The MAGICbox workshop is a SMARTlab research and development centre located in the MAGIC PLAY-room (Multimedia & Games Innovation Centre). MAGICbox enables fabrication of computer-generated

models, with the goal of developing accessible systems for desktop manufacturing, peer production and digital materialization. We are interested in the application of this technology to disadvantaged population

groups.

MAGICbox explores the capabilities of desktop manufacturing using systems adapted from industrial Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machines. CNC machines have been developed to replace

assembly line mass production with a flexible, scalable alternative allowing economical, fast turnaround manufacturing. This same technology has been scaled down to the size of desktop units with the similar

capacity of creating physical objects from virtual models.

The ability to examine a virtual computer model before committing to a physical model outstrips more tra-ditional prototype development and one-off product creation. Similar to the way computer word-processing

software allows infinite editing of a text before printing, Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/

CAM) allow a virtual representation to be revised and tested to see if all the component parts fit together prior to committing to a physical output.

The computer is the tool required for the majority of the design work, as more people have access to a

Accessible TechnologyPersonal & Community Fabrication

computer than to a traditional fabrication workshop. The designs can be transported as effortlessly as any e-mailed file and generated on

an offsite machine.

The MAGICbox workshop is equipped to demonstrate design using

this technology. Once a workshop participant is introduced to the

capabilities of the machines this enables them to familiarise themselves with the tools on their own computer in their own time,

and return with preliminary or completed designs.

The MAGICbox facility, under the auspices of The SMARTlab Digital

Media Institute (Room KD 1.21), is a free and open source unit and

as such will collaborate with interested individuals or groups. Our directive specifies that access to design tools and equipment should

be available to a wider cross-section of community. The prerequisite is that an individual is committed, interested and willing to adhere to

basic safety requirements. The laboratory has full disability access

and local community groups are exceptionally welcome.

The laboratory conducts research into peer manufacturing,

CAD-CAM tools and open-source peer fabrication techniques. One of the aims of the laboratory is to study the shortcomings of current de-

sign methodologies and to examine the tools used by

independent innovators. Participants are expected to contribute towards materials used and assistance in furthering the

research objectives of the laboratory is greatly appreciated. The MAGICbox promotes a constructionist learning philosophy and encourages open collaboration from par-

ticipants. MAGICbox participants are encouraged to help and facilitate other partici-

pants.

Toby Borland BA, BAI – MAGICbox ResearcherToby Borland runs the MAGICbox and is a mechanical and manufacturing design en-

gineer with a creative background. His primary objective and research within SMARTlab is the develop-ment of accessible manufacture. This study examines the barriers presented to groups and individuals in

designing objects suited to individual and local needs. The overall goal of this research is to devolve

manufacturing and economic power from distant industry and promote localised autonomous manufacturing and fabrication. The application and study of accessible manufacturing technology in re-

gions with unique economic, demographic and environmental requirements is equivalent to developing regional economies. The impetus for this study is a slow uptake of technological innovation liberating mass

manufacturing technology from narrow, fixed product lines and bulk quantities.