Popfab: A Case for Portable Digital Fabrication

Abstract

We present a case study of Popfab, a portable multi-purpose digital fabrication tool. It is uses interchangeable heads (3D printer, CNC mill, and CNC knife) on a general-purpose motion platform that folds into a briefcase. Popfab contributed to the discussion of the future of digital fabrication tools by demonstrating the feasibility of both portability and both additive and subtractive manufacturing on a single platform. Portability is not yet a widely considered option for digital fabrication tools, but with Popfab we demonstrate that general site-specific personal fabrication is possible.