Fab Lab

Laser cutting machine

Welcome to the Lake Mac Libraries Fab Lab, the City’s newest technological hub.

Located at the Swansea Centre, the Fab Lab (digital fabrication lab) is an innovative educational space which is the first of its kind in regional New South Wales.

It joins over 1700 Fab Labs around the world to provide access to the environment, the skills, the materials and the advanced technology to allow anyone anywhere to make (almost) anything.

Visitors have the opportunity to develop skills in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Maths) and gain hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing equipment.

Some of the venue’s key features include:

  • Laser cutting machine
  • Vinyl cutting machine
  • CNC router
  • CNC desktop mill
  • 3D printers
  • 3D scanner
  • Green screen room
  • Virtual reality headsets
  • Vlogging kit
  • Digital drawing tablet
  • Desktop PCs for rendering, game and graphics design

The space is accessible for all through a range of workshops, open days and by appointment.

Stay up-to-date with all the latest Fab Lab news, events and opportunities by subscribing to our newsletter.

Learn more  Opening hours and events

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I find in the Fab Lab?

You can find a range of equipment in the Fab Lab including:

  • Laser Cutter (Trotec Speedy 360 80W CO2)
  • CNC Router (1.5mx1.5m Workbee V3)
  • CNC Desktop Mill (Roland monoFab SRM-20)
  • 3D Printer (Ultimaker S5)
  • 3D Scanner (Einscan Pro HD)
  • Vinyl Cutter (Roland GS-24)
  • Green Screen Room
  • Vlogging kit (Canon)
  • Digital drawing tablet (Wacom Cintiq 32” Pro)
  • Virtual Reality Headsets (Oculus Rift and Quest)
  • Desktop PCs for rendering, game and graphics design

How can I access the Fab Lab?

There are four main ways to access the Fab Lab and its equipment:

  • Attending workshops or events held at the space
  • Going to the space on a day when it is open
  • Booking an appointment or hiring the space
  • Joining the Lake Make Club

You can find out more information about access here

What are the opening hours?

The Fab Lab's regular opening hours are:

  • Saturdays 10am-1pm 1:30pm-4:30pm
  • Tuesday to Thursday by appointment (find out more about booking here)

The Fab Lab is closed on public holidays, long weekends and during the Christmas/New Year shutdown

Where is it located?

The Fab Lab is located at the northern end of the ground floor of the Swansea Centre, Pacific Highway, Swansea NSW 2281.  Main access to the Fab Lab is via the carpark off Wood Street.

Map showing way to access Fab Lab from the carpark off Wood Street

Can the Fab Lab be used for commercial use?

We do allow limited commercial use of the Fab Lab.  Please see our Lake Make Club page for more details.

Does the Fab Lab do commissions?

We will consider doing commissions. Contact us at fablab@lakemac.nsw.gov.au with information about your commission and we will get in touch. Charges for undertaking commissions will include the cost of materials and staff time.

Fab Lab volunteer program

As part of Council’s commitment to running a Fab Lab, we have established an avenue for the public to access the facility for free.

Members are able to volunteer at the facility as a 'superuser' in exchange for a discount on access fees. This discount varies based on the number of volunteer hours undertaken each month. 

Interested in becoming a superuser volunteer? View the position description and apply on our volunteer information page.

Hiring the Fab Lab

You can hire the space for events, workshops, meetups etc.

Please contact fablab@lakemac.nsw.gov.au with details on what you would like to hire the space for.

Note fees and charges may apply to hire the space.

 

 

The Fab Lab is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with the State Library of NSW through the Public Library Infrastructure Grant program.

NSW Government     State Library of NSW