Fab Lab Information and Places to Make  

Fab Labs began as a community outreach program of the Center for Bits and Atoms at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and have spread worldwide:

• Map of Fab Labs around the world
• MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms Fab Lab

Check out places to make things around Chicago:

• Makers in Chicago: A list of makerspaces around Chicago.

In the Fab Lab we using cutting-edge software and equipment that allows you to dream up, design and make almost anything you can imagine. A lot of times we design on computers (CAD: computer-aided design) and building with computer-controlled machines (CAM: computer-aided manufacturing). Below is a list of sites or software used or found useful by the Fab Lab.

Free software used in workshops

• Inkscape: Powerful vector-based graphics tool
• SculptGL and Nomad: Open-source software for sculpting in 3D on and offline
• ZBrushCoreMini: 3D Sculpting software free for non-commercial usage

Free 2D design software

• Inkscape: Powerful vector-based graphics tool
• Ink/Stitch: open-source digital embroidery design software
• SophieSew: Digital embroidery software
• Gimp: Pixel-based graphics tool (best for photographic files)
• Pixlr: Web-based (and desktop) bitmap editing software
• MakerCase: Generate SVG files for making boxes
  

Free 3D design software

• TinkerCAD: Cloud-based modeling environment
• Shapeshifter: Cloud-based parametric 3D modeling
• OnShape: Cloud-based CAD for precise designs and assemblies
• NetFabb: 3D model repair software (free to students and educators)
• Meshmixer: Software for manipulated 3D files
• MeshLab: For editing 3D files for printing
• OpenSCAD: Parametric code-based 3D modeling environment
• BlocksCAD: A drag-and-drop 3D modeling tool
• SketchUp: 3D modeling software for professionals
• Clara: Cloud-based modeling, rendering and animation environment
• Blender: Modeling, animation, rendering and game creation

Digital fabrication sites

• Thingiverse: For sharing 2D and 3D objects
• Shapeways: For sharing, buying and selling 3D objects
• Ponoko: For sharing, buying and selling projects
• 3D Hubs: Local manufacturing services (3D printing, CNC machining, etc.)
  

Sites change often and we apologize for any non-functioning links. Also: although we do use these sites, we don't officially endorse them.