I have had word that today sees the scheduled opening of a new 3D printing experience for residents of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The founder of 3DLab Fabcafe, Rodrigo Perez Weiss, is justifiably quite excited about the project, which is to be followed in the coming months by similar set-up in Mexico. The premise for 3DLab Fabcafe has been tried and tested in other locations — this is indeed a franchise operation — and in Buenos Aires the aim is to provide a relaxed and informal space for designing and making, with a heavier than usual emphasis on the menu and beverages available. 3DLab Fabcafe will have 10 3D printers in operation in an amenable workspace and cafe enviroment that also offers video games with 2 lounges across two floors.
3DLab Fabcafe provides access to a broad line-up of 3D printers, including LeapFrog’s Creatr, 3D Systems’ Cube, RepRap Argentina (of course), similarly Kikai Labs’ 3D printers. The site also references the presence of Trimaker 3D printers, which is a new one on me. This looks to be another entry level machine, from Argentina, currently in Beta and with only a FB page and a YouTube channel at the present time. More unusually, the Stratasys range of 3D printers will be represented at 3DLab Fabcafe by a uPrint (no sign of any Makerbots!).
3D printing services are also available from 3DLab Fabcafe, pricing for the service is quoted by the hour. The service can be provided in person or online if you’re not in and around Buenos Aires. Moreover, 3DLab Fabcafe is also planning on hosting a series of workshops — focusing on initiation classes into 3D printing, helping attendees build their own 3D printers successfully, basic concepts of 3D machining and milling and low demand manufacturing techniques.
A video introduction and overview of 3DLab Fabcafe is presented below:
