Fab@Home:Getting Started
From Fab @ Home
Five steps to get you going
- Choose and build a Fabber. Visit the catalog page to pick out the fabber that you would like, and to find information about building your own fabber. You will need to either buy an assembled machine or a kit from the NextFab Store or purchase the parts for the fabber yourself, and also some simple tools to build the machine with.
- Install the software. Download and install the software binaries (USB driver and Fab@Home software). Check that it talks to the printer and you are able to manually jog the carriage. Later, you can download the source code, see how it works and improve it.
- Select and buy some building materials. Visit the materials page to select some materials. Start with a simple material like playdough or 1-part silicone. Later you can move on to more sophisticated materials, cocktails, and multi-material assemblies.
- Download an object to print. Visit the Design Library page and download the model of an object to print. Import the model into your Fab@Home software. Start with something simple like a cube or a cone. Later you can explore more complex structures.
- Print the object. Load your deposition tool with material, and print the object using the software.
Please consult the Frequently Asked Questions section when you have difficulties. If you solved any of these problems, please be sure to update the FAQ area with your solutions.
Advanced
If you have completed the above steps, you are ready to do more:
- Get a CAD or Geometric modeling program and design your own objects to print
- Try out and develop new materials
- Improve the fabber design (mechanical, software and electronics)
- Mapquest Maps Directions
