The Printers: Model 1, Model 2, and beyond


Personal fabricators consist of chassis, tool heads, and electronics. The Model 1 and 2 Fab@Home units consist entirely of off-the-shelf components. The new Model 2 printer is a significant improvement on the Model 1. It has a simplified design, which reduces the cost, build time, and skill level required. It is easy and affordable to build and modify. If you are intrested in getting a unit, you can order one from Seraph Robotics from inside the US or outside the US. Feel free to email them at sales at seraphrobotics.com or email getinvolved at fabathome.org. 


Most 3D printers and digital fabricators process STL files in a printer specific studio program. The Model 1 used a community designed open-source studio program to manipulate geometries. The Model 2 sports new standardized hardware and software interactions that support user-developed hardware and software programs. These new standards will allow for the creation of application specific, printer independent software programs. A C++ library for developing Fab@Home applications is under development. 


The Fab@Home syringe tools have the unique ability to make objects out of multiple materials. They are compatible with a wide array of materials including silicone, cement, stainless steel, cake frosting, and cheese. Some of our finished products include a battery, a flashlight, a bicycle sprocket, toy parts, and various food products.

What is to Come

Collaborators around the world are designing new tools including a CNC attachment, large volume reservoirs, an ice deposition tool. Coders are designing a new set of standards, languages and programs to help make personal fabricators become ubiquitous.