making

Train-The-Trainer Workshop for SIEGENIA trainees at the Fab Lab Siegen

From the 25th to the 28th of March, a technology camp will take place at the SIEGENIA Ausbildungszentrum, which we are organising together with the SIEGENIA GROUP and FRids e.V.. The technology camp will give pupils from regional schools the opportunity to learn the basics of 3D-modelling and 3D-printing.

In order to provide the students with the best possible support, seven motivated trainees who work at SIEGENIA in the toolmaking and mechatronics departments were introduced to 3D printing in a train-the-trainer workshop here at the Fab Lab last week. Over the course of two days, our two colleagues, Marios Mouratidis and Jonas Kosiahn, taught the trainees how the technology works and how they can design and print their own models.

At the beginning of the workshop, the trainees were given an introduction to 3D printing and the modelling software TinkerCAD. Based on that, they were able to complete their first task: they independently modelled SIEGENIA key chains in TinkerCAD and then printed them.

The trainees then worked with a ball track system and designed and printed spare parts. The trainees had the task of recreating individual parts of the ball track system in TinkerCAD and then printing them using our 3D printers. Thanks to the practical approach in the workshop, the trainees were able to apply the knowledge they had acquired directly and are now ready for the technology camp!

We are delighted to be able to support STEM education in the region with our collaboration partners, the SIEGENIA GROUP and FRids e.V.. We really enjoyed the workshop and look forward to seeing how the trainees pass on their newly learnt skills to the pupils at the upcoming technology camp!

By Sharia Gageler, ago

DRK x Fab Lab Siegen: 3D-Printing and Robotic Workshops for young people!

Fab Lab Siegen is not only a space for creation, but also for knowledge transfer. In our Fab Lab, we want to give everyone access to technology and knowledge. Since mid January 2023, we have been welcoming young refugees from Ukraine once a week (fridays from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm).

Together we try out different technologies. So far, we were able to get to know 3D printing, laser cutting and robotics as well as programming with the Calliope Mini. We also held a PC-builder workshop where the participants were taught how to dis- and reassemble a computer. Through hands-on activities including play-doh modeling, Tinkercad design sessions and 3D printing projects, participants can bring their ideas to life. The creations span from protective cases for the Calliope mini microcontroller, Batman-themed rings and stylish key chains, all the way to meticulously crafted miniature cars.

Using a digital hangman game, developed by Hina Firdaus, we were able to teach the children fundamental programming skills. These first experiences paved the way to showing them further programming concepts like loops, conditional statements and variables.
With this knowledge we were able to realize exciting projects, e.g., a light sensor-equipped scooter, a functional traffic light simulation and even a miniature piano that responds to its programming inputs.

Thanks to funding from the Bürgerstiftung Siegen, we were able to organize and run this series of workshops in close cooperation with the DRK Kreisverband Siegen-Wittgenstein e.V.. So far, we have held more than 35 sessions, teaching more than 20 enthusiastic participants about the technologies in our Fab Lab.

The workshops are led by our team, especially Hina Firdaus and Marios Mouratidis. In addition, we have dedicated volunteers, including among others the honorary translators Anastasiya Nazarava, Gkiorgki Tataridis and Sonal Seth as well as technical support from Florian Anderes and Mallikarjuna Reddy. All of them support our workshops, ensuring that participants have an enjoyable and inclusive learning experience.

In our Fab Lab, we are committed to creating a safe environment where people can learn and grow together with us.
We’re looking forward to the upcoming weeks! If you are interested in helping, feel free to contact Sara Schneider via E-Mail (). We are still looking for more helpers who would like to shape the program with us.

By Sharia Gageler, ago

Build your own PC! – the Computer-Workshop

For the first time, we held a two-part workshop at the Fab Lab, where young people learnt the basics of the components that are used in a computer. Besides a few short theoretical parts, the main focus was on practice: we wanted to enable the participants to apply what they have learnt in practice.

As you might remember: with the support of SIEGENIA, we were able to transport four pallets full of computers that were donated to us. These made it possible for each participant to work on their own PC and even take it home with them at the end – free of charge!

In the first part of the workshop, we started from scratch – no previous experience needed. We clarified questions such as “What is a computer?” and “How does it work?”. To summarise briefly: A computer is an information processing machine that receives, processes and outputs data from users.

We then explained the individual components of a computer to the participants and showed them where they can be found inside the computer. The importance of thermal paste was also discussed in this section of the workshop, which helps to cool the main processor (CPU) so that the computer does not overheat.

