MakeTANK: Formlabs R&D—Prototyping at Scale (In-Person Tour)

Event Description

The Formlabs R&D Machine Shop serves as the literal engine room for the next generation of additive manufacturing. This 2,500-square-foot facility is where high-precision engineering meets rapid iterative design, supporting a world-class team of hardware engineers, materials scientists, and designers.

The Formlabs shop isn't just a space for building printers; it is a living laboratory for optimized prototyping workflows. By bridging the gap between traditional CNC machining and advanced 3D printing, the shop enables a “fail fast” culture that brings complex hardware from concept to shelf in record time.

Join us for an evening dedicated to the people who keep the gears turning. This session is designed specifically for local shop managers and fabrication professionals to discuss the unique challenges of maintaining a high-output R&D environment. We will pull back the curtain on our internal workflows, demonstrating how we integrate our own SLA and SLS technology alongside heavy industrial machinery to solve complex mechanical puzzles.

What to expect:

• Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Explore the layout and logic of an R&D shop optimized for speed and versatility.
• Workflow Deep Dive: See how we deconstruct large-scale engineering projects into manageable rapid-prototyping cycles.
• Shop Manager Networking: Connect with fellow Boston-area shop leads to discuss equipment, safety culture, and resource management.

Presenters

Franko Kosic-Matulic | Machine Shop Coordinator, Formlabs