The Fab Store - Revision history

IdeaMan at 19:14, 3 December 2025

2025-12-03T19:14:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:14, 3 December 2025
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	\|author=Jeff Lawlor		\|author=Jeff Lawlor
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			\|published_time={{#pagecreated:}}
	}}		}}
	[[File:The Fab Store.jpeg\|thumb\|While nothing lasts forever, the Fab Store can make your things last much longer.]]		[[File:The Fab Store.jpeg\|thumb\|While nothing lasts forever, the Fab Store can make your things last much longer.]]

IdeaMan at 16:03, 29 November 2025

2025-11-29T16:03:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:03, 29 November 2025
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	Fixing, fabricating and manufacturing happen here at the Fab Shops. Here you'll find all the expensive equipment, including a 3D Scanner, 3D printer, CNC machinery and more.		Fixing, fabricating and manufacturing happen here at the Fab Shops. Here you'll find all the expensive equipment, including a 3D Scanner, 3D printer, CNC machinery and more.

	One Fab Shop serves many Fab Stores in the same city. This reduces the cost and headcount required to own and operate all this [[The Fab Store#~~Anatomy of Fab Stores and Shops~~\|reasonably expensive equipment]].		One Fab Shop serves many Fab Stores in the same city. This reduces the cost and headcount required to own and operate all this [[The Fab Store#ROI for Equipment\|reasonably expensive equipment]].

	Fab Shops are located in a separate building by necessity. CNC machines are typically not permitted in commercial zones. Light-industrial zoned areas allow them.		Fab Shops are located in a separate building by necessity. CNC machines are typically not permitted in commercial zones. Light-industrial zoned areas allow them.
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	Here's a rough estimate of the equipment cost for each Fab Shop:		Here's a rough estimate of the equipment cost for each Fab Shop:

	*3D Scanner: $5,000		* 3D Scanner: $5,000
	*FDM 3D Printer: $15,000		* FDM 3D Printer: $15,000
	*CNC Mill: $50,000		* CNC Mill: $50,000
	*CNC Lathe: $50,000		* CNC Lathe: $50,000
	*Set of Tools: $2,500		* Set of Tools: $2,500
	*Sewing Equipment: $1,000		* Sewing Equipment: $1,000
	*Painting tools: $500		* Painting tools: $500
	*Parts and raw materials: $1,500		* Parts and raw materials: $1,500

	===Repair Costs===		===Repair Costs===

IdeaMan: Fixed a broken link.

2025-11-29T16:02:59Z

Fixed a broken link.

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:02, 29 November 2025
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	Fixing, fabricating and manufacturing happen here at the Fab Shops. Here you'll find all the expensive equipment, including a 3D Scanner, 3D printer, CNC machinery and more.		Fixing, fabricating and manufacturing happen here at the Fab Shops. Here you'll find all the expensive equipment, including a 3D Scanner, 3D printer, CNC machinery and more.

	One Fab Shop serves many Fab Stores in the same city. This reduces the cost and headcount required to own and operate all this [[The Fab Store#~~ROI for Equipment~~\|reasonably expensive equipment]].		One Fab Shop serves many Fab Stores in the same city. This reduces the cost and headcount required to own and operate all this [[The Fab Store#Anatomy of Fab Stores and Shops\|reasonably expensive equipment]].

	Fab Shops are located in a separate building by necessity. CNC machines are typically not permitted in commercial zones. Light-industrial zoned areas allow them.		Fab Shops are located in a separate building by necessity. CNC machines are typically not permitted in commercial zones. Light-industrial zoned areas allow them.
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	Here's a rough estimate of the equipment cost for each Fab Shop:		Here's a rough estimate of the equipment cost for each Fab Shop:

	* 3D Scanner: $5,000		*3D Scanner: $5,000
	* FDM 3D Printer: $15,000		*FDM 3D Printer: $15,000
	* CNC Mill: $50,000		*CNC Mill: $50,000
	* CNC Lathe: $50,000		*CNC Lathe: $50,000
	* Set of Tools: $2,500		*Set of Tools: $2,500
	* Sewing Equipment: $1,000		*Sewing Equipment: $1,000
	* Painting tools: $500		*Painting tools: $500
	* Parts and raw materials: $1,500		*Parts and raw materials: $1,500

	===Repair Costs===		===Repair Costs===

IdeaMan: Article complete!

