What is the CoA Fab Lab?

The CoA Fab Lab is a campus resource where students, faculty, and staff learn how to make all kinds of things, for free.

We can show you how to use computer applications (software) to control machines (hardware) to make physical objects.

While many machines in the Fab Lab are computer controlled, we believe that working with your hands is essential to making. We have a small woodworking area, a wide variety of hand tools, and tons of materials. Starting a project using a pencil and paper is best.

Our goal is to offer a communal space for people to make, to share, and to benefit from their work.

Where is the CoA Fab Lab?

The CoA Fab Lab is located on the main campus, in Room D-103.

Is any experience needed to use the Fab Lab?

No experience necessary–all are welcome! Don’t worry if you don’t have experience with making, especially when it comes to digital fabrication. We host workshops to show you the basics, and are around to help you throughout the day.

What tools are available?

The following machines are available now at the CoA Fab Lab:

• • Roland GS-24 CAMM 1 desktop Cutter
  • Graphtec CE-5000 Cutter Plotter
  • Roland BN-20 Printer Cutter
  • Roland Texart RT 640 Dye-Sublimation Transfer Printer
  • Geo Knight & Co. DK20 clamshell heat press
  • Geo Knight & Co. 32″ x 42″ Maxi Press heat press
  • Universal Industrial Series ILS 9.150D 24″ x 36″ Laser Cutter
  • Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ FDM 3D printers
  • Original Prusa MINI+ FDM 3D printers
  • Formlabs Form 2 SLA 3D printer
  • Brother PE-770 5″ x 7″ CNC embroidery sewing machine
  • Roland MDX-40A 12″ x 12″ x 4″ CNC router, with rotary axis
  • Forest Scientific HS Series 48″ x 96″ x 10.5″ CNC router

How much does it cost?

All College of Alameda students will have FREE, full access to the CoA Fab Lab as part of their enrollment. This means:

• • No membership fees
  • No machine time fees
  • No material fees

If you want to make things in the Fab Lab to sell, that’s great! Please note you’ll only have to pay for the materials you use.

How do I get started?

• Fill out the Agreement to Participate form before accessing the Fab Lab. Then, come into the Fab Lab during open hours–we’ll show you around!

Mission Statement

We empower our local community to develop solutions through design and technology.