Written by: Stacey Wagner and originally published on NIST's Manufacturing Innovation Blog.
Well yup, you guessed it – we do have that. 100k garages is a website that directs the inventors next door to designers and fabricators around the country that can bring their ideas to life. It’s a free resource that encourages ground-level entrepreneurs – or anyone who wishes to make something customized – to get the help they need to make their dreams a reality.
Started in 2008 by Ted Hall, CEO of ShopBot Tools Inc and Ponoko, a software provider for the “maker” movement, 100Kgarages was created to support the digital fabrication movement. If you are a regular follower of this blog, you’ll know that digital fabrication (aka 3D printing or additive manufacturing) is considered to be the disruptive technology of the early 21st century. And that the “maker” movement is growing through the use of “maker faires” where creative types can gather to celebrate how to use technology to make things – or manufacture, if you will.
100kgarages’ digital fabricators, or fabbers, work with inventors using 2D or 3D digital fabrication tools to cut, machine, drill, sculpt or print. If your idea needs design help, 100kgarages finds designers to help you, along with those fabbers who will manufacture your idea. All you need to do is go to the website and post your project. From there fabbers can bid on it. Or if you need extra help, designers can provide advice as well. Additionally, Autodesk 123D provides free 3D modeling software, connecting tools with content, community and fabrication sources. The software is intended to move the inventor quickly from 3D print to 3D fabrication.
100k garages has a blog and forum, and is on Facebook and Twitter, so check it out. Or check out other sites like it at Shapeways or Makerbot.
Just think – you might become the next Steve Jobs!