2025-09-19T19:11:12Z

Article complete!

Show changes

IdeaMan: Moved infoboxes down to a heading so it doesn't interrupt the flow of a section when in print view

2025-09-19T00:07:01Z

Moved infoboxes down to a heading so it doesn't interrupt the flow of a section when in print view

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:07, 19 September 2025
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	\|}		\|}
	Compatible materials aside, other limitations with FDM require other 3D printing technologies for certain items. For example, FDM technology is:		Compatible materials aside, other limitations with FDM require other 3D printing technologies for certain items. For example, FDM technology is:

	{{Infobox About User And Idea\|aboutidea=Fab Stores make a dent in ending our throwaway culture in two ways. First by 3D printing custom parts to repair broken items. Second by delivering on the promise of small-scale manufacturing.}}
	~~{{Infobox What Do I Want\|wish1=Own a small percentage of company\|wish2=Opportunities for additional, early investment.}}~~
	*'''Low-resolution.''' It creates visible lines between each layer laid down. An SLA printer creates items with smooth surfaces and much finer detail		*'''Low-resolution.''' It creates visible lines between each layer laid down. An SLA printer creates items with smooth surfaces and much finer detail
	*'''Not very strong.''' Items produced FDM printers tend to have weak adhesion between each layer. SLA have low mechanical strength without post-processing. Only SLS can produce strong parts natively		*'''Not very strong.''' Items produced FDM printers tend to have weak adhesion between each layer. SLA have low mechanical strength without post-processing. Only SLS can produce strong parts natively
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	When a customer's part or item needs go beyond the capabilities of Fab Store equipment, the Fab Store Network can fulfill the request.		When a customer's part or item needs go beyond the capabilities of Fab Store equipment, the Fab Store Network can fulfill the request.

			{{Infobox About User And Idea\|aboutidea=Fab Stores make a dent in ending our throwaway culture in two ways. First by 3D printing custom parts to repair broken items. Second by delivering on the promise of small-scale manufacturing.}}
			{{Infobox What Do I Want\|wish1=Own a small percentage of company\|wish2=Opportunities for additional, early investment.}}
	===Sales Data===		===Sales Data===
	When one Fab Store finds a winning product, other locations take notice thanks to sales data provided by the Fab Store Network.		When one Fab Store finds a winning product, other locations take notice thanks to sales data provided by the Fab Store Network.
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	The vision is a Fab Store everywhere you might find a 7-Eleven, multiple Fab Shops supporting the stores and the Fab Store Network supporting the whole operation. You first need to get it off the ground, though. Here are some thoughts on starting small and scaling up to the global fabricating repair cafe behemoth it is bound to be!		The vision is a Fab Store everywhere you might find a 7-Eleven, multiple Fab Shops supporting the stores and the Fab Store Network supporting the whole operation. You first need to get it off the ground, though. Here are some thoughts on starting small and scaling up to the global fabricating repair cafe behemoth it is bound to be!

	=== One Building Does It All at First ===		===One Building Does It All at First===
	I envision the first location as a Fab Store, Fab Shop and Fab Network all in one. This won't be a neighborhood shop. It'll be in a light industrial zone where the rent is cheap and we're permitted to use all the equipment.		I envision the first location as a Fab Store, Fab Shop and Fab Network all in one. This won't be a neighborhood shop. It'll be in a light industrial zone where the rent is cheap and we're permitted to use all the equipment.

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	At this stage, we are prepared for business from local customers. However, I expect most of our customers will find us online until the neighborhood shops open.		At this stage, we are prepared for business from local customers. However, I expect most of our customers will find us online until the neighborhood shops open.

