FABLAB
Fab Lab is for Education (.edu),
Fab Lab for developing innovations & businesses (.com)
Fab Lab for building organisation (.org)
HISTORY
In 2002, Dr. Neil Gershenfeld of MIT (USA) introduced the concept of digital fabrication to the Vigyan Ashram team. Dr. Gershenfeld is of the firm belief that we need advanced technologies to solve some of the worlds pressing problems. Dr. S.S.Kalbag, founder of Vigyan Ashram, was against giving readymade solutions to therural youth. He wanted to train rural youth on modern tools so that they can develop technologies to solve their own problems as well as problems of their communities. The interaction of Dr. Kalbag and Dr. Gershenfeld led to establishment of a “Fab Lab” at Vigyan Ashram. Thereafter, Vigyan Ashram started using digital fabrication along with traditional tools
WHAT IS FAB LAB?
High end manufacturing and design hardware-software is a major reason for industrial and human productivity, high quality of goods and higher process efficiency. Modern industries use a variety of digital fabrication tools, computer-controlled machines, and a variety of proprietary design software. These are typically used exclusively by trained staff working in those industries. It is out of bounds for the common man.
A Fab Lab on the other hand, is a community centre for digital fabrication with a collection of prototyping tools. It comprises of Laser cutting machines, CNC engravers, Vinyl cutting machines, 3D printers, electronics & sensors and Open-Source design software. You can design your idea/concept on a computer using the Open Source design software and can get it printed using above-mentioned computer-controlled machines. The Fab Lab provides open access for common people to use such facilities and to make their own projects/solutions.
Fab Lab is now a global movement led by the Fab Foundation, USA. There are more than 2700+ Fab Labs around the world and they are increasing exponentially. Fab Labs operate on the philosophy of ‘Learn, Make, Share’ philosophy. Common interest, expertise and common problems helps in building collaboration among Fab Labs across the world. It can be thought of as a distributed ramped network across the globe.
Tools and Capabilities @ VA Fab Lab:
- Laser Cutting
- Vinyl cutting
- CNC – PCB milling
- CNC wood Router
- Plasma metal cutting
- Electronics and micro processers
- 3D printing & scanning
- Traditional fabrication tools
HOW TO JOIN A FABLAB ?
1. FAB ACADEMY:
It’s a six-month diploma course in Digital Fabrication offered by Fabfoundation, USA, based on the course content of MIT’s ‘How to Make Almost Anything.’ Each week, Dr. Neil Gershenfeld, the Director of the Centre for Bits and Atoms at MIT and Founder of Fablab, conducts sessions, and students engage in hands-on training throughout the week. This course operates in a hybrid mode in a globally distributed network, providing an introduction to various industrial prototyping skills.Fab academy curriculum comprises of 2D, 3D design, additive manufacturing -3D printing, Laser cutting, vinyl cutting, Wood routing, moulding and casting, microcontrollers – sensors, IoT, various design software’s any many more. The course trains students to do rapid prototyping using Fab lab tools and time management.
- Course Timeline: January to June
(Admissions opens in November every year) - Eligibility: Graduates with technical background
VA is center / node of Fab Academy. You can complete hands on training on digital fabrication and earn a diploma from Fab Academy. This is a 24*7 – full time course for 6 months. 52 students graduated from this node up to year 2024. VA provides residential facility for students undergoing Fab Academy at Pabal.
2. Internship/Fellowship Program:
We also offer an internship program for undergraduate and graduate students from any academic stream. This program combines training and hands-on learning through assigned projects and assignments. Participants will have the opportunity to learn the operation of rapid prototyping tools and related processes, which can generate a wide range of possibilities and foster innovation.
Internship Period : 3months / 6Months
Eligibility : Undergraduates / Graduates , College students with Technical background
3. Makeathons
Vigyan ashram fablab also conducts Makeathon programs for engineering and science college students. Main objective of this program is to give exposure of rapid prototyping tools to rural youth and introduce them to new areas around their streams. These are 5 days duration programs where students have to go through Design thinking process and develop some solution based on different problem statements . This program also enables students to think differently and apply their academic knowledge into practical . Science and engineering Colleges located in rural areas can approach us to host these types Makeathons. Please send us e mail on vapabal@gmail.com.
4. Join As A Maker
If you already have prior knowledge of digital tools, you can register and join fablab to develop your project. You can also come with your digital file and use tools under our instructions. Vigyan ashram Fablab is open for all maker mindset people, we can help you to collaborate, share and build your ideas into reality. Please send e-mail to : vapabal@gmail.com for appointment. Mention ‘Use Fab Lab’ in the subject line.
5.Fab Camps:
We also organize Fab camps / STEAM education camps for any college, schools or Atal tinkering lab community. It is based on different topics, duration is as per topic requirements. These camps mainly includes skill related to rapid prototyping like 2D /3D design, basic electronics , programming, PCB design and manufacturing, 3D printer/ Laser cutter machine operation etc. Please send us email on vapabal@gmail.com to organize these camps.
Testimonials
Sumit Thakare
FabAcademy at Vigyan Ashram was a game-changer for me. It sharpened my skills in digital fabrication, expanded my global network, and gave me the confidence to set up advanced makerspaces. The program made me more active in the global maker community and helped me develop a strong problem-solving mindset that now drives my business and innovation journey.
Sanjay Surage
The FabAcademy at Vigyan Ashram was a turning point in my learning journey. The supportive environment and hands-on sessions helped me develop a strong understanding of digital fabrication. The course sharpened my skills in areas like design, prototyping, and electronics, which are now an integral part of the projects I work on. I currently conduct training sessions at the Narmadalaya Fab Lab, and the knowledge gained from Vigyan Ashram continues to guide me in implementing and sharing technology with purpose.
Pooja Jadhav
Hello, I’m Pooja Jadhav. After completing my graduation in 2016, I enrolled in the Fab Academy course at Vigyan Ashram in 2019. The hands-on training in web design, CAD modeling, PCB design, and project development was truly transformative. It boosted my technical awareness, problem-solving abilities, and self-confidence. Today, I’m working in a coding-based organization in a better position, and the skills I gained still support me professionally. I’m grateful to Dr. Yogesh Kulkarni and the team for this valuable opportunity.
Kiran Wakchaure
As an Assistant Professor at Sanjivani University, my association with Vigyan Ashram has been instrumental in bridging academic knowledge with real-world applications. Through the FabAcademy program at the ashram, I gained hands-on experience in 3D design, digital fabrication, electronics, embedded systems, and rapid prototyping. While Vigyan Ashram fostered a culture of grassroots innovation and sustainability, FabAcademy offered a global platform that enhanced my technical skills and enabled me to mentor students in STEM education and practical, impact-driven projects.
