Fab-in-a-Box: Explore, Experiment, Engage
The future of work demands hands-on experience with digital fabrication, programming, and design, yet access to these transformative tools has historically been limited due to cost and complexity. To break down these barriers and empower learners everywhere, we created Fab-in-a-Box, a low-cost, high-impact digital fabrication kit designed specifically for educational use.
Introducing Fab-in-a-Box
This compact, mobile Fab Lab starter kit makes digital fabrication accessible anywhere, from traditional classrooms to informal learning environments such as makerspaces, museums, community centers, and libraries. Designed as a turnkey solution, Fab-in-a-Box comes equipped with everything instructors need to start teaching on day one, instantly transforming any space into a fully functioning Fab Lab while connecting learners to a broader education and innovation ecosystem.
Bringing STEM Learning to Life
To support instructors and learners in adopting digital fabrication, we’ve developed easy to follow lessons and scaffolded activities aligned with key learning standards (Common Core, NGSS, ITEEA). This kit includes software tutorials, ensures compatibility across all included machines, and provides comprehensive professional development programs across multiple disciplines. Whether in engineering, art, science, or design, Fab-in-a-Box enables hands-on, maker centered learning that is both practical and engaging.
By removing barriers to STEM education, Fab-in-a-Box helps students gain real world technical skills, preparing them to thrive in the careers of tomorrow.
What’s Inside Fab-in-a-Box?
Fab-in-a-Box includes a suite of cutting edge digital fabrication tools, ensuring a full hands on learning experience:
xTool Laser Cutter: With air assist and honeycomb for precision cutting
Brother Scan n’ Cut Vinyl Cutter: For custom stickers, signage, and design work
Bambu P1S 3D Printer: For prototyping and creative builds
Smoke Purifier: Enhances safety for learning environments
Materials & Accessories: Everything needed for fabrication projects
Educator Computer: Preloaded with all required software
xDesign Software: A cloud-based CAD modeling application within the SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE platform
Machine Guides: Step-by-step startup and troubleshooting instructions
All in one Convertible Cart/Container/Workspace: A modular setup for maximum flexibility
Why Choose Fab-in-a-Box?
Affordable: A complete mobile fabrication lab for just $10,000 USD
Modular: Designed to ship and convert into a workspace, adaptable to users’ needs
Mobile: Compact and easy to transport, bringing fabrication anywhere
Compatible: Hardware and software are fully integrated for a seamless experience
Reparable: Machines are user repairable for long-term sustainability
STEM Curriculum & Learning Resources
Fab-in-a-Box provides structured STEM learning through:
Scaffolded activities covering core digital fabrication concepts across multiple machines. Adaptable lessons for students at any level, from exposure to deep dive. Standards aligned content supporting targeted learning outcomes (Common Core, NGSS, ITEEA). Cross disciplinary reflections that connect fabrication to real world applications
Lessons are available on SCOPES-DF, ensuring that educators have access to high quality curricular materials for immediate integration into the classroom.
Join the Fab-in-a-Box Movement
Want to bring Fab-in-a-Box to your classroom, makerspace, or community? Contact us to learn more: [email protected]
Fab-in-a-Box is made possible through a partnership between The Fab Foundation, MIT’s Center for Bits and Atoms, and Dassault Systèmes, supported by La Foundacion Dassault.