xmedk

1-5 October 2007 and 12-16 May 2008, FoAM, Brussels, Belgium

Participants: Toby Borland, Theun Karelse, Steven Pickles, Nik Gaffney, Kurt Hexman, Pieter de Wel, Maja Kuzmanovic, Lina Kusaite

"The self-copying 3D printer will be something cheap enough for individuals to own and be something they can copy for their friends. When everyone can print almost any device or machine the same will happen to the idea of patents as has happened to music copyright." -Adrian Bowyer, www.reprap.org/

WORKSHOPS
In a five day long hands-on workshop in October 07, we attempted to build a 3D printer, based on the open source RepRap specifications, adapted to suit the needs of the participants. The week consisted of putting together a complex puzzle of several thousand components, calibrating the hardware and the software and towards the end of the week, hopefully experimenting with printing with different materials - from plastics, to sugar, to whatever else we can lay our hands on. The fabrication of the fabricator continued in May 2008, when Reprap began showing signs of life.

OPEN LAB
On Friday, the 5th of October 2007, we opened the doors to the lab, for everyone interested in the magic of 'Fabbing'. Aside from seeing the fruits of our labour, meeting the participants and perhaps toasting the machine with cups it has printed (according to RepRap lore), Toby Borland gave presentation about MAGICbox - 'Personal and Community Fabrication' at the SMARTLab in London
(www.smartlab.uk.com/2projects/magicbox.htm).

The fabricator continues to raise interest and has been visited by various experts and enthusiasts throughout 2008. Plans are underway to join forces with CityMin(e)d, iPropeller & Dorkbot to popularise personal fabrication for artists, designers and community members in Brussels, Leuven and Gent.

More:
fo.am/xmedk/
lib.fo.am/fabbing_workshop
flickr.com/photos/foam/sets/72157602227593113/