	=== Online Repairs and Sales ===		===Online Repairs and Sales===
	Bringing a broken item into a Fab Store and talking it over with a repair expert is the ideal customer experience. With only one location in an area with little foot traffic, we can't depend on in-person revenue. We need the worldwide reach of the Internet.		Bringing a broken item into a Fab Store and talking it over with a repair expert is the ideal customer experience. With only one location in an area with little foot traffic, we can't depend on in-person revenue. We need the worldwide reach of the Internet.

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	The shopping web site even offers build-on-demand items that we don't need to keep in inventory. Just build and ship it on request when a customer orders it.		The shopping web site even offers build-on-demand items that we don't need to keep in inventory. Just build and ship it on request when a customer orders it.

	=== Marketing ===		===Marketing===
	We're creating a new market- Neighborhood stores repairing a wide-array of previously unfixable items. Building an entirely new market requires more effort than entering an existing market. It takes time and a lot of marketing to create awareness about the new service.		We're creating a new market- Neighborhood stores repairing a wide-array of previously unfixable items. Building an entirely new market requires more effort than entering an existing market. It takes time and a lot of marketing to create awareness about the new service.

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	Since we're in a new space using cutting edge technology, we're likely to get a lot of free publicity through media outreach. Those interviews and articles tell the public about the market we're trying to create and our brand will be forever associated with getting it off the ground.		Since we're in a new space using cutting edge technology, we're likely to get a lot of free publicity through media outreach. Those interviews and articles tell the public about the market we're trying to create and our brand will be forever associated with getting it off the ground.

	=== Host Repair Cafes and Makerspaces ===		===Host Repair Cafes and Makerspaces===
	Hosting free repair cafes and renting makerspaces is another way to get the word out, bring in some revenue and recruit talent. Let's loot at each.		Hosting free repair cafes and renting makerspaces is another way to get the word out, bring in some revenue and recruit talent. Let's loot at each.

	==== The Best Repair Cafe Ever ====		====The Best Repair Cafe Ever====
	Traditional repair cafes are free and hosted by community members. They happen infrequently and are limited by the tools, talent and supplies available to the repair event.		Traditional repair cafes are free and hosted by community members. They happen infrequently and are limited by the tools, talent and supplies available to the repair event.

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	Repair cafes bring people into the store, making them familiar with what we do and how capable we are at doing it. Awareness of our brand follows.		Repair cafes bring people into the store, making them familiar with what we do and how capable we are at doing it. Awareness of our brand follows.

	==== Makerspace for Rent ====		====Makerspace for Rent====
	Most cities have community makerspaces where the public can build things on the same kind of equipment found at Fab Shops. We could rent this equipment to bring in revenue. This would also bring in the city's makers, some of whom might make great employees.		Most cities have community makerspaces where the public can build things on the same kind of equipment found at Fab Shops. We could rent this equipment to bring in revenue. This would also bring in the city's makers, some of whom might make great employees.

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	==Obstacles and Risks==		==Obstacles and Risks==

	=== Creating a new market ===		===Creating a new market===

	=== Machine speeds ===		===Machine speeds===

	=== Part costs ===		===Part costs===

	=== Repair costs ===		===Repair costs===

	=== ROI for Equipment ===		===ROI for Equipment===

	=== Finding/Training Talent ===		===Finding/Training Talent===

	==Conclusion==		==Conclusion==

IdeaMan: Completed Starting Out section.

2025-09-16T00:25:29Z

Completed Starting Out section.

