Louth businesses: Test your product Ideas at no cost in Creative Spark's FabLab through FactoryXChange 2.0
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can now test whether digital fabrication can solve a product or production challenge, free of charge, at the Creative Spark Enterprise FabLab in Dundalk, County Louth. The Digital Fabrication Feasibility Pathway gives businesses access to 3D printers, laser cutters and expert support before they invest in their own equipment. The service is available through FactoryXChange 2.0 (FXC 2.0) and is currently 100% funded for eligible businesses.
What Is the Digital Fabrication Feasibility Pathway?
The Digital Fabrication Feasibility Pathway is a funded service that helps businesses test a product idea or process using digital fabrication, before committing to a major investment. Businesses bring an idea, and the Creative Spark team helps them explore how digital fabrication could solve it, then test whether it works in practice.
Equipment such as industrial 3D printers and laser cutters can be costly for a small business, so testing first gives companies a clear answer before any money goes into machinery. It follows the same test-before-invest approach found across FXC 2.0 services.
"The key benefit of engaging with the Digital Fabrication Feasibility Pathway is de-risking investment," says Thom Conaty, Growth Manager at Creative Spark. "Because the equipment we have here is very expensive, if you're thinking of investing in that, you want to be able to say, 'Yes, this process does work.'"
Thom Conaty, Growth Manager, Creative Spark
What Equipment Is Available in the Creative Spark FabLab?
The Creative Spark Enterprise FabLab offers open access to a wide range of digital fabrication technologies, covering everything from fine detail to large-scale parts:
Formlabs resin 3D printers for small, high-detail parts
Large-format 3D printers, including pellet printing in a range of materials
A suite of CO2 laser cutters designed to be easy to use
Every project is also supported by a team experienced in product development and in using each machine. This means businesses have expert guidance from the first test to the final result, alongside the equipment itself.
How Does the Service Work?
Each project starts with a conversation about the idea a business wants to test. The Creative Spark team helps develop a clear brief, then looks at the machinery and software best suited to the task. Throughout the process, the focus is on building the client's own skills and confidence with the technology. This approach helps businesses avoid time spent on the wrong path and reach the right answer efficiently.
"A big thing that we're looking for in clients, and what we hope clients are looking for in us, is an ability to empower them to do the work themselves"
Carl McAteer, FabLab Technical Manager at Creative Spark.
How Much Does It Cost?
All Creative Spark services available through FactoryXChange 2.0 are currently 100% funded, so there is no cost to eligible businesses. Funding comes from the European Union's Digital Europe Programme and Enterprise Ireland, through the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) Programme. Funded services are subject to State Aid rules, and you can find more detail on our Funding and Partnership page.
How Do I Get Started?
Getting started takes three steps. First, sign up on the FactoryXChange 2.0 website and book a call with one of our Digital Strategists. They will talk through your challenges and connect you directly with the Creative Spark team, who will help you shape your brief. You can read more about each step on our How It Works page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Creative Spark FabLab?The Creative Spark Enterprise FabLab is in Dundalk, County Louth. Creative Spark became the third FactoryXChange Hub in 2025, joining hubs at Irish Manufacturing Research in Mullingar and the Technological University of the Shannon in Limerick. You can read more in our article on the Creative Spark Hub launch.
Do I need technical experience to use the FabLab?No technical experience is needed. The Creative Spark team guides each business through the equipment and software, and helps build the skills to use them. The aim is for businesses to leave confident in using the technology themselves.
Can businesses outside Louth use the service?Yes, eligible businesses from anywhere in Ireland can book the service through FactoryXChange 2.0. Testing takes place on-site at the FabLab in Dundalk. A Digital Strategist can help you plan your visit and next steps.
What is FactoryXChange 2.0?FactoryXChange 2.0 is a European Digital Innovation Hub that helps Irish SMEs adopt digital technologies through funded services, expert guidance and a national network of partners. It is supported by the European Commission and Enterprise Ireland. You can find answers to more common questions on our FAQ page.
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