FABLAB

One of North America’s largest fabrication and rapid prototyping facilities

Located in the historic Exchange District in downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, this training-focused facility is where ideas are transformed into something tangible. Access to advanced equipment helps Manitoba entrepreneurs lower the cost of prototyping – and the time it takes to get it done.

Makers Market

With the addition of the Makers Market, the FabLab™ becomes more than a facility for creation; it evolves into a one-stop destination where innovators can seamlessly transition from prototype development to full-scale production and, finally, to directly selling their innovative products, all within a single, vibrant location.

Visitors can expect to explore a diverse range of handcrafted, locally-made items that reflect the unique talents and expertise of the FabLab™ members.

Stop by the Makers Market, open Tuesday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., centrally located at 312 William Ave.

For inquires please call 204-262-6400 or email: info@northforge.ca

Every Tuesday is open house

Take a tour and discover how Manitoba entrepreneurs are starting businesses using resources from the Fabrication Lab. See 3D printing, laser cutting, computer-controlled routing, plasma cutting, vacuum forming, and many other processes that can transform wood, plastic, steel, glass, fabric and more, into prototypes. Learn how you can transform your idea into a real product or business. Experienced members will be on hand to help you understand the equipment and explain what North Forge Fabrication Lab is all about. Every Tuesday night 6 PM, 312 William Ave.

*Registration is required.

Maker Request

When the time comes to turn your idea into something tangible the FabLab has the ability to make it possible to produce your prototypes, projects, and products without the wait! With a diverse range of capabilities, from metalwork to woodworking, 3D printing to laser engraving, the FabLab has over $4M in equipment. The possibilities are endless.

The North Forge FabLab offers the option for non-members to hire a member to build your idea for you. To start this process, fill out the form below. One of our specialized makers will be in touch to confirm the project and discuss further.

Video Training Platform

Learn more about the equipment and resources at 125 Adelaide through a comprehensive video platform. The videos, include an overview of each room and how to operate the equipment within it in a safe manner. The platform also includes resources including sample projects and templates, and links to manufacturers’ manuals and websites. While members are required to attend standard orientation and safety training prior to receiving 24-hour access to the space, the training platform offers instruction for equipment use.

VR Safety Learning Experience

Created to bring attention to critical areas and the equipment that are considered high risk within the Fabrication Lab, this remote training method was developed to help members understand and demonstrate Safe Work Procedures; keep current with safety improvements; understand and follow personal protective equipment guidelines; demonstrate usage of specific machine hazards and control methods, and to understand the FabLab member responsibilities.

Fabrication Lab Training

The North Forge Fabrication Lab is Manitoba’s only public fabrication lab.

We offer a variety of hands-on training courses that will help you master the equipment available to you in the lab. Courses include,
Introduction to Fusion 360, CNC Milling Machine, Industrial Sewing Machine Training, Epilog Laser Training, Woodshop Training, Welding, 3D Printing Training, etc.

Visit our Meetup page for more information.

Equipment / Rooms

Our equipment and service options are growing everyday. Browse our current list of equipment below for rapid prototyping, 3D printing, embedded systems design, woodworking, metalworking, plastics forming and other creative disciplines.

“The specialized equipment and resources at North Forge has given us the ability to make equipment and devices that were not possible before utilizing the Fabrication Lab.”
Matthew Gale, Research + Development Co-ordinator • Rehabilitation Centre for Children

“Accessing the woodshop at the North Forge Fabrication Lab has allowed me to grow my business and to do interesting work. Without having access to these machines I would probably have had to go into a lot of debt at the beginning of my business. There is also the advantage of being around other business owners for advice and support.”

Ava Foster

“North Forge has given the product development team at Barkman Concrete the opportunity and ability to create designs at a much more personal hands on level, allowing for our team to better understand advanced fabrication methods and become part of a larger design community.”

Dennis Bergen, Product Development / Product Designer • Barkman Concrete

“The North Forge Fabrication Lab enabled me to start and run a diverse maker service business and have access to equipment I may never have had means to purchase myself. There is a great community of people to draw on for advice, ideas & experience. I only wished I had joined up sooner.”

Richard Venzon, Owner • Venzon Concepts
“The Fabrication Lab enabled Solara to kick-start development of a new product that has now sold over $500K. The IoT lab provided us with special tools for concept development, 3D printers to build concept cases for our customers, and the information exchange with other members helped us use these tools and to find contract resources locally.”
Tom Tessier, President • Solara Remote Data