Jul 192 min read

How can YOU use The Valley Fab Lab?

Have you ever heard "The Valley Fab Lab" brought up in conversations before and wondered, "what the heck is a Fab Lab?!" It's ok! We asked that question a while back, too, when we decided to form a partnership to bring The Valley Fab Lab to life! Or it could be that you've NEVER heard of The Valley Fab Lab. In that case, let me tell you all about it!

WHAT IS A FAB LAB?

A Fab Lab, or digital fabrication laboratory, is a place to play, to create, to learn, to mentor, to invent: a place for learning and innovation.

Fab Labs provide access to the environment, the skills, the materials and the advanced technology to allow anyone anywhere to make (almost) anything. (Definition provided by The Fab Foundation at https://fabfoundation.org/getting-started/) The Valley Fab Lab provides access to many different tools including, 3D printers, Laser Engravers, Vinyl Cutters, A Large Format Printer/Cutter, A Direct To Garment Printer, A Large Format Photo Printer, with plans to add many different machines in the future!

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?

The Valley Fab Lab is open to the PUBLIC! You can utilize the space in a number of different ways.

If you are a creative person who enjoys working hands on, you may want to consider taking a certification class. You can become certified on any of the machines, which requires a 90 minute group class where you learn the basics of using the machine. From there, you can book time on any machine that you are certified in using, and you can bring your designs to life! You can also choose to participate in their work for hire group.
If you are a creative person, but aren't quite ready to learn how to use the machines on your own, you can sign up for any of the workshop classes! The Valley Fab Lab holds monthly themed workshops where you can come and add your own personal touch to pre-made designs. You can find out what workshops are currently being held by visiting https://www.valleyfablab.org/workshops-events, or by following the Fab Lab on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thevalleyfablab. You can also book private workshops for small groups! The Fab Lab has hosted, Girl Scout and Boy Scout Troops, Robotics Teams, businesses for team building events, and various school classes.
Lastly, if you have a business or an event coming up, and you want to create some swag to give away, you can hire Fab Lab staff, or a participating community member, to create personalized items for you! More information can be found here https://www.valleyfablab.org/custom-services.

If you would like to tour The Valley Fab Lab and see our machines in action, be sure to join us for Fab Fest 2024 on July 23rd starting at 4:00 p.m.

2120 Shenango Valley Freeway, Hermitage, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 16148

RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/eXJLBAmxKnWJW7Vw/

We look forward to seeing you there!

Below are some examples of items that Whole Life Services Individuals and Staff have created at The Valley Fab Lab!