiently. Originally developed by MIT, Fab Labs are now part of a global network, empowering students, entrepreneurs, and makers to bring their visions to reality. In this blog post, we’ll explore the essential technologies that power a Fab Lab and how they open the door to endless possibilities in digital fabrication and education.
At the heart of every Fab Lab is the mission to go beyond creativity and innovation—it’s about preparing students for real-world, industry-relevant careers. While these labs foster imagination and experimentation, they also teach learners how to use the same cutting-edge tools and equipment found in today’s manufacturing and tech industries. From CNC machines to 3D printers, Fab Labs provide hands-on experience with authentic industrial technology. Students don’t just learn concepts—they build actual products, gaining valuable skills that translate directly to the workforce. The result is a dynamic, fun environment where education meets real-world application, giving future makers and technicians a head start in their careers.
With that said, here are the top technologies you should have in your Fab Lab:
This one is easy. So let’s consider what makes for a good Fab Lab 3D printer. The best fab labs will have a 3D printer capable of printing in a wide array of materials, including plastics, composites and metals. Here are a few printers we recommend:
You’ve never seen a 3D printer like this. It’s fast (print parts in a single class period), accurate (up to 50 microns), and industry-relevant (the same printers used by aerospace, biomedical, and advanced manufacturing companies). Plus, it’s completely affordable!
This is a CNC mill + 3D printer all in one. Students learn how to print in various materials, including metal, then they can turn around and machine the parts they’ve printed. It really resonates with the whole purpose of a Fab Lab – creativity, innovation and real-world skills!
If you want to step up your technology game, consider a metal 3D printer. This metal 3D printer from Xact Metal (launched at Penn State’s Innovation Park) uses precision laser technology to build your part layer-by-layer without the need for post-processing. It’s also time and space-efficient – great for labs with limited footprint.
Additive manufacturing is a key component to fab lab requirements, so injection molding is a must-have in addition to your 3D printer. We recommend:
This is perfect for building your Fab Lab, offering hands-on training in plastics and polymer science. It gives students practical skills like setting up molding operations, troubleshooting, and working with complex molds, using the same tools and techniques found in real industries.
Let your students explore rapid prototyping and tooling techniques. From 3D printing and evaluating prototypes to creating molds and injection molding the final product, students get hands-on experience developing real-world items like gear mechanisms. They’ll also learn the importance of material science and math in selecting materials, calculating production costs, and proposing selling prices.
Robots in a Fab Lab? Absolutely! If we can combine building, designing, programming and coding, and integrate these robots with other technologies, we’re helping students develop key fabrication skills.
ERIK, the Educational Robotics Invention KitThis robot is a versatile, plug-and-play robot perfect for Fab Labs, helping students develop STEM skills, computational thinking, and digital literacy through hands-on projects. Combining engineering and programming, it offers endless possibilities with expansion potential for 3rd-party electronics like Raspberry Pi and Arduino. Students can explore everything from algorithms to control structures, with open-ended design projects to spark creativity and problem-solving.
Take the next step up and explore the world of industrial robotics! This intro package includes 6 permanent seats of ROBOGUIDE software, which is a digital twin of a real industrial robot your students can learn to program and manipulate. It also comes with a real teach pendant you can connect to a computer.
Imagine having a bright, high-tech industrial robot arm in your Fab Lab – passersby would definitely turn their heads! The FANUC ER-4iA Fenceless CERT Cart delivers an immersive robotics experience, offering students the chance to operate and program industrial-grade robots. With advanced safety features and FANUC’s DCS software, this hands-on learning tool equips students with key skills like robot mastering, fault recovery, and MACRO programming. Through the FANUC CERT Program, learners earn industry-recognized certifications, preparing them for high-demand careers in robotics and automation, making this the ultimate tool for building future-ready technical talent.
Being able to measure is a fundamental skill! You can use these kits to teach any learner basic measurement skills, which are necessary for any Fab Lab project. We suggest:
This kit introduces principles of measurement using both the U.S. customary system and S.I. metric system. Students will learn a variety of skills including basic and precision measurement, direct and indirect gauging, and dimensional measurements.
