top of page

UW-Stout FabLab: Fueling Innovation and the Future of Making

Writer's picture: Make48+TeamMake48+Team

The University of Wisconsin-Stout FabLab is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to host the final Make48 regional competition of the year this October. Eight teams, each comprised of two UW-Stout students and two Skills USA high school students, will put their creativity and skills to the test, with the winning team advancing to Nationals. This event is a testament to the FabLab's commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration.



The UW-Stout Fab Lab with students around a computer
UW-Stout Fab Lab in Menomonie, Wisconsin


Building on Success: The Career Pathways Event


This year's Make48 competition builds on the success of last year's Career Pathways Event. This innovative program saw high school teams partnering with UW-Stout students, who served as marketing experts, filmmakers, and "Tool Techs," helping bring their prototypes to life. The support of 3M Menomonie as the Challenge Sponsor further emphasized the event's focus on nurturing young talent and fostering community engagement.


The upcoming event promises to be even bigger and better, attracting experts nationwide and from local businesses. It's a testament to the growing recognition of the UW-Stout FabLab as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.


UW-Stout FabLab: Where Ideas Come to Life


So, what exactly is the FabLab?


It's a dynamic workspace designed for creative thinkers, high-tech innovators, and anyone with a passion for building. Equipped with cutting-edge digital fabrication tools like laser cutters and 3D printers, the FabLab empowers students and partners to design, prototype, and create almost anything they can imagine.


Mike Cropp, Project Manager at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, welcomes Make48. "This is an exciting time for us to show how we can create outcomes quickly using the digital fabrication tools. The FabLab is a great asset for the campus and community to utilize for their entrepreneurial endeavors, as this event will show."


The FabLab's emphasis on hands-on learning and interdisciplinary collaboration perfectly embodies UW-Stout's polytechnic approach to education. It's a place where students from all disciplines come together to explore their ideas and turn them into reality.


What Can You Create at the FabLab?


The possibilities are endless. Here are just a few examples of the types of projects you can undertake at the UW-Stout FabLab:


  • Prototypes: Transform your ideas into tangible proof-of-concept models.

  • Custom Parts: Craft specialized mechanical and electronic components.

  • Art & Decor: Explore your artistic side through sculptures, installations, and jewelry.

  • Educational Tools: Design interactive learning kits, scientific models, and classroom aids.

  • Software Solutions: Collaborate on code for hardware-software integration.

  • Community Solutions: Develop impactful projects that address local needs.


Partnerships for a Brighter Future


The UW-Stout FabLab's reach extends far beyond its walls. Through partnerships with organizations like MIT, the FabLearn Community, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, the FabLab is actively involved in promoting innovation and digital fabrication education for students of all ages throughout Wisconsin and beyond.



4 students fabricating at the Fab Lab at UW-Stout
2023 M48 Career Pathways competition was held at UW-Stout


Get Involved!


Whether you're a student, an entrepreneur, or simply someone with a passion for making, the UW-Stout FabLab welcomes you. Come explore our resources, learn new skills, and connect with a community of like-minded creators.



61 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page