Shipping Container Lab
This Mobile Lab is an affordable, self-sufficient, deployable capability for problem-solving.
In 2019, most mobile fabrication spaces cost well over one million USD, and were designed for highly specialized, narrow use cases. Building Momentum, with our extensive field experience, know that most field applications require more capability than many of these labs provide. Additionally, we’ve found that it doesn’t have to be expensive to be capable.
Designed by people with experience working in deployed spaces.
Our cofounders Brad Halsey and Albert Vega each spent several years all over Iraq and Afghanistan working in labs like this, and the result is a lot of clever features that you won’t find on other labs. For instance, what happens when your air conditioner breaks in a remote part of the world? Sourcing parts or a replacement is difficult with a high-end custom system, but window A/C units can be sourced almost anywhere. The A/C openings in our labs can fit any size air conditioner and gaskets can be easily modified to fit a new unit.
Adaptable.
Surface-mounted electrical conduit may not be glamorous, but it’s a great way to ensure long-lasting power configuration in a deployed space. It’s inexpensive, and if you need to rerun power, you don’t need to tear up the walls. This “don’t overthink it” method of problem solving is applied all over the lab, resulting in a product that is inexpensive, easily adapted, and elegant in its simplicity.
Flexible.
We designed this lab from the ground up with the knowledge that in the field, your needs and resources of the moment can quickly change. For instance, the six-person conference table can quickly fold down to create dedicated workspace for two with floor space for a large project. The welding and machining setups can be moved outside for better ventilation, which provides even more interior floor space for larger projects.
Capable.
Our lab has a breadth of tools that allow the users to tackle a wide variety of problem sets. Each lab are client-configured, often containing several 3D printers, a laser cutter, electronics bench with R/F testing and drone building tools, CNC milling machines, off-grid welding capability, PCB mills, and general fabrication tools - all centered around a six-person conference table. All of the walls and even the ceiling are dry-erase compatible for spur-of-the-moment brainstorming.
Off Grid.
Each lab is equipped with an off-grid power system that can take advantage of solar or wind and a lithium ion battery bank. This allows the lab to reduce generator runtime or run completely independent of one.