Fab hive ready

This story first appeared in print in the Winter 2020 issue of Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine. Read the e-edition here:

Twenty years ago, futurist Ray Kurzweil postulated that humankind’s rate of technological progress speeds up exponentially, roughly doubling every ten years. At times it may not feel that way but right now, as I watch a printer create a three dimensional object, while lasers work in the background, it most certainly does. Amazingly, in this small high tech lab, entrepreneurs Jason and Isaac have been able to create a digital design, print and test prototypes in rapid succession, and even hone the durometer of their final product. What’s even more amazing is that this lab is right here in Revelstoke and it’s available for anyone to use. Welcome to the Revelstoke Idea Factory.

Fabrication laboratories, or fab labs for short, are essentially small scale production facilities that utilize digital design software, a variety of cutters and 3D printers, and an array of digital electronics to produce small parts and devices at a fraction of the time and cost of more traditional methods. At a commercial level, this rapid prototyping allows manufacturers to thoroughly hone their design before moving them into mass production. But on an individual level, it allows someone with no previous high tech experience to produce small items that are otherwise difficult or impossible to find. Need a rare window crank for a ‘77 Westfalia? The Idea Factory can make that. Do you have a idea for an innovative product? The Idea Factory can make you one to test. Want to build a app-controlled drone? How about a guitar body or custom GPS mount for your sled? Yeah, it’s all possible.

“The capabilities of the facility are vast,” says Revelstoke Idea Factory Tech Coordinator Steve Baker. “The laser cutter can engrave, etch, and cut all manner of materials. The mix of 3D printers utilize different technologies, printing parts in dual colours, flexible plastics, transparent resin, and even wax that can be used to cast metal parts. A 3D scanner makes it easy to bring parts into the digital world, and soldering stations make electronic projects a breeze.”

Fab labs have been in existence since the early 2000’s and the idea of establishing one in Revelstoke was first put forth as part of the city’s Technology Strategy in 2017 when 3D printers and other peripheral equipment had become relatively affordable. As Director of Economic Development at the time, Nicole Fricot championed the initiative and not only helped secure funding for an impressive array of equipment, but also worked with the City of Revelstoke to find a dedicated workspace. After three years of clearing hurdles, the Idea Factory will finally be opening its permanent facility above our visitor center in early 2021.

“To get it off the ground has taken hundreds of volunteer hours by our community and incredible support and perseverance put in by the City, Okanagan College, Community Futures and SD19 to mention a few,” says Nicole who still chairs the Fab Lab board of directors. “Given everything that is happening in the world right now, I think supporting our community’s capacity to innovate has become even more important.”

Not one to wait for a formal workspace, City of Revelstoke Tech Strategy Coordinator Hayley Johnson is already familiarizing enthusiasts with the machinery and putting it to use. Through a three-week, six-session after school program this fall, local kids will be challenged to design a simple part digitally, and print it three-dimensionally. During this three week period, the Idea Factory is also offering free evening drop-in sessions for anyone who’s fab-curious or who just wants to see a 3D printer in action.

The unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 have also highlighted just how useful a local fab lab can be. When the need for face shields for front line workers emerged, the Idea Factory printed hundreds. And when Downie Timber had difficulty sourcing replacement filters for their dust masks due to temporary COVID-19 related shortages, they had a small run of adaptors made that allowed them to use a more readily-available filter. So the lab isn’t just about funky creative projects, it can also help local businesses keep the lights on.

Taking another step back, we can get an even wider perspective on the benefits of local manufacturing. As the plasticization of our oceans and the failure of our recycling systems become more apparent, so does the need to move from a linear economy to a circular economy in which waste products are put back into a continual cycle of reuse. With 3D printing, it will be possible for materials to be melted down and reused, which paves the way for complete recycling of plastics at a local level. In fact, there is a movement promoting the idea of Fab Cities that produce no waste, and Barcelona has pledged to be self-sufficient by 2054.

These ideas may sound distant, but as we prepare our youth for the ever-accelerating technology that will take us there, we make them a reality little by little. Even right now, our entrepreneurs Jason and Isaac take a small step forward and remove a new prototype Wingman from the printer. It’s a universal mount that allows you to strap items like water bottles or bear spray canisters to your bike. And, as futurist Ray Kurzweil might expect, it’s already available for sale in local stores.