Abstract
The diffusion of Fab Labs and the continuous development of Additive Manufacturing technologies are undoubtedly two relevant phenomena nowadays. The former fuels the latter and vice versa, but their mutual relationship has not been systematically explored so far. This paper presents an exploratory study based on a survey, in which various aspects of the use of 3D printers in Fab Labs are investigated. The results show how different scales of Fab Labs are present in terms of investments made in 3D printing, as well as work purposes are not negligible for many attendees. In addition, the outcomes of the survey show that 3D printers are considered easy to use, as well as manufactured parts are deemed satisfactory. Despite this, there are still some barriers to boosting the market of domestic 3D printers for Fab Lab visitors.