THE LAB
The place where making is priority number one
where
Making necessitates tools, and tools demand a dedicated space. Our sanctuary is a basement workshop nestled in the heart of Thessaloniki city center. This serves as our sacred creative lab, housing not only our tools and materials but also our wellspring of inspiration and dreams! Within these walls, we find a haven to conceptualize, construct, collaborate, and metamorphose ideas into tangible, physical objects.
WHAT
The ability to craft extends to a myriad of materials using countless methods and techniques, and that diversity is what makes the art of making truly beautiful! Consequently, we are consistently engaged in experimentation with novel materials and manufacturing techniques, seeking fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and possibilities for distinctive designs and unique products. Nevertheless, we have amassed significant experience and confidence in specific materials and methods that we frequently employ.
Woodworking
Wood stands as a prized resource in our craft at SDR LAB, shaping everything from stylish decor to intricate furniture and essential workshop infrastructure. For practicality, we often choose plywood, valued for its flatness and easy cutting and assembly, eliminating the need for extensive surface planning. However, we can't resist the allure of handmade pieces crafted from natural wood. Many of our creations showcase a variety of wood species, including beech, oak, pine, and fir. Explore the charm and versatility of wood in our products.
metalworking
In numerous instances, the demand for robustness and specific dimensions necessitates the integration of metal into our projects, highlighting the indispensable role of metalworking expertise in our workshop. This proficiency allows us to harness the structural advantages and durability that metal provides. Yet, our versatility extends beyond mere practical considerations. We also embrace the aesthetic potential of metal, incorporating its elements into projects for purely visual appeal. The juxtaposition of wood and brass, for example, not only serves functional purposes but also introduces a mesmerizing minimalist beauty that elevates the overall design aesthetic.
laser cutting/engraving
Our laser at SDR LAB performs two essential functions. Firstly, it enables the swift and precise cutting of materials like wood, cork, and plexiglass, allowing us to shape them into customized dimensions. This feature proves indispensable in our prototyping processes, facilitating quick iterations for product improvements. Beyond prototyping, we extensively employ the laser for small-scale production, crafting items such as key rings, artistic decorations, packaging and custom storage solutions. Moreover, the laser becomes a tool of personalization, offering the ability to engrave bespoke designs and inscriptions on our products, adding a unique and distinctive flair to each creation.
sewing
The sewing machine holds a crucial role within the maker's community, prized for its capacity to provide the tools necessary for crafting personalized cases and bags that seamlessly complement various projects. Here at SDR LAB, we wholeheartedly embrace the multifaceted potential of the sewing machine. It not only enables us to construct functional and personalized cases but also serves as a tool to artfully design beautiful bags, pouches, and labels. This comprehensive approach not only enhances the practical facets of our creations but also imparts a distinct aesthetic touch to our work, exemplifying our commitment to both functionality and artistic expression.
3D design/Printing
Extensive professional exposure to 3D design over the years has empowered us to leverage this technology extensively since our initial adoption of a 3D printer in early 2018. Presently, we operate a small fleet comprising three 3D printers, facilitating the rapid creation of both prototypes and finalized products. The advantages of 3D printing are twofold: firstly, it allows the manufacturing of intricate geometries that are often challenging or even unattainable through conventional methods. Secondly, 3D printing offers a rapid and cost-effective means of manufacturing small-batch production products.
cement
Traditionally prized for its structural strength, cement takes on a new artistic identity in our hands, and we're excited to deepen our exploration of its decorative potential in the future. Whether standing alone or blending seamlessly with wood, we believe cement can impart a unique and captivating aesthetic to various items. Picture enchanting lamps, minimal coasters, stylish organizing trays, unique candle holders, and charming flower pots, each a testament to the intriguing fusion of strength and artistic allure.
electronics/prototyping
Our foray into the realm of electronics traces its origins back to childhood, where we first dabbled in crafting out own remote-controlled vehicles. What began as a hobby eventually transformed into a profound understanding during our university years, leading to the undertaking of progressively larger and more intricate projects. In today's context, envisioning our world without electronics, automation, and artificial intelligence is a challenge. We take pride in our familiarity with microcontrollers, microprocessors, sensors, and actuators, as it affords us the ability to create tools and constructions with intricate functionalities and immense potential, from custom boards for tool control and developing soft robotics arms to simpler arduino based projects.
