Together with 8Fablab and local partners, Entreautre is committed to the creation of the Fab Unit, a workshop for manufacturing small and medium series of products primarily intended for the local area, based on a circular economy model.The main characteristics of the workshop have been established, and with the support of the state, we are about to launch a one-year experimental phase. Our objective is to design and build the project as closely as possible to the needs of the local area.
In broad terms, here are the key features of the Fab Unit:
A versatile production tool, meaning it is capable of quickly manufacturing one or more parts with industrial performance (precision / repeatability) and rapidly switching between objects. The goal is to eliminate the setup and fine-tuning phases inherent in mass production.
The workshop is primarily composed of CNC machines that allow for a simple transition from digital files to production. It will be complemented by spaces and tools for assembly or post-processing (wood finishing, painting, enameling, etc.).
Following the principles of a circular economy, we aim to create a local supply chain within the valley. The Fab Unit will be equipped with Precious Plastic machines to transform plastic waste into recycled raw material and manufacture standard parts (plates, bars, etc.) or objects in small and medium series, which can also be combined with other materials.
Like the fablab, the space is open and designed to share equipment. Artisans, businesses, and makers will be able to train and use the Fab Unit for their own production. The modular tool space will accommodate temporary production and assembly lines for both simple objects, such as furniture, and more complex ones, like mobility stations.
We are located in a pioneering area in terms of ecological transition, and the Fab Unit is part of the innovation dynamic driving this change. This generates specific needs, and our goal is to respond with local production. Being at the heart of the ecosystem will also make us more capable of understanding the challenges and detecting the needs of the territory.
By contributing to the birth and development of 8Fablab, we now have a key location for the emergence of projects, experimentation, and prototyping. Projects are growing, and we are growing with them. It is now necessary to create a space that can support the increase in production volume, always with a focus on proximity and short circuits. This is the goal of the Fab Unit.
Partners:
8Fablab
Carole Thourigny
Thomas Merlin
Romain Bergaenztlé
Entreautre