@@ Line 109: / Line 109: @@
 *User-requested products
 *Custom designed products
-[[File:Thingaverse - Tic Tac Gun - by 3DPatriot.png|alt=A 3D printed "Tic Tac Gun." The "clip" is an upside-down box of Tic Tacs. The orange plastic gun has a lever to load the Tic Tac and a trigger to shoot it.|thumb|Not just repairs. The Fab Store can make and sell items like the "[https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4883696 Tic Tac Gun]." One of millions freely available designs for 3D printers.]]
+[[File:Thingaverse - Tic Tac Gun - by 3DPatriot.png|alt=A 3D printed "Tic Tac Gun." The "clip" is an upside-down box of Tic Tacs. The orange plastic gun has a lever to load the Tic Tac and a trigger to shoot it.|thumb|Not just repairs. The Fab Store can make and sell items like the "[https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4883696 Tic Tac Gun]," found on Thingaverse. It's one of millions of designs freely available for 3D printers.]]
 ===Pre-fabricated Products: Discover the Next Rubik's Cube===
@@ Line 119: / Line 119: @@
 At some point, enough demand builds to support mass manufacturing. That's when you become the brand leader in the new product space.
-[[File:2023-10-01 xx2dgkhdxv3i.jpg|alt=Tubes of toothpaste with a small, round device with a knob is attached to the bottom of the tube. In the background are examples of the device standalone.|thumb|The [https://makerworld.com/en/models/30246-ratcheted-toothpaste-tube-squeezer Ratcheted Toothpaste Tube Squeezer] solves the age-old problem of extracting the last bit of toothpaste from the tube. Could this be a hot selling item in Fab Stores?]]
+[[File:2023-10-01 xx2dgkhdxv3i.jpg|alt=Tubes of toothpaste with a small, round device with a knob is attached to the bottom of the tube. In the background are examples of the device standalone.|thumb|The [https://makerworld.com/en/models/30246-ratcheted-toothpaste-tube-squeezer Ratcheted Toothpaste Tube Squeezer], found at MakerWorld, solves the age-old problem of extracting the last bit of toothpaste from the tube. Could this be a hot selling item in Fab Stores?]]
 The Fab Store network contains the collective wisdom of all Fab Stores on which items sell and which are duds. You decide which products are ready for the big time (mass manufacturing) through this collective data.
@@ Line 139: / Line 139: @@
 ===Custom-designed Products: Giving the Customer Exactly What They Want===
 Customizing a user-requested product opens up a consulting revenue stream for the Fab Store. The user brings in a design that they would like to improve in some way. Maybe it's putting their name in the design. Maybe a certain part of the item needs to be larger. Maybe they want to combine two designs. Fab Store experts have the skills to create unique designs for customers who can pay for the expert's time.
-[[File:3D Printed Split Flap Display.png|alt=A Split Flap machine created with a 3D printer. The display has 10 characters and can show both letters and numbers.|thumb|3D printed parts can combine with other standard parts, like motors and Arduinos, to make some pretty amazing products! This [https://www.printables.com/model/69464-split-flap-display split-flap display]  from Printables is a great example.]]
+[[File:3D Printed Split Flap Display.png|alt=A Split Flap machine created with a 3D printer. The display has 10 characters and can show both letters and numbers.|thumb|3D printed parts combine with other standard parts, like motors and Arduinos, to make some pretty amazing products! This [https://www.printables.com/model/69464-split-flap-display split-flap display]  from Printables is a great example.]]
 ==The Fab Store Network==
@@ Line 320: / Line 320: @@
 The online repair process needs to meet numerous requirements, some in conflict with others. Requirements include:
-*'''Easy process for anyone''' The UI should be approachable. It shouldn't overburden the user with require details they might not have or might not apply to their item.
+*'''Easy process for anyone''' The UI should be approachable. It shouldn't overburden the user with required details they might not have or might not apply to their item.
 *'''Collect as many details as possible''' An accurate estimate is based on an accurate assessment. Some items can't be repaired at all. The customer should feel good about their decision to send the item in. The Fab Store Network should engage the customer in a phone call if we can't offer a good prognosis from the data collected online
 *'''Customers should regularly see Fab Store products in the experience''' The physical stores display products to draw in window shoppers. The online experience should also offer window shopping. The small-scale manufacturing revolution waits. Fab Stores should be a part of it from the beginning.
 ==Starting Out==
-The vision is a Fab Store everywhere you might find a 7-Eleven, multiple Fab Shops supporting the stores and the Fab Store Network. You first need to get it off the ground, though. Here are some thoughts on starting small and scaling up to the global fabricating repair cafe behemoth it is bound to be!
+The vision is a Fab Store everywhere you might find a 7-Eleven, multiple Fab Shops supporting the stores and the Fab Store Network supporting the whole operation. You first need to get it off the ground, though. Here are some thoughts on starting small and scaling up to the global fabricating repair cafe behemoth it is bound to be!
-Online Repairs and Sales
+=== One Building Does It All at First ===
-One Building Does It All
+For local customers, we'd still have a friendly storefront at the location, complete with pre-built products in the window. The back of the store is sealed off from the front so that noise and debris doesn't enter the customer area.
-==Obstacles==
+At this stage, we are prepared for business from local customers. However, I expect most of our customers will find us online until the neighborhood shops open.
 ==Conclusion==

