SINGAPORE - Turning ideas into physical products will soon become a lot easier with the launch of the new Prototyping Lab at the National Design Centre on Tuesday evening.

At the facility, members of the public can refine their design concepts and create prototypes using equipment such as computer-aided design machines, laser cutters and three-dimensional printers. Previously, such facilities and equipment were only available to students in universities and polytechnics here.

The 207 square metre lab, a collaboration between Spring Singapore and the DesignSingapore Council, expects some 1,500 users tapping on its equipment and services over the next two years.

"Aspiring inventors, designers and companies can access resources and professional advice to convert their ideas into products. This lowers the entry barriers for designers to develop hardware products and take ownership of their creations," said Mr Philip Yeo, chairman of Spring Singapore.

"This place would serve as a platform not just for making products, but also for bringing like-minded people together and sparking off ideas which might create the next wave for design and manufacturing companies."

The lab will be run by the OneMaker Group, a consortium of six partners including seed stage venture company FocusTech Ventures, 3D resource provider Simplifi3d, and social enterprise Sustainable Living Lab.

Lab users have to pay a membership fee of $200 monthly or $2,000 annually. Users can purchase a $60 three-day pass which will give them access to lab space, tools and Wi-Fi services.