From mind to model
3D printing—the process of creating a solid three-dimensional object from a digital data file by printing layers of durable plastic—has become an invaluable tool to both the manufacturing and digital design industries in recent years. It cuts down processing time considerably, while reducing the high costs typically involved with prototyping. Entrepreneurs, large company owners and hobbyists alike are putting this innovative technology to use in their respective fields, pushing the boundaries with its versatility. Given the city’s status as a thriving tech, art and science hub, 3D printing is growing quickly in Barcelona, breaking down barriers between people and technology.
Fab Lab Barcelona. Pujades 102.
Fab Academy is the result of a collaboration between the Fab Foundation and MIT’s Center for Bits and Atoms, and has been developing award-winning projects for World Congress and Smart Citizen. This global institution has centres in major cities across the world, providing year-long accredited courses on mechanisms, applications, and implications of digital fabrication. Branching off from the formal training academy, Fab Lab Barcelona is a small-scale workshop for personal projects and forms part of the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalunya (IAAC). Its mission is to provide access to these high-tech tools to anyone who wants to learn, innovate or create, regardless of experience or education. Fab Lab puts on workshops, children’s classes and open days to enable people to gain hands-on experience in applying digital fabrication to their own ideas. Last year, workshops included a two-day course to design and build a custom skateboard, as well as a furniture restoration class, in which old pieces of furniture were upgraded with the help of 3D printing and laser cutting.
BCN3D Technologies. Esteve Terradas 1, Castelldefels.
A worldwide network of makers: creators, designers and scientists collaborate through the BCN3D Technologies platform. ‘Open-source’ methodology means that users can share their knowledge and contribute to the software in a collaborative effort to evolve and update the system’s technology. The network supports innovators on a wide range of projects across various industries, from jewellery and furniture designers to architects and aerospace engineers. BCN3D Technologies makes laser-cutting machines available for public use in order to educate individuals about this valuable resource. Machines are also available for purchase for individuals or businesses looking to fabricate prototypes or print scale models.
3D Print Barcelona. Muntadas 1.
This project describes itself as a community of makers who believe in the power of new technology and design concepts. It is a support group for self-made innovators. Its meetup community is actively spreading interest in the subject, sharing tips and experiences with gadget-obsessed hobbyists and professionals alike. Anyone curious about how things are made with 3D printing technology is encouraged to join. The next meetup is called ‘Introduction to Fusion 360’ and is scheduled for September 13th at 7pm. As well as the regular meetups and workshops held at Punt Multimèdia’s coworking space, 3D Print Barcelona also puts on special events, such as the Printer Party 2017, to be held on October 28th. The event is open to the public and will see experts demonstrate how laser-cutting machines are used, SketchUp workshops and 3D scanning and printing activities for children.
Fab Cafe. Bailén 11.
This is a space for collaborating on projects and bringing concepts to life. By providing a variety of digital fabrication tools, including laser cutters and 3D printers, visitors are able to create something physical from their digital data. There are five Fab Cafes across the world, with a network of approximately 170,000 customers. The synergy of this global system accelerates ideas and provides the resources to make them a reality. Located at the entrance to the MOB coworking space in the Eixample, Barcelona’s Fab Cafe holds workshops to educate first-time users on how to navigate the process, inspiring all types of creators to work together—the philosophy is that two heads are better than one. With that in mind, the Fab Cafe has been successfully increasing its network by encouraging newcomers to dive in and create alongside more experienced makers.