Plus X Brighton Workshop - State of the art prototyping, product development and batch production facilities
CALLING INNOVATORS, MAKERS, DESIGNERS, ARTISTS, AND ENGINEERS
The Plus X Brighton workshop is a multi-disciplinary prototyping, product development and learning space with world-class machinery and a specialist workshop team
THE SPACE...
FABLAB
MAKE (ALMOST) ANYTHING
The Fablab is focused on digital design, prototyping and production. Members can realise digital designs in 3D using our laser cutter, resin and FDM 3D printers, and milling machine.
We have full production and testing facilities for electronics, and well as craft tools such as sewing machine and vinyl cutter.
The lab is also a part of the global Fablab network, with similar facilities in 150 countries around the world; working together on learning programmes, new forms of production and sustainable design innovation.
ELECTRONICS
MAKING IT SMART
Get electronics prototypes working in hours, not weeks, using our PCB milling tools and electronics assembly and testing stations.
3D PRINTING
COMPLEX PARTS, QUICKLY
We have an FDM 3D printer farm for rapid prototyping and small batch production in a variety of plastics, and resin printers for high-fidelity mechanical and aesthetic prototypes.
LASER CUTTING
FAST, PRECISION FABRICATION
Cut and engrave in high precision on a huge number of sheet materials including acrylic, plywood, veneers, cork, rubber, felt and glass.
HEAVY WORKSHOP
FOR THE BIG PROJECTS
The heavy workshop is for working on big projects. It’s for high-precision engineering and manufacturing prototypes in metal, plastic or wood. As well as digital machines for cutting and milling, you’ll find equipment such as bandsaws, mill drills and sanders.
This space is fitted with industrial extraction, keeping the air quality clean (air quality is a key component of the Plus X commitment to WELL Building Standards, which you can read more about here).
WORKSHOP TOOLS
THE TOOLS YOU'D EXPECT, ONLY BETTER
We have the usual benches, hand and power tools, and core workshop equipment for working in wood, metal and plastic. All of the highest standard, and in a clean and safe environment.
MULTI-AXIS MILLING
SUBTRACTIVE MANUFACTURING, FROM EVERY DIRECTION
With our Roland MDX-540 CNC mill, you can produce complex parts, moulds, or prototypes in wood, foam, plastics and metal, straight from your CAD software.
LARGE FORMAT LASER
WHEN ONLY THE BIGGEST WILL DO
Sometimes you need to cut really big sheets. That’s when our Trotec Q500 laser comes in. The biggest bed size we could fit in the space without sacrificing quality.
ASSEMBLY SPACE
CONNECT + CREATE
This is the hub of the workshop, where projects start and finish. Get expert advice from the workshop team, and from other members. Collaborate on projects, and learn new skills.
BIO-AREA + WET LAB
COOKING UP THE FUTURE
Work with materials such as plaster and silicone, or develop new biomaterials.
Lucy Hughes, founder of MarinaTex, and winner of our Disruptors competition uses the wet lab to develop her petrochemical plastic alternative, made from organic waste from the fishing industry.
Find out more about Better World Collective – a material innovation programme powered by Plus X here.
MATERIALS LIBRARY
FOR PLANET-FRIENDLY INSPIRATION
A collaboration with University of Brighton, the materials library is a growing collection of sustainable and innovative materials that designers can draw on for inspiration, or use in the machines in our workshop.
Browse the materials library and you will find everything from recycled plastics, bio leather alternatives and innovative surface materials such as Richolite made from paper.
SPRAY BOOTH
FOR THE FINISHING TOUCHES
Fitted with extremely efficient extraction to ensure WELL Building Standard air quality, members can use the walk-in spray booth for painting, oiling and adding finishing touches to their prototypes in safety.
This means that designers can achieve a professional finish on their prototypes, ready to present to investors. At 18 sq metres, this space is significantly larger than your average spray booth.
MEET THE TEAM...
ANDREW SLEIGH
WORKSHOP MANAGER
With a background in digital design, the grassroots maker movement, arts and technology, and design education, Andrew brings a broad perspective and set of skills to the workshop.
He can help you figure out how to rapidly test your ideas, integrate electronics and interactivity into your design, and work at all stages of fidelity, from rough prototypes to finished products in diverse materials.
He lives to learn and make, and help others do the same.
KATIE ISARD
WORKSHOP TECHNICIAN
Katie studied 3D Design and Craft at the University of Brighton. After graduating, she worked with a ceramicist for a year before joining the team at Plus X Brighton.
Katie can train you on the specialist facilities so that you get the most out of your time there. Having built a close relationship with the wider eco-system at Plus X, Katie can support you in curating purposeful connections to other members.
Keeping the workshop safe and the machines maintained is a priority and if you need any tips or tricks – Katie is around to answer any questions.
MEMBERSHIP
CREATE + SCALE AT PLUS X
Plus X Brighton is a seven-storey innovation hub for all types of business members from freelancers to corporates, located in the creative and purposeful city of Brighton. The innovation hub encompasses business growth innovation programmes, support for sustainable product makers, design workshops, podcast studios, media suites and wellbeing benefits including yoga classes and a nutritional cafe.
The Workshop at Plus X Brighton is funded by the BRITE project which is receiving up to £5m of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.
Accessing the workshop at Plus X Brighton could also mean you could benefit from fully-funded expertise and support programmes from the BRITE Innovation project, a 3 year project running from 2020-2022 to help local and ambitious SMEs scale their business through innovation.
BOOK A TOUR / GET IN TOUCH WITH THE WORKSHOP TEAM
