Access to new disruptive technology, experienced staff, refined technical knowledge and education.
The Digital Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab) is an advanced making facility. We provide students and staff with access to state-of-the-art equipment such as CNC mills, laser cutters, 3D printers and much more. We also manage the Forbo Model Making Space where you can assemble and store your models and materials. We’re here to help bring your designs to life. Fablab is a space where ideas and technology come together to create outcomes you can touch and feel.
Our facilities are open to all students and staff from the Faculty of Architecture Building and Planning; both undergraduate and postgraduate. You can submit fabrication jobs to all machines 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, via our online submission system. Your job will then be processed by experienced staff who will notify you when your job is ready to collect. We are open every weekday from 10am until 4:30pm for job collection.
We provide a range of training and education through the online Training Centre and Knowledge Base to help you learn about our facilities and how to use them. Simply follow the instructions for the machine you are interested in on the Services page of this website to get started.
Have you done your Level 0 & 1 inductions yet? Complete them at the Training Center.
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LaserCutting
Learn about how to setup laser cutting files and about the machines we use.
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Powder 3D Printing
Powder printing services located within the Fablab
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CNC Milling
3 axis CNC router used for larger projects
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Metal Laser Cutting
Metal laser cutting and engraving services
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Card Cutting
Thin card cutting facilities available for student use
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Model Making Space
A shared space for students to make models equipt with rudimentary model making tools
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Wetworks
A bookable space for students to cast and perform other messy jobs
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Spray Booth
Purpose built well extracted space for tasks that involve emitting fumes
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Hot Wire Cutting
Located within the Fabrication Workshop for cutting foams and other like materials
Commercial
We offer a range of commercial services including design, fabrication and access to a large array of equipment. Our friendly technical staff can work with you through the entire process.
The FabLab is a Digital Fabrication Bureau service providing access to state-of-the-art equipment digital fabrication equipment. You can submit fabrication jobs to all machines 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, via our online submission system. Your job will then be processed by experienced staff who will notify you when your job is ready to collect. We are open every weekday from 10am until 4:30pm for job collection.
As the machinery is operated by experienced staff, you do not need to complete any safety training to submit jobs to the FabLab. However, if you wish to assemble your parts in the Forbo or Baldwin Spencer model making space after business hours you must complete:
The Safety Induction System
If you have a desire to create, we want you to have the opportunity to access and use equipment yourself as quickly and easily as possible in all the MSD Makerspaces. To achieve this we have developed a three tier safety induction system that is easily tailored to the varying safety risks of each area. This means you get access quickly while still ensuring a safe environment for everyone. You only need to complete the higher tier inductions if you need access to higher risk equipment.
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Level 00 – MSD Online Building Induction
To get swipe access to the MSD Building and Baldwin Spencer Building you must agree to the conditions of use set out in the Level 00 – MSD Online Building Induction.
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Level 01 – Safety Induction (Online)
This induction introduces and assesses your understanding of general safety principles and procedures that must be adhered to in all ABP Makerspaces. If you want access to any of these spaces you must successfully complete the Level 01 – Safety Induction (Online).
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Level 02 – Safety Induction (In person)
This in-person safety induction provides a tour of all ABP Makerspaces, demonstrating safety procedures and features such as emergency stop buttons and fire extinguishers. You will also learn the basic safe use of hand tools, allowing you to book equipment like power drills and hand saws. Completing this induction will grant you access to the advanced hand tools in the Forbo Model Making Space, the Robotics Lab (G23) and the Machine Workshop (G24).
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Level 03 – Safety Induction (In person)
These in person safety inductions are specific to machines with higher safety risks, such as power tools and the industrial robots. After completing the Level 03 induction for each machine you will have access to operate that machine yourself. Level 03 training is provided individually for each machine so that you only need to spend time training for the tool you want to use. If you want access to others simply complete the Level 03 for that machine.
Attend a Level 03 – Safety Induction by dropping into the Machine Workshop Monday-Friday from 1pm - 4.30pm. The training will be conducted by the workshop staff on duty.
Fablab Materials
Fablab stocks materials available to students that should be stated in their Rhino file.
Materials & chemicals can be dangerous
For safe handling and disposal please refer to the specific MSDS Located on the Workshop website.
Cannot find the right MSDS or have a new material?
The material may not be safe to use, or we haven’t assessed it yet. We recommend using a known material as a substitute. If you must use an unknown material, please:
- Acquire the correct Safety Data Sheet from the manufacturer
- Email the SDS to fabworks@unimelb.edu.au and request a review
- Wait for review and response... this may take several days
- If approved, it is safe to use in the Workshop
The full library of training information for all making and design equipment in the Melbourne School of Design is provided in the Training Centre.
The FabLab provides a range of training options to help you learn how to use equipment and integrate technologies into your projects. If you have never used a technology before and are keen to learn, we suggest you work through each type of training in the order below. If you follow the training in this order, you will gradually learn more about the technology.
