Fab Lab Tulsa provides tools to fabricate prototypes

The more targeted and specific that help is, the better. That's the idea behind Hardesty Center for Fab Lab Tulsa.

Fab Lab Tulsa is a nonprofit entity that, in collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), provides a diverse collection of the latest in computerized design, fabrication and assembly equipment in one community location.

MIT developed the Fab Lab concept, which has been deployed in more than 100 locations. Fab Lab Tulsa is one of the first in the Midwest.

The center serves people participating in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing services that range from fun programs to promote mathematics, engineering and science education for high school students to hosting user forums for individuals who are deep into using 3-D modeling tools such as Sketchup or 123D.

Fab Lab Tulsa also is a remarkable resource for entrepreneurs who want to create a product (as opposed to an iPhone app). The center provides training and access to the state-of-the art machines needed to build a finely honed prototype, including laser cutters, ShotBot and MakerBot tools, and a menu of software that would make design engineers at Boeing smile.

“Hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment has been donated,” said Mark Lauinger, i2E venture adviser in Tulsa. “Fab Lab Tulsa is a great resource to fabricate mechanical prototypes. Entrepreneurs can do things here that they can't do anywhere else.”