The third and final theoretical part dealt with how a computer can be kept clean to prevent “dust bunnies” and ensure air flow. If you clean your computer regularly, you can save time and money, as it will last longer! Therefore, the individual parts must be cleaned carefully. They should be removed one by one and cleaned with cotton buds and isopropanol, never with water!

With all this knowledge, we then moved on to the practical part. The participants were now able to start disassembling their computers part by part, first SSD, then RAM, then the CPU fan and finally the CPU itself. A handout explaining the individual steps enabled the participants to work independently.

Individual parts, including the fan and the CPU, were then cleaned before the participants could begin to reassemble the computer. This also involved using the thermal paste, which was applied to the CPU in the shape of an ‘X’.

After that, the participants learnt about operating systems and installed one on their own computer. It manages applications and combines hardware and software. It is there to manage files, memory and running processes and provides the user interface.

Finally, it was important for us to inform the participants about possible dangers on the internet so that they are well prepared to use the computer after the workshop. Among other things, we took a closer look at data and browser security, phishing as well as scams. Therefore, we used case studies to illustrate these topics in a realistic way for the participants.

We had a lot of fun organising this workshop and are happy that we are able to offer such a workshop. The Computer-Workshop will continue to take place in the future. If you are interested in participating or supporting as a volunteer, you are welcome to contact Jonas Kosiahn via email (). Maybe we’ll see each other at the next one!

By Sharia Gageler, ago

Exciting Fab-Lab-Workshops at the MINT-Mitmachtage 2023

From the 12th-14th of September 2023, the MINT-Mitmachtage took place, where local pupils had the opportunity to get to know the exciting world of STEM fields (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology). Of course, we wouldn’t miss the opportunity to take part in such an event, because it is very important to us to support STEM education and to show pupils how exciting these fields are and what kind of things you can design and create yourself. We have often had the opportunity to work with schools and make our lab available as an out-of-school educational space. This enables pupils to learn about interesting new technologies and realise their own creative projects.

For the MINT-Mitmachtage we prepared two exciting workshops for the pupils: they had the opportunity to learn microcontroller programming with a Calliope Mini kit or to dive into the world of 3D printing.

The 3D-printing-Workshop started with an introduction explaining, among other things, the structure of a 3D printer and the process of additive manufacturing, which is the process of building a model layer by layer. We then taught the pupils the basics of 3D modelling as well as the printing process and introduced them to the modelling software TinkerCad. It is free and open source, enabling the pupils, e.g., to continue modelling independently at home. After that, they were well prepared to work on their own little projects. They designed their own key chains and then printed them three-dimensionally in the DIGITALUM bus using our Prusa i3 MK3S and MK3S+ printers. They also had the opportunity to take a look at the technologies in the bus, e.g., a virtual reality station, a thermoforming machine, a laser cutter, a plotter and a soldering station.

In the Microcontroller-Programming-Workshop, the pupils learned how to give instructions to microcontrollers using block code. We showed them the importance of programming and what it can be used for, e.g., creating websites and developing operating systems. Electronic devices like mobile phones and washing machines or also traffic lights only work because of their programming. Additionally, the pupils were taught basic algorithms and the science behind programming in a playful manner. In the practical part of the workshop, the children were able to actively program something with the Calliope Mini kit. At first, they connected the microcontrollers and opened the corresponding browser version of the program “Open Roberta Lab”. They were able to choose whether they wanted to program a traffic light or a mini piano, but also had the freedom to contribute and realize their own ideas.

In total, over 1000 children took part in the MINT-Mitmachtage. We would like to sincerely thank the Regionales Bildungsbüro des Kreises Siegen-Wittgenstein for organising the event. We enjoyed giving the workshops and hope that we were able to fill many pupils with enthusiasm for the exciting world of STEM fields!

By Sharia Gageler, ago

Project Day with the Gymnasium auf der Morgenröthe

On September 15, there was a lot going on at the Fab Lab: students from the Gymnasium auf der Morgenröthe visited us again. They spent the morning here at the Lab together with their teacher, Stefan Schramm, as part of a project day. The reason for this project day was the upcoming school fair celebrating the 50th anniversary of their school, for which each class had to prepare a stand.

The students had therefore decided to offer a wheel of fortune game with prizes. In order to plan and realize their idea here at the Lab, the students were divided into three groups.

The first group took on the task of designing and printing various prizes for the wheel of fortune game. This is where our 3D printers came into play. Different key chains as well as shopping cart chips were printed with the help of our 3D printer farm.

The second group designed and built the wheel of fortune itself. It was produced on our large CO2 laser cutter. The last group had the equally important task of documenting the entire day. The Lab Tour and the 3D printing process as well as the laser cutting, everything had been documented in the form of a video. You can watch the video here:

Overall, it was a successful project day with amazing results! It was great to see how committed and creative the students were in mastering the tasks and how well they worked together as a team. We are happy to have been able to support the students in their preparations for the school fair celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Gymnasium auf der Morgenröthe. We hope that the fair was a great success!

