At InMachines in Schwarzenbek, the final version of the Open Lab Starter Kit (OLSK) was presented by Daniele Ingrassia and his team, marking the completion of phase one of the dtec.bw and EU-funded project “Fab City: Decentralised, Digital Production for Urban Value Creation.“
Designed to meet Fab Academy standards, the OLSK machines support a wide range of applications, from textile production to prototyping and local manufacturing, empowering makers, educators, and innovators worldwide.
OLSK V3: Key Features & Innovations
The third generation of the OLSK machines introduces major improvements:
- OLOS (Open Lab OS) – User-friendly open-source operating system for streamlined machine control.
- Automatic Tool Changer – Integrated in CNCs & the Large Laser, enabling seamless tool switching.
- AI Image Generation – The OLSK Large Laser can create custom designs directly onboard.
- Micro ARX Controller – All-in-one electronics hub for efficient and wireless integration.
- Enhanced Safety – Industry-standard enclosures for CNC machines, ensuring improved protection.
A Fully Open-Source Digital Fabrication Lab
The OLSK consists of eight open-source digital fabrication machines, designed for accessibility, adaptability, and ease of replication:
Laser Cutters
- OLSK Large Laser – The first open-source desktop laser cutter with a tool changer, switching between RF CO₂ 60W & Diode 40W lasers. It features AI image generation, dual cameras, and OLOS software.
- OLSK Small Laser – A compact yet powerful laser cutter with a 600 × 400 mm cutting area, ideal for small spaces and affordability.
3D Printers
- OLSK Large 3D Printer – A large-format open-source 3D printer with a 1000 × 1000 × 1300 mm build volume, high-speed printing, and non-planar printing capabilities.
- OLSK Small 3D Printer – A desktop 3D printer with fast auto-calibration, high-flow nozzle, and fully enclosed housing.
CNC Milling Machines
- OLSK Large CNC – A large-format industrial CNC with a 2500 × 1250 mm milling area, 4.5 kW spindle, and a 14-tool automatic changer.
- OLSK Small CNC – A compact CNC milling machine featuring one of the first open-source automatic tool changers.
Additional Digital Fabrication Tools
- OLSK 3D Scanner – A turntable-based scanner with a moving camera, designed for high-precision 3D model capture.
- OLSK Vinyl Cutter – A 300 mm open-source vinyl cutter, ideal for detailed cutting tasks.
Designed for Open-Source Replication
The OLSK is built with replicability in mind, featuring:
- A high percentage of fabbable parts, allowing local fabrication in makerspaces & FabLabs.
- Comprehensive open-source documentation, including:
- 3D designs & models
- Bill of Materials (BOMs)
- Online assembly manuals
- Wiring schematics & settings
- Firmware & machine configurations
All resources are available on GitHub for those who want to build, modify, or contribute to the project.
Showcasing Open-Source Hardware in Action
A film team documented the OLSK machines in use, capturing precision laser cutting, high-speed 3D printing, and automated CNC milling. The results will be published soon, providing an in-depth look at the OLSK in action.
Learn More About OLSK
All documentation is available here:
OLSK is a collaborative effort between Helmut-Schmidt-Universität/Universität der Bundeswehr Hamburg, New Production Institute, and InMachines, to be implemented at Fab City Hamburg with funding from dtec.bw and the NextGenerationEU initiative.
