FabLab

If you can think of it, you can create it

What is the FabLab?

FabLab @ The Word provides a state of the art creative space for budding designers and entrepreneurs to bring ideas to life and allows children, young people and adults the opportunity to digitally design an object and then create it using our high-tech equipment on offer such as 3D printers, vinyl and laser cutters. We offer courses for all levels of skill including beginner workshops to more advanced sessions.

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Our Equipment

3D Printers

A 3D printer is a machine that creates a 3D model from a digital design, typically by laying down many thin layers of a material in succession.
3D Printers
Vinyl Cutter

A vinyl cutter is a device that is used to cut vinyl into shapes. Vinyl cutters make it easy to create anything from the finest in heat-applied graphics which can be applied to t-shirts and other materials or you can create eye-catching vinyl for unique signage which can be applied to walls or glass!
Vinyl Cutter
Laser Cutters

Laser cutting is a process in which a high-powered laser is used to cut or engrave objects from wood, plastic, metal and other materials.
Laser Cutters
T-Shirt Press

Using a t-shirt press you can create your own designs and then transfer them onto t-shirts or any other item of clothing.
T-Shirt Press

Who can use the FabLab?

Young People

Young people from South Tyneside and further afield are able to use FabLab @ The Word at our regular events during school holidays and selected weekends.
FabLab for Young People
Adults

Adults wanting to use our FabLab can book a one-off session where they can create a personalised keepsake, or can attend a ‘learn how to’ session and get trained on using the equipment if they wish to pursue a project or a hobby on the machines during our drop-in opening times.
FabLab for Adults
Groups

We can hold bespoke sessions for different groups here at FabLab @ The Word which can be personalised to your own themes.
FabLab for Groups
Businesses

FabLab can be used to support your business in various ways – to make prototypes, branded artwork or t-shirts for employees.
FabLab for Businesses

What People Have Been Making

South Shields

Local resident Kevin Flett, a retired designer, has used the FabLab to bring his CGI designs of South Shields in the 1960’s to life with the help of the 3D printer and laser cutter.
Case Study: South Shields
Monsters

Our FabLab team have been busy over the past few weeks making some monster-tastic items to coincide with Monsters! The Good, The Bad and The Cuddly – the new exhibition on display here at The Word.
Case Study: Monsters
Traction Engine

Russell Hall, Senior Librarian who works at The Word, spent his free time making an impressive traction engine replica using our 3D printers.
Case Study: Traction Engine

FabLab @ The Word not only provides a creative space for budding product designers and entrepreneurs to test out ideas and bring them to life, but also allows children, young people and adults with an interest in design the opportunity to access 3D printers, vinyl and laser cutters as part of a programme of workshops. Trained staff will guide you through the design and production process and help you make objects from keyrings and fridge magnets to jewellery and decorations.