MCC-Business & Technology is in the process of creating an environment where students, community members, and participating local companies can conceptualize, design, develop, fabricate and test a variety of products and ideas.
This environment is called FabLab. It will be housed in the campus’ former Making It In KC lab and equipped entirely with machinery and tools not in use in other campus labs.
Based on similar projects at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston and Lorain County Community College in Elyria, Ohio, the BTC FabLab will provide students, community and industry members two main benefits.
First, they will have access to our state-of-the-art fabrication equipment from computer software to prototype printers and precision machining equipment. Second, they will have the opportunity to consult with our knowledgeable BTC faculty and staff about projects, ideas and concepts.
"The FabLab will allow creative, talented individuals to formulate their ideas and concepts into actual physical reality,” said Edgar Jimenez, FabLab advisory board member and a retired Honeywell welding engineer. “I can see the potential this facility will have encouraging the advancement of manufacturing technology in the Kansas City area."
After hearing about the concept at the first advisory board meeting, Mr. Jimenez showed his appreciation and enthusiasm for the FabLab project with a $1,000 donation.
The official launch of the BTC FabLab will be announced soon. Limited membership of current students will begin at the start of spring 2011 semester and will open to the public later in the year. Campus personnel have been meeting with members of Hallmark’s creative team to investigate ways for that company to use the lab. Dimensional Innovations, another manufacturer of creative concepts, has invited BTC representatives to tour its facility, discuss lab integration and outline opportunities for student internships.
FabLab incorporates skills and knowledge from several disciplines including: Computer Aided Drafting and Design, Engineering, Welding, Precision Machining, and Electronics.
For more information about the FabLab contact project coordinator, Steve Dowell - 604.5290 or fablab@mcckc.edu.
President Barack Obama recently visited Lorain County Community College FabLab. Read more here.
Additional information about FabLab can be found at Lorain County Community College FabLab page or the MIT FabLab page.
Click below for FabLab video from Lorain County Community College.
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