Fathom is a prototype and manufacturing studio in Oakland, CA focusing on creating prototype parts for companies. They utilize many different methods, such as injection molding, CNC machines, 3D printers, and fabrication methods. Many engineers don’t know what goes into making a part when they send it off to a shop, so visiting studios like these is a unique learning experience for anyone interested in prototype manufacturing. In Spring 2019, select MEng students went on an on-site tour in their downtown Oakland headquarters, followed by a presentation by their Design and Engineering Team.

Mason Friedberg, MEng ’19 (ME), led the Tech Trek and shared the following:

“The tour at Fathom was awesome. They are located in a low-key downtown building in Oakland, CA that can be hard to spot from for an outsider. The engineering team there gave an in-depth presentation on the work they do and some of the cool projects they have completed over the past few years. It is insightful to learn more about what happens behind the scenes when moving from an idea, to a prototype design, and beyond. Lastly, Fathom works hard to adopt cutting edge and current technologies for their jobs. The site tour was able to show-off some of the equipment that they use on a day-to-day basis. Overall, I think everyone had a great time!”

Thank you, Fathom Studios, for hosting our students! Connect with Fathom Studios or Mason Friedberg.

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Tech Trek to Fathom in Oakland, CA showcases dynamic advanced manufacturing was originally published in Berkeley Master of Engineering on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.