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Learn how to make (almost) anything - in twenty weeks!
Learn how to make (almost) anything - in twenty weeks! That is at the core of Fab Academy, the yearly worldwide education trajectory for curious makers. Since the start of Fab Academy in 2008, Waag Futurelab has been one of its nodes, which means our Fab Lab is one of [the now tens of places throughout the world that host Fab Academy](https://fabacademy.org/nodes/list2023.htm
Fab Academy: Get Inspired
Fab Academy is based on the concept of distributed learning. Led by MIT’s Neil Gershenfeld, you will follow weekly classes (links to 2023 schedule!), simultaneously with all the other Fab Academy students in all Fab Labs throughout the world. Next to this, you will work on weekly assignments with your own group, which then will be reviewed during weekly review sessions with all the other students. In twenty weeks, you will also work towards your own final project, in which you can demonstrate and deepen your newly found digital fabrication skills and your creativity. At Waag’s Fab Lab, you will have access to all the tools and knowledge needed to be able to make (almost) anything.
My Experience & Projects from Studying at Fab Academy and Learning How to be a Maker by 2021 graduate Nadieh Bremer
A crash course in digital fabrication 2019 Elektor Magazine by 2020 graduate Tessel Renzenbrink
Fab Academy: for whom?
Fab Academy is meant for anyone who wants to learn all skills needed to work with digital production. To partake in the program, basic knowledge of computer use is required. Please note that if you have a low to medium proficiency in 2D and 3D modeling, digital fabrication, electronics programming and web design and development, the course should be considered a full-time dedication program. Fab Academy consists of a weekly 2-3 hrs class, an evaluation and a few hours of work per week in the Fab Lab. The Academy consists of partial certificates, that together with your final project lead up to your Fab Academy diploma.
Fab Academy: for whom?
Fab Academy is meant for anyone who wants to learn all skills needed to work with digital production. To partake in the program, basic knowledge of computer use is required. Please note that if you have a low to medium proficiency in 2D and 3D modeling, digital fabrication, electronics programming and web design and development, the course should be considered a full-time dedication program. Fab Academy consists of a weekly 2-3 hrs class, an evaluation and a few hours of work per week in the Fab Lab. The Academy consists of partial certificates, that together with your final project lead up to your Fab Academy diploma.
How to partake?
Being able to travel to one of the partaking Fab Labs is a requirement for Fab Academy. Classes will be taught in English. To partake, fill in the application form on the Fab Academy website. At the end of the school year, all graduates organise an end presentation for their projects. If corona measures allow it, the final diplomas will be handed out to the graduates at the yearly FAB conference. Fab Academy 2024 starts in mid January 2024 and takes five months.
Deadline for application: 15 December 2023
Using Lunyee 3018 pro MAX cnc router¶
Introduction¶
At many fablabs a Roland Modela MDX20, MDX40 or SRM-20 is the default machine for PCB milling. However, the 3018 CNC mills almost just as well for a fraction of the price of a Modela. The 3018 is a small desktop CNC machine that can be used for PCB milling, drilling and engraving. It is a great machine for prototyping PCBs, but it can also be used for engraving and milling wood, metal and plastic. The 3018 is a great machine for beginners and hobbyists to learn CNC machining. It is also a great machine for advanced users to prototype PCBs and engrave small objects.
This document describes how to use the Lunyee 3018 pro MAX cnc router. It’s a full Aluminum Alloy + Carbon Steel structure machine and so it’s very sturdy and stable. It comes with an emergency stop button, a 500W spindle and end stops on all axis.
Replacing the spindle with a 500W Daedalus brushed spindle is recommended. The standard 500W spindle leading to trace widths too narrow, and edges too rough. It looks the same, may just be tighter manufactured tolerances.
If you’re looking for a small milling machine for around 500 euros, this is a good investment.