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We have already seen cafés in Japan making innovative use of customers’ waiting time by providing a second service – most recently with Tokyo canteen Tanita Shokudo, which provides nutritional advice and dietary equipment. Based on a similar principle, FabCafe in Shibuya is now offering the use of a laser-cutting machine along with its range of hot drinks. The coffee shop, designed by Naruse-Inokuma Architects, is equipped with power outlets and wifi for laptops, as well as a Universal VLS6.60 laser-cutter. Customers can arrive with a pre-made vector file — or a laptop to make one — which they can then upload to a queue for the cutter. The machine turns the designs into 3-D objects, accommodating a wide range of materials including wood, felt, acrylic and leather. Use of the laser cutter costs JPY 2000 for 30 minutes when sharing with two others, or JPY 5000 to have sole use for the same amount of time. Aiming to bring designers together in a leisure/work setting, FabCafe intends to organize networking events and creative workshops in the future. The café, which is run by digital media production company loftwork, is also aiming to provide high quality coffee and has created its own signature drink, the marshmallow latte. We’ve seen numerous startups adding something extra to the standard coffee shop model, including Munich’s Wash & Coffee, and we’re sure there are plenty more to come. What other bonus add-ons could help bring communities near you together over a coffee? Spotted by: Murtaza Patel