IdeaMan: Added split-flap image

2025-09-15T21:22:10Z

Added split-flap image

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:22, 15 September 2025
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	Let's look at each's role in the Fab Store's success.		Let's look at each's role in the Fab Store's success.

	=== Fab Stores: Neighborhood Storefronts ===		===Fab Stores: Neighborhood Storefronts===
	Convenient, neighborhood Fab Store locations serve customers where they live- anywhere you might find a 7-Eleven. The retail stores diagnose problems and make common, minor repairs.		Convenient, neighborhood Fab Store locations serve customers where they live- anywhere you might find a 7-Eleven. The retail stores diagnose problems and make common, minor repairs.

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	Fab Stores also sell unique products, [[The Fab Store#Beyond Repairs: A Small-scale Manufacturing Revolution\|manufactured in small quantities]] on Fab Store equipment. These items draw new people into the store and give offer repair customers impulse buying opportunities. The designs for these products are freely available online and one of them might be the next Rubik's Cube or Hula Hoop.		Fab Stores also sell unique products, [[The Fab Store#Beyond Repairs: A Small-scale Manufacturing Revolution\|manufactured in small quantities]] on Fab Store equipment. These items draw new people into the store and give offer repair customers impulse buying opportunities. The designs for these products are freely available online and one of them might be the next Rubik's Cube or Hula Hoop.

	=== Fab Shops: Fabricating Happens Here ===		===Fab Shops: Fabricating Happens Here===
	Fixing, fabricating and manufacturing happen here at the Fab Shops. Here you'll find all the expensive equipment, including a 3D Scanner, 3D printer, CNC machinery and more.		Fixing, fabricating and manufacturing happen here at the Fab Shops. Here you'll find all the expensive equipment, including a 3D Scanner, 3D printer, CNC machinery and more.

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	But even if the machines were permitted in a Fab Store by law, here are several reasons why you still shouldn't do it:		But even if the machines were permitted in a Fab Store by law, here are several reasons why you still shouldn't do it:

	* These machines take a lot of space. You'd have to find a building big enough to house both the retail and fabrication sides. This would cost more to lease and limit the locations where you could open a Fab Store		*These machines take a lot of space. You'd have to find a building big enough to house both the retail and fabrication sides. This would cost more to lease and limit the locations where you could open a Fab Store
	* The machines are noisy and dusty. You don't want to have to yell over the CNC lathe to talk to the customer!		*The machines are noisy and dusty. You don't want to have to yell over the CNC lathe to talk to the customer!
	* Fab Stores will have a smaller, repair cafe-style shop on site that will handle most repairs.		*Fab Stores will have a smaller, repair cafe-style shop on site that will handle most repairs.

