Roland DG Corporation’s innovative digital devices generated plenty of interest and excitement at Fab11, held August 2-9, 2015 on the campus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge. Fab11 is an annual conference hosted by the Fab Foundation, a non-profit organization that facilitates and supports the development of the international fab lab network through the development of regional fab labs and programs. Roland DG showcased its new monoFab™ ARM-10 3D printer and SRM-20 desktop milling machine, as well as its state-of-the-art wide-format inkjet printers, at the prestigious event, which attracted Fab Foundation members from all over the world.
Roland DG was also a sponsor of the week-long conference, comprised of hands-o workshops, seminars, planning meetings, project demonstrations, product exhibitions, a public Fab Festival and more. In addition to demonstrating its advanced 3D rapid prototyping and digital printing products at Fab11, Roland DG held seminars on how to build circuit boards and hack the SRM-20.
The popularity of the international fab lab movement is evident in the success of Fab11 and the growth of the Fab Foundation. The organization has doubled in size in just one year, now boasting over 700 labs in 78 countries. The U.S. has a number of fab labs installed throughout the country, most of which secure government and corporate grants to fund initiatives that bring various technologies, including Roland’s digital devices, into schools and community environments.
“MIT is the birthplace of the fab lab concept, and Roland’s cutting-edge products definitely fit well within the event’s ‘Make (almost) Anything’ theme,” said Tony Miller, Director of Sales, Strategic Accounts for Roland DGA, the U.S. marketing, sales and distribution arm of Roland DG. “Visitors to our booth were impressed by the advanced capabilities of the 3D rapid prototyping machines we showcased at the conference, especially our new monoFab series devices, which make it easier than ever for engineers, educators, makers and hobbyists to turn ideas into reality.”
Miller is also quick to point out the widespread impact of fab labs. “The rapidly growing fab lab movement is focused on getting young people around the globe interested in STEM and digital fabrication,” explained Miller. “The goal is to encourage creativity and ingenuity by making related technologies and products more available to everyone, everywhere. By introducing fab labs to different areas and environments, the Fab Foundation is helping to cultivate and inspire the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.”
Along with the ARM-10 3D printer and SRM-20 desktop mill, Roland DG displayed its MDX series milling machines and CAMM-1 GS-24 desktop cutter at Fab11, as well as popular digital inkjet printers from the company’s VersaUV® LEF and VersaCAMM® VSi series.