By Sharia Gageler, ago

User-Story: Realization of a Planning and Development Project at the Fab Lab

Four students realized their planning and development project in the Fab Lab as part of their studies. This type of project is offered as a course as part of the Mechanical Engineering Program of Faculty IV at the University of Siegen. In this course, students work in groups on innovative technologies and concepts, which they present in a plenary session and document in a final report.

The goal of this project was to design a test rig for rubber bearing measurements in the chassis that can test all six degrees of freedom, since the current test rig of the Institute of Automotive Lightweight Design at the University of Siegen is not capable of doing so. The students focused on measuring U-bearings and RU-bearings.

In order to be able to realize the concept they developed, they needed bearing supports that would hold the various bearings when subjected to the test forces. To do this, they developed a model for a U-bearing support and an RU-bearing support and then printed them three-dimensionally using one of our Prusa printers in the Fab Lab.

printed support for a U-bearing
printed support for a RU-bearing

The respective bearings can be attached to the support with the help of four screws. In order to be able to screw the bearing supports to, e.g., a base or adapter, they have eight holes on each side. This allows them to withstand any load, whether translational or rotational. Both bearing supports can be mounted to the required motor – linear lifting cylinder or three-phase motor – depending on the spatial direction to be measured, and can be screwed to necessary aids such as rails, rollers, an adapter or a rotatably mounted table.

On the drawing you can see an exemplary test rig. This shows how the printed bearing supports, developed by the students, can be used in a translational measurement with the linear stroke cylinder and in a rotational measurement with a three-phase motor.

Test rig for the translational measurement (linear stroke cylinder) and the rotational measurement (three-phase motor)

We are happy that the Fab Lab can support students in their studies. So, if you also have a project in mind – whether as part of your studies or personal – just come by during our opening hours!

By Sharia Gageler, ago

Fab Lab Siegen visits Porto as part of the ‘Co-Creation Hub’

This year, ATHENA European University has introduced the ‘Co-Creation Hub’. It serves as a platform to connect Fab Labs, Makerspaces and Design Factories and to promote joint projects and collaborations.

ATHENA, a union of medium-sized higher education institutions from nine European countries, including the University of Siegen, aims to provide inclusive, innovative and high-quality international education opportunities that always take the needs of the global market into account.

As part of the ‘Co-Creation Hub’, on June 29-30, 2023, an intensive workshop was held at the Design Factory in Porto, where ATHENA members were able to talk about their current projects and activities, but also challenges they are facing.

The participants of the workshop in Porto

Gloria Yap Basoeki from the Fab Lab Siegen also participated in the workshop and presented our Fab Lab as well as our guiding principles, the main points being our user-focused approach and the fact that the use of our Fab Lab is free of charge. This is because we pursue the goal of democratizing technology and making it accessible to all.

Gloria presenting the Fab Lab Siegen and its guiding principles

Participants also began to design a pilot program that aims to help ATHENA students to solve real-world problems using Fab Labs and Makerspaces (e.g., CNC machines or 3D printing). The pilot program is expected to be operational by the 2024 spring semester.

In addition to the workshop, Gloria visited five partners from three EDIHs (European Digital Innovation Hub) in Portugal with Robert Fischbach, research associate at the University of Siegen, to learn more about their structural organization and explore possibilities for future collaborations.

Gloria and Robert visiting EDIH ATTRACT

International Visiting Researcher Programme

During the EDIH visits to INESC TEC, Andreia Passos pointed out an exciting Researcher Program for HCI students and researchers: the International Visiting Researcher Programme. It is for researchers, including master’s and doctoral students, working outside Portugal at universities or in other organizations. It offers the opportunity to spend up to three months in Portugal working with INESC TEC researchers on topics of common interest. The organization is a world leader in information and communications technology (ICT) research and development and it supports the advanced training of researchers and their active participation in international collaborative networks.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through November 30, 2023, as long as there are openings for the research internships or the allocated funds are exhausted. The paid research internships can take place between August 1, 2023 and July 31, 2024.
You can find more information and the application requirements here.

We would like to thank ATHENA European University for organizing this workshop. It was very exciting to exchange ideas and thoughts with other dedicated Fab Labs and Makerspaces. We are happy to be a part of this and are looking forward to what we can achieve together in the future!

By Sharia Gageler, ago

Reparing a washing machine

Special thanks to Shahrier Erfan Harun for this story!

