Pangloss Labs and COVID19
So what is feasible to do in a Fablab?
We have 3D printers, laser cutters and mechatronics capabilties. We are not, for the most part, medically trained. We have collected together some of the open source designs that would be feasible to fabricate in our fablab :
3D printed door handle extendersThese are designed to make it so doors can be opened with arms instead of hands - reducing the spread of COVID19. Materialise have created an open source collection of designs for different types of doors. These take 2-4 hours to 3D print. |
|
![]() |
3D printed door openersthis time so a person can carry it from door to door and not have to touch them with their hands to open it. Thingiverse has a collection of designs. These take roughly 30 minutes to 3D print. |
![]() |
FacemasksMaking filters for facemasks is a simple process of cutting the correct shape from the appropriate filter material. In the event that facemasks and the proper materials are really not available, studies have been done to find "last resort" replacements For cloth facemasks, you don't really need a fablab. Scissors and a sewing machine will work fine. |
![]() |
3D Printed FacemasksMany enthusiastic 3D printing communities have designed and printed facemasks on the grounds that they are better than nothing. . There are a number of different designs from HEPA filter based, to simple frames for a cloth mask. It's impossible to choose which ones would be useful locally, but if there are clear local needs, there are plenty of open source designs available for us to use or modify. |
![]() |
Face shieldsIf masks are not available, then face shields can protect medical staff against direct droplet infection - like from a cough. Face shields can be laser cut from clear plastic which is much faster than 3D printing. There are even designs which use A4 plastification sheets. |
![]() |
VentilatorsIn a more serious pandemic situation, we could certainly provide small scale production of open source ventilator designs to help patients breathe. |
Oxygen concentratorReprap has started work on an open-source Oxygen Concentrator. |
|
![]() |
Valves and other complex partsThere has been at least one case where a hospital in Italy has had valves for reanimation devices 3D printed when they weren't available from the supplier. We have machines in our fablab that can do this. |
We are willing to do our part
Our production capacity in the fablab is limited but we have links with other fablabs/makerspaces/hackerspaces around us. To local doctors, the Pays de Gex medical centres, local hospitals, and the Mairies around us we make this simple statement."If you need us, we will help".If any of this will help you, contact us at fablab[at]panglosslabs.org and we will be in touch to discuss your precise needs. And if it turns out that we have all the medical equipment we need, so much the better, we will stay home like everyone else.

Designjet Printer
(Hosta) HP Designjet 5500 Printer
The HP Designjet printer is suitable for printing posters, roll-ups and other creative things. Machine Status: Working (more…)Vinyl Cutter
Vinyl Cutter
The Roland GS-24 Vinyl Cutter is a desktop cutting machine able to cut vinyl, card and paper, precisely. Machine Status: Working (more…)Saxifrage Mini CNC

Closing the loop: Innovation for a Circular Economy
Introduction to 3D Printing
Learn about the world of 3D printing from one of our fablab experts. In this introduction course you will learn the basics of 3D printing and how to use a filament-based 3D printer, including the all important first print.
Bring a laptop computer or tablet if you can.
This is a two hour course including hands on exercises with a Pangloss expert.
At the end of it you will be able to use the Pangloss Labs 3D printers, and be much more expert with your own 3D printer at home or work.
Check our events calendar for the next 3D printing course date.
This course is available in both French and English languages.
Pangloss @ #UNHCRNGOs
Calendula 3D scanner
Trefle 3D printer
Primula 3D printer

Oak CNC

Blue Lotus Laser Cutter
Forget-me-not 3D printer
Comfrey CNC

Making things for a good cause
Is Lake Geneva ready to make stuff again?
Globalisation only flows one way. At least that’s the experience of the last 30 years. Manufacturing fled Europe, looking for more and more economies of scale, making millions of identical objects for the cheapest possible price.
Fab Lab
Fablab
Hands on building of (almost) anything. Prototyping, finished products and repairs. With digital fabrication machines from 3D printers to lasers to large format CNC machines.
A Fablab is a space for learning new skills and sharing your skills. We do not have resources to fix things for free, but will happily show you how you can learn to repair and make things. To find out more, visit us on one of our regular open days.
So far we've had projects including Art & Design, Prototypes & Repairs, Furniture & Decoration, Electronics & Automation, Experimentation & Research, Robotics, along with DIY & Education. If you're not sure where to start, we even have group projects where you can learn with others.
You don't have to start from zero. Come and learn how about the world of digital fabrication with our regular training courses. Our introduction courses are suitable for everyone, with reduced prices for Pangloss members!
We have a range of different machines in the fablab, suitable for different types of project, from hobbyist to professional. To use one of our machines, you will need to be a member of the association. We do not (yet) sell material for making your projects, but may have small scrap/leftover pieces for testing. Before reserving a machine, you will need to be trained in one of our training courses. Use of machines is on a first come first served basis and requires payment. Hand tools, table saw, scroll saw, drill press etc are available in the space and are free for members to use. Fees are displayed in the fablab and, for members, on the appropriate web page.
Lab Managers
The Fab Charter
What is a fab lab?
Fab labs are a global network of local labs, enabling invention by providing access to tools for digital fabrication
What’s in a fab lab?
Fab labs share an evolving inventory of core capabilities to make (almost) anything, allowing people and projects to be shared
What does the fab lab network provide?
Operational, educational, technical, financial, and logistical assistance beyond what’s available within one lab
Who can use a fab lab?
Fab labs are available as a community resource, offering open access for individuals as well as scheduled access for programs
What are your responsibilities?
safety: not hurting people or machines
operations: assisting with cleaning, maintaining, and improving the lab
knowledge: contributing to documentation and instruction
Who owns fab lab inventions?
Designs and processes developed in fab labs can be protected and sold however an inventor chooses, but should remain available for individuals to use and learn from
How can businesses use a fab lab?
Commercial activities can be prototyped and incubated in a fab lab, but they must not conflict with other uses, they should grow beyond rather than within the lab, and they are expected to benefit the inventors, labs, and networks that contribute to their success
Pangloss at Leman Make