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Training Centre
Video tutorials and guides to help you understand and use the tech in the FabLab and MSD Maker Spaces are provided at the online Training Centre. Each process is broken down into bite-sized steps. Follow all the guides for a broad overview, or get help with a particular step. The catalogue will continue to grow, so keep an eye out for new content.
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Technology Introductory Sessions
At the beginning of semester a range of introductory sessions are scheduled in the FabLab. Come along and learn about the fundamentals, such as how to set up and prepare laser cutting files, software basics and how to submit a 3D print. No previous experience required.
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Technology Expansion Sessions
If you want to learn advanced techniques and processes to extend the possibilities of each technology, these are the sessions for you. Each week a range of sessions will be scheduled - each focusing on a particular technique or skill. You can come to one session or to all to get a detailed understanding of the tech. For a full list of sessions, check the events page.
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Consultations
Book a consultation with the FabLab's experienced staff to get help with complex technical challenges specific to your project. Before making a booking, it is expected that you have completed the Introductory and Expansion sessions and attempted to resolve the problem independently.
Where is the FabLab located?
The FabLab is located on the ground floor of the MSD building, next to the Eastern entrance and opposite the Architecture, Building and Planning Library.
Who can use the FabLab?
The FabLab is accessible to all students who have completed a minimum of Level 01 (Online) Induction.
There are so many cool tools, where do I start?
There is a lot of online content for all the tools and services we provide. We suggest reading up on the information we have provided for you and use it as a starting point. Further information can be found on the manufacturer's website or other forums which might help with more specific information about each tool.
Hours of operation
The FabLab is open from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday during each semester and may extend hours of operation during busy periods of each semester
Location
The FabLab is located behind the Model Making Space. Students can come to the FabLab for general enquiries and model pick-up during its open hours.
Job collection
To collect completed fabrication jobs and purchase model-making materials the FabLab office (G18 located in the Model Making Space) is open from 10am – 4:45pm daily.
FabLab Office
T (Guru desk): +61 3 9035 8663
T (office): +61 3 9035 3672
E: fabworks@unimelb.edu.au
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 4:45pm
Digital Fabrication Coordinator
Sean Taaffe
T: +61 3 8344 8892
Like the rest of the campus, the Fab Lab is now closed to all services that require students and staff to visit campus. This includes online submission bureau fabrication services such as laser cutting, 3d printing and CNC, as these still require in person collection. The Guru is still available to answer making related questions via the regular phone number 9035 8663, and the Maker Spaces team are providing online technical support consultations via zoom. Feel free to make a booking through the relevant Maker Spaces web pages below.
Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday: 11:00 am - 4:30 pm for job collection-
Access
The MSD Maker Spaces require student and staff to undergo certain training before they can access the services and facilities.
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Materials
FabLab stocks materials available to students that should be stated in their Rhino file.
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Training
Our Knowledge Base is an always-evolving collection of guides, tutorials and curated resources for you to use and engage with the technology.
Our Technologies
Laser cutting is a process where a high-powered laser is directed by computer software to cut or etch various types of materials to create intricate 2D shapes and surface patterns to compliment even the most intricate of model designs, or iterating quickly through a series of design variables.
The Kern LaserCell is a metal laser cutter which enables further laser cutting capabilities in processing laser jobs for metal and non-metal material of larger sheets, thicker materials or cylindrical stock, which either melt, burn, vaporize, or is blown away by a jet of gas, leaving a edge with a high-quality surface finish.
3D Powder printing brings digital models to life by successively adding power and a binder layer by layer. This style of printing is ideal when aspiring to achieve complex forms, prints requiring high levels of detail, perforation and colour texture.
Resin 3D printing is a stereolithograph (SLA) form of 3D printing and is ideal for achieving complexity, detail and a polished surface finish on your geometry. Resin printing is a high quality, cost effective alternative to 3D powder printing, but is constrained by a smaller build space and lengthy build time. Book a consultation with us to start!
A CNC router is a large and powerful router precisely controlled via computer software to cut and mill various hard materials such as wood, composites, aluminium, plastics, and foams. At the FabLab we have both a 3-axis and 4-axis CNC to processes both large sheet material and cylindrical stock. Book a consultation with us to start!
Projects & Research
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Find Us
Fabrication Technician, Fab Lab
Frequently Asked Questions
- G18 Glyn Davis Building (MSD)
- Opening Hours
Monday - Friday: 11:00 am - 4:30 pm
- E: msd-fablab@unimelb.edu.au
- T: (Guru Desk) +61 3 9035 8663
- T: (Office): +61 3 9035 3672
Like the rest of the campus, the Fab Lab is now closed to all services that require students and staff to visit campus. This includes online submission bureau fabrication services such as laser cutting, 3d printing and CNC, as these still require in person collection. The Guru is still available to answer making related questions via the regular phone number 9035 8663, and the Maker Spaces team are providing online technical support consultations via zoom. Feel free to make a booking through the relevant Maker Spaces web pages below.