A Look into Innovative Student Projects and Global Impact

Welcome to the Fab Academy's 15th edition! As we eagerly embrace the class of 2024 (opens new window), with a growing group of 236 students and 78 Nodes from 71 countries, we anticipate an enriching journey filled with innovation and collaboration. This year, we are thrilled to introduce enhancements aimed at elevating the student experience and fostering a vibrant learning community. Join us as we delve into the exciting developments and projects within the Fab Academy ecosystem.

Embracing Education and Innovation

Professor Neil Gershenfeld is introducing a new electronic production (opens new window) technique to this year's students. The process involves composing a PCB design first, followed by creating a stencil using polycarbonate plastic (0.01 inch) and using the low-cost mini CNC LUNYEE 3018 PRO (opens new window) MAX or also with the Cricut (opens new window). These stencils are then stacked on top of the PCB, allowing for the application of solder paste and placement of various components. Finally, a heat gun is used for reflow, resulting in high-quality outcomes.

One of the highlights from this year's program experts is the Blender Parametric Press-Fit Kit (opens new window) tutorial, led by Rico Kanthatham (opens new window) from Skylabworkshop (opens new window) and Santi Fuentemilla (opens new window) from Fab Lab Barcelona (opens new window). This tutorial demonstrates how to leverage Blender's Geometric Nodes to create 2D shapes for Press-Fit Kits, offering adjustable parameters for slot dimensions and number of sides. With this showcase of Blender as a robust Parametric modeling tool, students gain valuable insights into digital fabrication techniques, empowering them to explore new avenues of creativity.

From the students’ weekly development, Bernardo Lamuno (opens new window) from Fab Lab Puebla (opens new window) explores parametric design using Fusion 360 and Blender on his M1 Mac, exemplifying the diverse skill sets cultivated within the Fab Academy program. Through tutorials like "Learn Fusion 360 in 30 days," Bernardo honed his Fusion 360 skills, ultimately choosing it as his preferred tool for CAD and parametric design. His final project, featuring stunning renders in Blender (opens new window) utilizing Cycles and procedural textures, underscores the versatility of Blender, achieving remarkable design outcomes. Bernardo's journey serves as a testament to the combined strengths of creativity and technical expertise nurtured within Fab Academy.

Caption: Bernardo Render in Blender

During the early stages of the Fab Academy program, Edwin Dertien (opens new window) from Waag (opens new window) embarked on a journey of exploration, employing a diverse range of design software to realize his vision. From GIMP for 2D image processing to Fusion360, FreeCAD, Rhino, Grasshopper, OpenSCAD (opens new window), and Blender for 3D modeling, Edwin's project exemplifies the interdisciplinary approach encouraged within Fab Academy. His mastery of OpenSCAD for modeling and Blender for rendering demonstrates the effectiveness of leveraging multiple tools to achieve project goals. Edwin's experience underscores the importance of adaptability and experimentation in the pursuit of creative solutions.

Fab Academy's Impact: Empowering Global Communities

As we celebrate the 15th edition of Fab Academy, we reflect on the profound impact it has had on over 1,300 students (opens new window) from 105 countries worldwide. With the participation of 216 nodes (opens new window), Fab Labs, and organizations, Fab Academy continues to serve as a global catalyst for knowledge dissemination and advanced manufacturing. By nurturing a collaborative cohort of innovators, Fab Academy remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering individuals and communities worldwide.

Fab Academy stands as a testament to the transformative power of education, innovation, and collaboration. Through a diverse array of projects and experiences, students have demonstrated their creativity, technical prowess, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of digital fabrication. Join us in celebrating the remarkable achievements of the class of 2024 and the enduring legacy of Fab Academy, shaping the future of advanced manufacturing.

Read the 2022-2023 Fab Academy Report (opens new window)

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