IntroductionIn the short term our intention is to launch a metropolitan Portland, OR based 3D fabrication cooperative business that provides inexpensive modeling consultation and 3D printing services to members at material cost, or non-members for a slightly higher yet still very affordable rate.In the long run we want to put a fabber in every household, which means doing work to make them far more efficient, affordable and fully featured (multiple material printing, coloring materials, printing your own clothing or new eye glass frames...). To accomplish both of these goals we must build a supporting member base, a group of corporate clients and partners and find grants that allow us to expand our facilities, abilities and community education programs. As well as providing services, we would like to work with artist and hacker collectives, possibly providing people a place to develop ideas and work on projects using our tech. Many artists can benefit from our 3-D printing services. Imagine being able to recreate a series of figurines, without spending all the money to do so. (Possibly team up with a local Hackerspace like BrainSilo to create a shared space. http://brainsilo.org/wiki/Main_Page) ONE PAGE PROPOSAL TARGET: TO CREATE A COOPERATIVE WORKSPACE CENTERED AROUND 3D FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY AND OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE. - To educate members in the usage of software and printing equipment. Recently the DIY hacker movement has joined forces to create lower cost alternatives to 3D printing tools used by universities and corporate prototyping firms. Now 3D printers such as the Makerbot Cupcake CNC can be purchased as a kit for under a grand and laser cutters for under eight grand. While much more affordable these are still beyond the means for most independent artists, designers and hackers. We want to give them a chance to use these fantastic bits of equipment. We want to make it easy to make things. To do this we're seeking out a starter space around 400 sq ft in SE or Downtown Portland, Oregon where we can store a Makerbot, a Zing 16 Laser, several computer terminals and materials to print our own circuit boards. We'll also need tables, shelves, seating, internet and VOIP services, and hopefully a small kitchen, or access to one. Legal counsel is also being sought to help in the incorporation and possible non-profit status of the coop. Once fully operational this DIY battle station will be unstoppable. Classes for adults, school visits to demo the tech to kids, workshops at hackerspaces, artist collectives and public events. Mentors will be on site to work with monthly fee paying members, helping them perfect their fab-fu skills and learn modeling techniques to streamline their prints which will save us money and extend the hardware's lifespan. Members will be given a monthly allowance of printing materials and charged at cost for printing beyond that amount. Non-member clients can purchase printing materials and time at three times the cost of materials, and hire our mentors for consultation at an hourly rate. Project location: Portland, OR
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