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EngATech donates Objet 3D Printer to FabLab Tulsa, Inc. 

TULSA, Oklahoma., USA, Sept. 13, 2011:  FabLab Tulsa opened its doors to the public today for their grand opening celebration.  Fab Lab is short for Fabrication Laboratory. It is a community workspace providing access to an array of computer-controlled fabrication technology such as 3D Printers and Laser Cutters that can be used to conceptualize, design, develop, and fabricate almost anything. "You walk in with an idea, and you walk out with an idea in your hand," said Matthew Norris, board president of Fab Lab Tulsa Inc.

Among the attendees at the grand opening were members from the Tulsa Metro Chamber, the, Hardesty Family Foundation, and EngATech CEO, Clay Slaton.  EngATech is one of the many sponsors and is responsible for donating FabLab's key piece of equipment, the Objet 3D Printing system, shown above.

"The lab's centerpiece will be the 3D printer, which may be the sole item in the lab with an associated fee to use," said Norris. This relatively new technology "prints" layers of plastic one at a time, eventually building a three-dimensional object."

Also available at FabLab Tulsa is a laser cutter, a vinyl cutter, a circuit board, an electronics workbench, a computer-guided drill station and a SolidWorks 3D CAD workstation.

During the grand opening ceremony key sponsors where ask to talk briefly about their partnership with FabLab Tulsa, where the industry is going, and what the fabrication labortory means to the Tulsa community. 

“We are a product development firm, and “we help others make better products and faster”.  We have had our office downtown for the past 12 years with continued growth, and one of our sayings is “From Struggling to Stable to Successful to Significant”.  Meaning we want to be in a position where we can give back more and more, and are excited about our relationship with FabLab and being able to help them reach a level of true significance in the community.  We chose to partner with FabLab Tulsa to donate SolidWorks 3D CAD software, and an Objet 3D Printer; so that they can now help others make products, spurring on the entrepreneurial spirit we have growing here in Tulsa," said Slaton.

The prototyping industry has come a long way over the last 20 years.  Before, prototypes were carved out of blocks of material which could take a lot of time and be very limiting on the shapes you could get.  Then entered the additive processes, where instead of carving a part out of an existing material, you would create the part by adding material layer by layer.  This became known as Rapid Prototyping, because it could be done so much faster than previous methods.  This technology has matured even more and is now known as 3D Printing, which gives you an office-friendly, easy to use alternative that produces highly detailed parts or "prints".

FabLab clients will be able to utilize this technology in a myriad of uses, both personally and professionally, with limitations only on what the mind can come up with. 

"I’ve thought of things at night, modeled them up quick and had them in my hand the next day.  From iPhone accessories, to broken parts on my computer I needed replaced.  I’ve even printed stuff and had it chrome-plated for looks, added strength and durability.  The possibilities are endless," said Slaton.

The next step from Rapid Prototyping is Rapid Manufacturing, where this technology is used to mass produce items.  Back before mass production existed, products, like swords were all made with a unique artistic craftsmanship.  Now companies, such as iKea, making millions of a single item at a greatly reduced price with the unique, artistic items left at a premium.  With Rapid Manufacturing, the two are blended and bring unique craftsmanship back into mass production.

EngATech recently helped usher in this new era by selling 3D Printers to replace CNC Milling machines to a dental client for faster manufacturing of their highly customized product, clear braces.

"We are also seeing the customization of fairings on artificial limbs, such as legs and arms for amputees.  So, for such a personal, emotional, sensitive item, they can be completely customized for a much better quality of life," continued Slaton.

Artists and jewelry makers, have rapidly jumped on board with this latest technology, as the industry continues to mix artistic craftsmanship with mass production.  They are now able to offer some very extravagant items at lower costs.

For the first time we are being challenged by the tools to do more, to think outside the box, and FabLab Tulsa is opening that challenge up to the community.  What will you design today?

Visit FabLab Tulsa's website for more information. http://www.fablabtulsa.com/

Additional News About FabLab Tulsa

Tulsa World:  Tulsa developing fabricated laboratory open to all

Channel 2 News: State of the art lab energizes the imagination

About EngATech Inc.:
EngATech was founded as a full service design and manufacturing consulting firm and has since grown to become the Select “SolidWorks 3D CAD” and “Objet 3D Printing Systems” Value Added Providers in the Mid South Region for a number of design, manufacturing, and educational industries.  By providing products and services for 3D design, drafting, analysis, prototyping, product data management, and documentation, EngATech delivers powerful solutions that assist companies in increasing productivity and profitability. 

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