What is Digital Fabrication?

For something that seemed like science fiction just a couple of decades ago, digital fabrication has come a long way. From architecture to fashion and consumer goods, modern 3D printing and CNC machining processes have permeated all industries and categories. Technology has not just revolutionized design, but manufacturing techniques as well. Just as computation is the future of designing, digital fabrication is the future of manufacturing and construction.

Digital fabrication is a system-level innovation that combines advanced manufacturing technologies and digital design to adopt construction automation and enhance production techniques that utilize machines instead of manual labor and traditional materials. With digital fabrication, the construction processes have become more efficient and streamlined.

It can be understood as simply a three-step process:

1. Design: Utilizing tools like information modeling, as well as computational processes such as parametric and generative design, makers and digital fabricators can create 3D models of their projects containing all the information needed for fabrication.
2. Fabrication: Using machines such as 3D printers, CNC routers, laser cutters, robots, etc., the 3D models are converted into physical components that can be moved to the next phase for assembly.
3. Assembly: Components can be assembled manually, automatically, or even printed in place (pre-assembled with no manual intervention) to form the final product or structure.”

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The Democratization Of Manufacturing

As powerful design and production technologies become increasingly accessible, some processes are transitioning from complex manufacturing (OEM/ODM) to local networks of independent experts, such as maker spaces, labs, and studios. This change signifies a shift towards a more collaborative, innovative, and flexible approach to manufacturing and producing goods.

In this process, the benefits of digital fabrication include:

• Precision: it allows to work on detailed and precise models of designs, enabling the testing and refinement of ideas before fabrication begins. This can save time and money by identifying potential issues early in the process (prototyping).
• Customization: it can be used to create custom components that would otherwise be too expensive or time-consuming with traditional manufacturing solutions. This includes one-off items, intricate and complex geometries of each design or structural elements, and more.
• Efficiency: it offers a means to consistently enhance quality, complexity, sustainability, by rigorously controlling the output and producing only what is necessary, thus avoiding overstocking or managing excessive quantities of materials and components.

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The Rise Of Makers and Digital Fabricators

In response to these benefits, Makers and Digital Fabricators (ref.: Wikipedia) in local communities are increasingly adopting these technologies to manufacture products and items. By leveraging incredibly detailed and precise digital models, they can thoroughly test and refine their designs before initiating fabrication, saving both time and money in the process.

Furthermore, the ability to create custom components that were previously impractical with traditional manufacturing methods empowers them to tackle projects that were once deemed too costly or complex.

This shift towards digital fabrication enables local communities to produce a diverse range of items, from one-off creations to intricate geometries and structural elements, fostering innovation and creativity on a grassroots level. It has been defined as the democratization of manufacturing.

Customers are changing, too. They want products that are uniquely tailored to their tastes and needs. And they want to be more involved in the design and development process of a product.

Their demand is fluid. For the mainstream that thrives in mass production, that’s a big change because now the demand is not monolithic and it’s coming directly from young entrepreneurs and start-ups, seeking for innovation at a pace that is faster than ever.

What is the problem we’re trying to solve?

For more than a decade, Makers have been interacting scattered across forums, apps, and social media. This has made it difficult for potential Customers to find new partners to manufacture the products they need.

To dramatically increase the visibility of Makers and Digital Fabricators and let them partner up with more Customers within same the region, it is crucial to provide a platform where the two sides can easily meet.

INTRODUCING NEUTRONE

Local Manufacturing Made Simple

Get Your Product Idea Manufactured by Talented Makers Near You.
Find the right partner and turn your product idea into a reality.

Neutrone is a free platform that matches the production capabilities of local Makers and Digital Fabrocators with the needs of Customers who are looking for small-scale productions that are highly personalized and creative.

It provides a space where Makers can create profiles and showcase their services, such as the products they make, the regions they serve, the materials they use, and their methods of production. This allows potential customers to find them and start a conversation.

And you know what’s the best feature of all? The platform is completely free for both Makers to list their services and for Customers to connect!

Why are we doing this? Read our Manifesto.

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