Makerspace

Confluence Fablab

Edwardsville, Illinois, United States

Last Updated:
Type
Makerspace
Location
Edwardsville, Illinois, United States
Address
NO Nelson - N7, Edwardsville, Illinois, United States

About Confluence Fablab

Confluence Fablab in Edwardsville, Illinois, United States is more than a workspace — it is a launchpad for innovation in United States. the lab offers state-of-the-art equipment, including 3D printers, laser engravers, electronics benches, and CAD workstations, within a collaborative, community-driven environment. Startups use the space to build early-stage hardware prototypes; educators run practical STEM sessions for school groups; and independent makers pursue personal projects with expert support on hand. Regular themed hackathons and innovation challenges help participants push boundaries and connect with like-minded creators across Illinois. With a strong focus on learning by doing, Confluence Fablab embodies the global maker movement's ethos of open, collaborative, hands-on creativity.

Description

Confluence fablab is located just outside St. Louis Missouri at the meeting of three great rivers (Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois). The name of the lab references our geographic location as well as the convergence of ideas and talents of the users of the lab. Our lab is extremely well outfitted with equipment. It includes all of the CAD software you could hope for including: the entire autodesk suite of products, Solidworks, Rhinoceros, Mastercam, and many other programs. This computer space is attached to the fabrication space and has a conference table, entire dry-erase wall, projection and plotters. We have 2 large, tight tolerance 3D printers, and several smaller economy 3D printers. We also have a 24"x 48" lasercutter and vinyl cutter. In our production area, we have a full wood shop (cnc router, table saw, lathe, chopsaw, planer, jointer, bandsaw, drill press, etc.). We also have welders, mills, lathes, cnc mills, cnc lathe, metal band saw, metal drill press, sheet metal tools, etc. We have several fully-stocked electronics benches. We have a finishing area that includes sand blaster and spray booth. There is an assembly area tying it all together with ample space and table surfaces. All of the hand tools are controlled by a bin checkout system. There is also a secure storage area to put projects between workdays.

Who Can Benefit

Students & Researchers

University and school students who want access to fabrication tools, prototyping equipment, and expert mentorship.

Entrepreneurs & Startups

Early-stage founders who need a collaborative space to build, test, and iterate on their hardware or software ideas.

Educators & Trainers

Teachers and trainers who want to run practical STEM workshops, coding bootcamps, or design sprints for their cohorts.

Independent Makers

Hobbyists, artists, and independent inventors who need access to tools and a community of like-minded creators.

Location

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