I have a Hoover washing machine that is an essential part of my daily life. Unfortunately, a few days ago, I accidentally broke the switch on the machine’s board, and now it won’t turn on. The board has a four-pin switch that is responsible for turning on the machine when pressed. I tried everything I could think of to fix the problem, but nothing worked. To make matters worse, the board is not available on the market, and buying a new washing machine is not an affordable option for me.

Luckily, I remembered that the Fab Lab has an Electronics Lab, and I decided to take a chance and see if they could help me. I explained the problem to Jonas, a staff member at the Fab Lab, and he was confident that the board could be fixed, but we needed to have the four-pin switch to do so. He then explained how the board works and how the switch is responsible for opening and closing DLD gates to make the machine run.

Unfortunately, we could not find the exact switch in the lab. However, Jonas found two switches that work together as a four-pole switch. We soldered the pins and wires together and connected the new switch to the board. Now the board has a switch that works the same as the original four-pole switch.

I connected the board back to the machine and turned it on, and to my surprise, the machine started working again! I was delighted that my washing machine was up and running without the need to buy a new one.

This experience taught me a lot about how these types of boards work, and it gave me confidence that I can fix other machines in the future. I am grateful to Jonas for his help and expertise in solving my problem, and I highly recommend the Fab Lab to anyone looking for a place to fix their machines or learn about electronics.

By Jonas Kosiahn, ago

Theorie, Schule oder doch lieber Fab Lab? Gelingensbedingungen guter MINT-Bildung

Anfang März sind wir im Rahmen des Projekts EnvironMINT (BMBF: Gelingensbedingungen guter MINT-Bildung) nach Kamp-Lintfort am Niederrhein gereist. Zusammen mit unseren Kollegen der Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg und der Hochschule Rhein-Waal haben wir bei einer 3-tägigen Workshopreihe untersucht, was Kinder und Jugendliche zu Fab Labs hinzieht und was sie davon abhält. Die knapp 100 Kinder eines Gymnasiums vor Ort haben uns durch die Teilnahme bei Kreativ-Workshops, Fokusgruppen und Interviews dabei geholfen, ihren Alltag besser zu verstehen. Dabei haben wir sehr viel von den SchülerInnen gelernt.

Was interessiert die Kinder und Jugendlichen eigentlich? Wie sollten man Workshops gestalten, die Spaß machen und lehrreich sind? Was schreckt ab? Wie sieht der Alltag so aus?

Nach einer Führung durch das FabLab Kamp-Lintfort – Hochschule Rhein-Waal und einer kleinen IoT-Demonstration mit unseren Goodies durften sie selbst ran und ausprobieren. Dabei waren unter anderem ein selbstgedrucktes und -gebautes Mikroskop, ein ferngesteuerter Malroboter mit dem Calliope Mini, ein Synthesizer-Kit von littleBits und viele coole andere Sachen.

Wir werden im weiteren Verlauf auch mit LehrerInnen, MakerInnen und Eltern sprechen, um besser zu verstehen, wie coole MINT-Angebote aussehen sollen und was die Hürden für alle Beteiligten sind. Am Ende des Tages gestalten wir die Konzepte ja nicht für uns – sondern die Menschen die es betrifft.

By Marios Mouratidis, ago

Offene Uni

Am 14. Mai waren wir mit einem Stand bei der Offenen Uni am Unteren Schloss vertreten. Mit im Gepäck hatten wir ein paar 3D-Drucker, unseren Roboterarm, sowie unsere Augmented Reality Sandbox.

Über den Unteren Schloßplatz verteilt, waren jede Menge Einrichtungen und Studiengänge und Forschungsprojekte vertreten, um sich vorzustellen. Es hat uns sehr gefreut das viele von euch uns besucht haben. Klar, das Wetter war schön und es gab‘ ja auch einen Eiscreme-Truck direkt neben unserem Zelt.

Am Stand konnten Besucher:innen lernen mit dem 3D-Drucker umzugehen, es gab‘ viele Interessierte, die schließlich mit eigenen gedruckten Teilen nach Hause gehen konnten. Unser Roboterarm, hat munter den ganzen Tag gezeigt, wie man Objekte 3D scannen und digitalisieren kann (um sie dann beispielsweise mit den 3D Drucker zu replizieren). Die Augmented Reality Sandbox kam besonders gut an. Man kann mit dem Sand eine Topografie einer Landkarte interaktiv verändern, Berge und Täler bauen, um dann anschließend mit einer Wasser- und Regen-Simulation den Fluss des Wassers auf der Karte zu beobachten. Eine tolle Möglichkeit, etwas über Topografie und Augmented Reality zu lernen.

By Marios Mouratidis, ago