	== Anatomy of Fab Stores and Shops ==		==Anatomy of Fab Stores and Shops==
	[[File:Tormach 770M CNC Mill.png\|alt=Marketing photo of the Tormach 770M CNC Mill. A large machine with a computer screen on a post.\|thumb\|An example of a CNC mill for cutting and shaping metal parts. It's one of two CNC machines needed to cover most metal needs. [https://tormach.com/machines/mills.html Image courtesy of Tormarch]]]We've seen the distinction between Fab Stores and Fab Shops. Now let's dive deeper into what goes into each.		[[File:Tormach 770M CNC Mill.png\|alt=Marketing photo of the Tormach 770M CNC Mill. A large machine with a computer screen on a post.\|thumb\|An example of a CNC mill for cutting and shaping metal parts. It's one of two CNC machines needed to cover most metal needs. [https://tormach.com/machines/mills.html Image courtesy of Tormarch]]]We've seen the distinction between Fab Stores and Fab Shops. Now let's dive deeper into what goes into each.

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	At some point, enough demand builds to support mass manufacturing. That's when you become the brand leader in the new product space.		At some point, enough demand builds to support mass manufacturing. That's when you become the brand leader in the new product space.
			[[File:2023-10-01 xx2dgkhdxv3i.jpg\|alt=Tubes of toothpaste with a small, round device with a knob is attached to the bottom of the tube. In the background are examples of the device standalone.\|thumb\|The [https://makerworld.com/en/models/30246-ratcheted-toothpaste-tube-squeezer Ratcheted Toothpaste Tube Squeezer] solves the age-old problem of extracting the last bit of toothpaste from the tube. Could this be a hot selling item in Fab Stores?]]

	The Fab Store network contains the collective wisdom of all Fab Stores on which items sell and which are duds. You decide which products are ready for the big time (mass manufacturing) through this collective data.		The Fab Store network contains the collective wisdom of all Fab Stores on which items sell and which are duds. You decide which products are ready for the big time (mass manufacturing) through this collective data.

	Who knows which design might turn into a commercial success. Producing a limited quantity of a wide range of products in search of a winner is a low-cost, low-risk way to discover the next hula hoop, hot jewelry trend or must-have phone case. Imagination is about the only limit!		Who knows which design might turn into a commercial success. Producing a limited quantity of a wide range of products in search of a winner is a low-cost, low-risk way to discover the next hula hoop, hot jewelry trend or must-have phone case. Imagination is about the only limit!
	[[File:2023-10-01 xx2dgkhdxv3i.jpg\|alt=Tubes of toothpaste with a small, round device with a knob is attached to the bottom of the tube. In the background are examples of the device standalone.\|thumb\|The [https://makerworld.com/en/models/30246-ratcheted-toothpaste-tube-squeezer Ratcheted Toothpaste Tube Squeezer] solves the age-old problem of extracting the last bit of toothpaste from the tube. Could this be a hot selling item in Fab Stores?]]

	===User-requested Products: Bring Your Own Design===		===User-requested Products: Bring Your Own Design===
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	Today, such a hobbyist would have to depend on their own skills and a maker's space to create the item from their design. It doesn't have to be this hard.		Today, such a hobbyist would have to depend on their own skills and a maker's space to create the item from their design. It doesn't have to be this hard.
			[[File:Thingaverse - Floating Cup - by bwaslo.jpg\|alt=Four coffee mugs dumping out their coffee. The stream falls to the table where it splashes. The mugs appear to be floating in mid-air. Closer inspection reveals these are 3D printed coffee mugs and their suspension in the air is supported by the splash and stream of the 3D printed coffee spills.\|thumb\|[https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3689716 Another free design] to display the in the store window. Producing small batches of unique and clever items is a low-risk way to discover the next, must-have product. After finding a winner, mass-produce it and sell millions of them.]]

	Fab Stores could professionally manufacture the item with better equipment, materials and skills. The convenience and value to the customer is far beyond the price you would charge.		Fab Stores could professionally manufacture the item with better equipment, materials and skills. The convenience and value to the customer is far beyond the price you would charge.

