Additional Resources
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:
Check out places to make things around Chicago:
- Makers in Chicago: A list of makerspaces around Chicago.
Resources for Digital Design and Making
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.