BIC joins the heavyweights

Pembrokeshire can lay claim to having some of the most hi-tech design software in the UK following a donation made to Pembroke Dock’s Fab Lab.

Fab Lab, based at the Bridge Innovation Centre (BIC) promotes theadvancement of education in science, technology, mathematics, creative design, engineering and business skills, through the media of digital design and manufacturing.

Fab Lab recently took delivery of ‘Solidworks’ a state of the art 3D Computer Aided Design Software (CAD), which allows users to design, build and develop products through digital design and then fabrication.

Donated by the Solidworks Corporation, Bristol based CADTEK provides Fab Lab with technical and design support.  CADTEK is a company that provides solutions for designers and engineers across a variety of disciplines and industries. The software allows users to bring their designs to life through computer controlled machines, such as CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled) lathes, routers and 3D printers.

Nik Curcio of Pembrokeshire Design Ltd together with Annabelle McLaren, Ellie Wheeler and Thomas Wheeler from Insite Technical Services Ltd, were given a hands on training day by CADTEK to see the software in action.

Insite Technical Services was formed by six engineering and operations managers from the former Murco Refinery in Milford Haven. They offer services in CAD for systems and process design for industrial settings.

Pembrokeshire Design Ltd recently joined the BIC and provides services in 3D Laser Scanning and 3D CAD.

Gethin Davies of CADTEK said that the donation of Solidworks’ licences to Fab Lab provides a great prospect to work with the Lab in developing skills for the future and a relationship that he looks forward to.

“We are keen to see digital design skills develop and to be able to support Fab Lab Pembrokeshire is a remarkable opportunity to work together for the future.”

Mike Scott, director of Indycube and co-trustee of Fab Lab Pembrokeshire said that being able to provide development to schools, businesses and members of the community encapsulates Fab Lab.

“We have just started at the beginning of what we hope will be a fantastic journey of offering amazing Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing equipment to skill up the next generation for the digital design age.

“Being able to produce designs for services and products using tools such as Solidworks and then being able to replicate that design into reality using digital fabrication equipment is a dream come true.”

Cabinet Member for Economy and Communities Councillor Keith Lewis was delighted to see Fab Lab open its doors for the first time.

“These facilities are just what we need to develop technical digital design and digital manufacturing skills in our next generation.  I am amazed at what can be done using 3D CAD design and making those designs a reality with 3D printers.

“I am really looking forward to Fab Lab Pembrokeshire and the BIC opening its doors to our schools on the 18th Oct for the BIG BANG so everyone can see what is going on. It’s fantastic.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about Fab Lab and in particular Fab  Lab Pembrokeshire can visit its website http://www.fablabpembrokeshire.org.uk or make an appointment to visit by contacting Michelle Francis on 01646 689309 or emailing michelle.francis@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

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Pembroke Dock has cemented its place as a hub for Computer Aided Design with the donation of Solidworks software to Fab Lab.

Pictured are (left to right, standing) Dave Thomas BIC Manager, Nik Curcio of Pembrokeshire Design, Thomas Wheeler of Insite, Cllr Keith Lewis, Jamie Thain of CADTEK, (sitting) Annabelle McLaren of Insite, Gethin Davies of CADTEK, Ellie Wheeler of Insite.

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Pictured are (left to right) Annabelle McLaren of Insite, Dave Thomas BIC Manager, Cllr Keith Lewis, and Jamie Thain of CADTEK.