	You should view customer-supplied designs as an insight into what kinds of products sell. If one customer wants the item, others likely do too. Look at the product space, not just the product, and you may find a profitable niche.		You should view customer-supplied designs as an insight into what kinds of products sell. If one customer wants the item, others likely do too. Look at the product space, not just the product, and you may find a profitable niche.
	[[File:Thingaverse - Floating Cup - by bwaslo.jpg\|alt=Four coffee mugs dumping out their coffee. The stream falls to the table where it splashes. The mugs appear to be floating in mid-air. Closer inspection reveals these are 3D printed coffee mugs and their suspension in the air is supported by the splash and stream of the 3D printed coffee spills.\|thumb\|[https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3689716 Another free design] to display the in the store window. Producing small batches of unique and clever items is a low-risk way to discover the next, must-have product. After finding a winner, mass-produce it and sell millions of them.]]

	===Custom-designed Products: Giving the Customer Exactly What They Want===		===Custom-designed Products: Giving the Customer Exactly What They Want===
	Customizing a user-requested product opens up a consulting revenue stream for the Fab Store. The user brings in a design that they would like to improve in some way. Maybe it's putting their name in the design. Maybe a certain part of the item needs to be larger. Maybe they want to combine two designs. Fab Store experts have the skills to create unique designs for customers who can pay for the expert's time.		Customizing a user-requested product opens up a consulting revenue stream for the Fab Store. The user brings in a design that they would like to improve in some way. Maybe it's putting their name in the design. Maybe a certain part of the item needs to be larger. Maybe they want to combine two designs. Fab Store experts have the skills to create unique designs for customers who can pay for the expert's time.
			[[File:3D Printed Split Flap Display.png\|alt=A Split Flap machine created with a 3D printer. The display has 10 characters and can show both letters and numbers.\|thumb\|3D printed parts can combine with other standard parts, like motors and Arduinos, to make some pretty amazing products! This [https://www.printables.com/model/69464-split-flap-display split-flap display] from Printables is a great example.]]

	==The Fab Store Network==		==The Fab Store Network==
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	[[File:Venn Diagram of 3D Printer Materials by Printer Technology.png\|alt=Venn diagram showing 3 bubbles. Each bubble represents a different 3D printing technology, which are FDM, SLS and SLA. Inside the bubble is a list of materials each prints can use.\|thumb\|Which 3D printing can utilize which material. See the accompanying table for details about each printer type's capabilities.]]		[[File:Venn Diagram of 3D Printer Materials by Printer Technology.png\|alt=Venn diagram showing 3 bubbles. Each bubble represents a different 3D printing technology, which are FDM, SLS and SLA. Inside the bubble is a list of materials each prints can use.\|thumb\|Which 3D printing can utilize which material. See the accompanying table for details about each printer type's capabilities.]]

	=== Specialized Parts from High-end 3D Printers ===		===Specialized Parts from High-end 3D Printers===
	Each Fab Store has the following equipment:		Each Fab Store has the following equipment:

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	*'''Customers should regularly see Fab Store products in the experience''' The physical stores display products to draw in window shoppers. The online experience should also offer window shopping. The small-scale manufacturing revolution waits. Fab Stores should be a part of it from the beginning.		*'''Customers should regularly see Fab Store products in the experience''' The physical stores display products to draw in window shoppers. The online experience should also offer window shopping. The small-scale manufacturing revolution waits. Fab Stores should be a part of it from the beginning.

	== Starting Out ==		==Starting Out==
	The vision is a Fab Store everywhere you might find a 7-Eleven, multiple Fab Shops supporting the stores and the Fab Store Network. You first need to get it off the ground, though. Here are some thoughts on starting small and scaling up to the global fabricating repair cafe behemoth it is bound to be!		The vision is a Fab Store everywhere you might find a 7-Eleven, multiple Fab Shops supporting the stores and the Fab Store Network. You first need to get it off the ground, though. Here are some thoughts on starting small and scaling up to the global fabricating repair cafe behemoth it is bound to be!

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	One Building Does It All		One Building Does It All

	== Obstacles ==		==Obstacles==

	== Conclusion ==		==Conclusion==
	Dump Throwaway Culture		Dump Throwaway Culture

IdeaMan: Expanded Fab Store/Shop distinction. Cleaned up notes. Added placeholders for final sections.

