The CU FabLab Week 6 reflection

I’ve learned that any innovative technology never works on the first try. This week we met at the Champaign-Urbana Community Fab Lab, not short for Fabulous, instead Fabrication, but it might as well be called that. There is so much technology available including laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC (computer-controlled cutting machine) routers, and what I worked with: digital textile machines. I chose an image from the internet which the digital sowing machine would recognize and ultimately replicate with thread onto a piece of fabric. I had originally picked a taco with a total of 6 colors, meaning I would have to replace the machine 6 times with different colors of thread. As with every piece of new technology, there can be flaws in execution. Changing the thread so many times takes up time, and in doing so the fabric was misplaced, so the thread started sowing in the wrong place. Basically taco did not work out. I chose another image that included only two colors and a smaller size and it was a success!!

Image from Internet:

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Taco while being embroidered (mess-up):

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Coffee cup (only two colors):

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I really enjoyed the FabLab as a community, and this concept of “makers”. My experience entailed taking something as age-old as sowing and mixing technology and design with it. There is so much technology available there. As I was exploring the website I realized there was much more available than what I had at a first glance. Based on the MIT Fab Lab Inventory categories, the CU Fab Lab has many tools available to the public ranging from a laser engraver to 3D printing to Electronics. Not only was I exposed to this, but the fact that I was running into so many problems exposed me to how technology is not perfect on the first try. Technology is constantly improving and changing. I can’t wait to see what is in store for the next class!

One thought on “The CU FabLab Week 6 reflection

  1. That is a really great way of thinking of it! I think the CUC Fab Lab does a great job of mixing technology with old, standard processes. In a way, that is what “Makers” are great at right? 3D printing disrupts the standard manufacturing process. Digital Embroidery disrupts the standard threading process!

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