Learn the same concepts as the regular system with the added convenience of a portable, easy-to-store kit.
This kit covers valuable industrial QA skills using precision rules, dial calipers, micrometers, and other common precision measurement tools and instruments.
A CNC router is a must-have for any Fab Lab because it enables precise, automated cutting and carving of materials like wood, plastic, and metal, allowing for complex designs and rapid prototyping. With a CNC router, students and makers can bring their ideas to life, learning valuable skills in computer-aided manufacturing that are directly applicable to real-world industries. We recommend these (all from Denford):
This model is great for a smaller footprint lab. It’s capable of cutting a range of materials including hard and soft wood, plastic, modeling foam, acrylic and prototyping materials, and non-ferrous metals.
This router has a larger capacity and can cut the same materials as the Compact 1000 Pro. In addition, the Router 2600 Pro can cut non-ferrous metals.
This is the largest and most high-speed router available from Denford, available at an exceptional price for fab labs. This router can cut the same materials as the 2600 Pro Router.
A CNC mill is an essential addition to a Fab Lab, offering precision machining for more intricate and detailed projects that require cutting, drilling, and shaping metal, plastic, or wood. Unlike a CNC router, a mill can handle tougher materials and produce highly accurate parts with complex geometries, making it ideal for engineering, manufacturing, and product development. It equips students with hands-on experience in advanced machining techniques, providing them with industry-relevant skills that are critical for careers in fields like aerospace, automotive, and precision manufacturing. We suggest a few different options; each has its own unique features that could help your fab lab stand out:
Introduce students to machining with real-world, industry-standard technology in a space-saving desktop design. Featuring a FANUC 0i-MF Plus control and a 12,000rpm spindle, this mill handles intricate engraving and high-precision small part manufacturing. Students gain practical skills in CNC machining, working with the same systems used in professional settings, all while preparing for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing.
We mentioned this machine already in the 3D printing section, which is why this machine is such a great option for fab labs. On the milling side, the EDUMill comes with a FANUC CNC control, so your students are learning to program and operate on the same control being used by the majority of industrial employers today.
This innovative machine is a side-by-side mill and lathe. It’s ideal for proving student designs and for producing small components in materials such as wax, plastic, acrylic and free-cutting alloys.
A PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is a great fit for a Fab Lab because it allows students to learn real-world automation and control system programming, essential for building the skills needed in modern manufacturing and industrial environments. Here are a few we recommend:
These PLC systems come with a choice of Allen-Bradley, Siemens or Mitsubishi controls. Teach PLC programming, operation and applications used throughout industry. Despite its compact, convenient size, these portable systems feature highly-interactive multimedia curriculum that teaches 90 skills across 14 different modules.
This portable, tabletop system features a Rockwell PLC/HMI and can be used to teach basic industrial programming skills on its own. It also has the capability to be used with a number of other industrial technologies, helping students learn about connected systems.
Welding in a Fab Lab is now possible thanks to augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). AR/VR is a great way to introduce students to welding in a safe, controlled environment. Plus, using it makes it easy to offer introductory welding in your fab lab without worrying about space, exhaust, fumes, or other concerns that might impact others using the space. Here are a few virtual welders we recommend for your fab lab:
This is an affordable, easy to use welding simulation tool designed to attract, engage and introduce students to MIG welding through a hands-on augmented reality experience. The kit includes a specially-designed helmet, weld torch, coupons and mobile screen for tracking weld movement and data.
The next step up from a MobileArc, the AugmentedArc is a cutting-edge tabletop welder that uses augmented reality to teach students hands-on welding skills. Ideal for beginners to advanced welders, it simulates MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux-cored welding on various metals and joint types. With real-time feedback, post-weld data, and detailed scoring, students get practical experience while instructors can track progress.
As professional educational consultants, we’d be happy to help personalize your fab lab with just the right equipment for your needs. Contact us for one-on-one assistance!