2025-09-13T00:54:07Z

Expanded Fab Store/Shop distinction. Cleaned up notes. Added placeholders for final sections.

Show changes

IdeaMan at 20:37, 12 September 2025

2025-09-12T20:37:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:37, 12 September 2025
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	The repair expert extracts the broken axle from the toy and scans it with a 3D scanner. The object appears virtually in CAD software, where the expert "repairs" the broken part in the software. Then the expert 3D prints a new axle and installs it in the truck. Your child gets more milage out of their toy and another item is spared from the landfill.		The repair expert extracts the broken axle from the toy and scans it with a 3D scanner. The object appears virtually in CAD software, where the expert "repairs" the broken part in the software. Then the expert 3D prints a new axle and installs it in the truck. Your child gets more milage out of their toy and another item is spared from the landfill.
			[[File:3DMakerPro Seal 3D Scanner - Marketing Photo.png\|alt=A 3DMakerPro Seal 3D Scanner is shown scanning a small figurine atop a rotating platform.\|thumb\|3D Scanners, like the 3DMakerPro Seal shown here, capture all the nuances of physical world object down to 0.01 millimeters. [https://store.3dmakerpro.com/products/seal Image courtesy 3DMakerPro].]]

	==Anatomy of a Fab Store==		==Anatomy of a Fab Store==
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	Let's look into what goes into Fab Stores and Fab Shops.		Let's look into what goes into Fab Stores and Fab Shops.
	[[File:~~Tormarch 8L~~ CNC ~~Lathe - Marketing Photo~~.png\|alt=Marketing photo of the ~~Tormarch 8L~~ CNC ~~Lathe~~\|thumb\|An example of a CNC ~~lathe used~~ for metal ~~object that need~~ to ~~be curved or rounded~~. [https://tormach.com/machines/~~lathes~~.html Image courtesy of Tormarch]]]		[[File:Tormach 770M CNC Mill.png\|alt=Marketing photo of the Tormach 770M CNC Mill. A large machine with a computer screen on a post.\|thumb\|An example of a CNC mill for cutting and shaping metal parts. It's one of two CNC machines needed to cover most metal needs. [https://tormach.com/machines/mills.html Image courtesy of Tormarch]]]

	===People===		===People===
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	While these FDM printers cover most scenarios, the Fab Store Network has even [[The Fab Store#Specialized Parts from High-end 3D Printers\|larger and more specialized 3D printers]] for less common needs.		While these FDM printers cover most scenarios, the Fab Store Network has even [[The Fab Store#Specialized Parts from High-end 3D Printers\|larger and more specialized 3D printers]] for less common needs.

			[[File:Tormarch 8L CNC Lathe - Marketing Photo.png\|alt=Marketing photo of the Tormarch 8L CNC Lathe\|thumb\|An example of a CNC lathe used for metal object that need to be curved or rounded. [https://tormach.com/machines/lathes.html Image courtesy of Tormarch]]]
	===CNC Machinery===		===CNC Machinery===
	This equipment is primarily for fabricating metal items. Each Fab Shop has CNC mill and lathe machines ready to cut and shape metals into parts customers. Whether the part is a replacement for a broken hinge or going into a window shopping product, these machines are capable of some amazing feats.		This equipment is primarily for fabricating metal items. Each Fab Shop has CNC mill and lathe machines ready to cut and shape metals into parts customers. Whether the part is a replacement for a broken hinge or going into a window shopping product, these machines are capable of some amazing feats.

IdeaMan at 20:28, 12 September 2025

2025-09-12T20:28:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:28, 12 September 2025
Line 47:		Line 47:

	Let's look into what goes into Fab Stores and Fab Shops.		Let's look into what goes into Fab Stores and Fab Shops.
			[[File:Tormarch 8L CNC Lathe - Marketing Photo.png\|alt=Marketing photo of the Tormarch 8L CNC Lathe\|thumb\|An example of a CNC lathe used for metal object that need to be curved or rounded. [https://tormach.com/machines/lathes.html Image courtesy of Tormarch]]]

	===People===		===People===