Fabrication Factory
The SMART Fabrication Factory is a prototyping facility whose mission focuses on developing collaborative research with industry.
About the Fabrication Factory
The Fabrication Factory is a protyping facility that supports industry and faculty research as well as teaching in material fabrication and digital craft. Among its high-powered tools are a multi-axis water jet machine that can cut through six-inch-thick stone, an industrial platform laser cutter, and a front-loading kiln for firing ceramics. The high-bay ceilings and slab floor allow for installation and display of full-scale prototypes and built works.
Who is this facility open to?
Faculty • Staff • Students • Researchers at other academic institutions • Government and industry
For Fabrication Faculty reservations
Contact:
Steph Cramer
Director, Fabrication Factory
Email: slcramer@buffalo.edu
Phone: (716) 829-5923
Schedule a tour anytime! Email or call to set up your tour.
Equipment
OMAX Maxiem 1530 JetMachining Center with A-Jet Multi-Axis Cutting Head
The OMAX Maxiem 1530 waterjet cutter is a large format machine capable of cutting virtually any material (metal, stone, glass, plastic, composites) up to 10’0” x 5’2” and up to 6” thick using a high pressure stream of water mixed with abrasive.
With the addition of the OMAX A-Jet multi-axis cutting head, the machine is able to cut three-dimensional angles ranging from 0 degrees to 60 degrees, proving useful in practical applications such as beveling parts prior to welding or aesthetic applications for complex three-dimensional parts. While traditional three-axis waterjet cutting heads subject parts to edge taper due to the spreading of the water stream during cutting, the A-Jet cutting head compensates for this taper through subtle tilting, yielding parts with vertical edges and redistributing stream taper into the scrap portions of the material. The Intelli-MAX Software suite of software completes the package and includes capability to import two-dimensional CAD drawings, import three-dimensional CAD parts, draw parts from scratch, visualize parts, and output parts for cutting.
Optional accessories included with this machine: scissor-style hard plumbing, Bulk Abrasive Delivery System (capable of holding 600 pounds of abrasive for distribution to the machine’s abrasive hopper), and the Variable Speeds Solids Removal System (removing abrasive from the tank and filtering water for more cut time without emptying the tank).
Universal Laser Systems ILS12.150D Platform
The ULS ILS12.150D laser cutting system contains dual 60W lasers and can process an area of 24” x 48” up to 12” tall (the machine is NOT capable of cutting through the full height but can be used for engraving up to 12”).
The machine contains a versatile 2.0” lens, providing a balance between spot size, depth of focus, and focal length. While the 2.0” lens does not allow for much deviation in material thickness / flatness, it provides accuracy in cutting and engraving.
The optional Flow-Through Cutting Table is included which allows for reduced marking on the underside of materials being cut through.
L&L Kilns Easy-Load Front-Loading Kiln EL3048
The Easy-Load Kiln has an internal size of 31” x 31” x 48” tall and is capable of heating up to 2350 degrees Fahrenheit (Cone 10).
There are three separate zones which are controlled by the Dyna-Trol Program Control (allowing users access to 4 Easy-Fire programs, 6 Vary-Fire programs, Pre-Heat, Delay, Program and Segment Review, and Diagnostics). The kiln insulation system includes a 4.5” thick brick arch, 3” of firebrick with 2” of mineral wool back-up, and a plug door.
The optional shelf kit is included which contains 14” x 28” shelves, heat resistant gloves, Cone 10 kiln wash, and square posts at .5”, 1”, 2”, 4”, 6”, and 8” heights.
