3D printer in shape for public

Fab Lab Makercrate at Masterton District Library. Angela McDonald, digital services team, left, and Paul Greville, digital services manager with a 3D laser printer in the container. WAG 28De

The Makercrate digital fabrication space is open for business at Masterton District Library.

The Makercrate, which gives the public free access to 3D printing and laser cutters, is an extension of the Fab Lab franchise and will be at the Masterton library location for six months to a year.

Masterton District Library digital services manager Paul Greville said library staff were keen to have the means to give people access to the digital fabrication technology before the full Fab Lab Masterton opens in a few months.

"Now that we've got it all set up, we're almost ready to go," he said.

"We'll be getting our first group of children through here in January during school holidays, and, hopefully in the coming months, we'll start to get kids in from the schools themselves."

Inside the Makercrate is a laser cutter and two 3D printers, which have been used by staff to create Christmas decorations, crocheting tools, figurines and jewellery.

"The possibilities are endless. It's just really what we make of it," Mr Greville said.

"At the moment, you can see shelves with gimmicks and baubles and so on, that's the stuff that captures people's imaginations, the ability to just conceive of something, draw it, and then make it. That's the engine we're trying to get started here.

"Imagine how useful this facility would be to someone who is building a working prototype.

"That is a process that can cost thousands. Here, all you've got to do is use the software which is really quite simple.

"If we can do all this, imagine what a 10-year-old digital native can do -- a kid who was born for this technology. This is really just the beginning of what's possible, all we're doing is just showing kids the door I think."

Mr Greville said every day several people come in to see what is going on in the Makercrate.

"The enthusiasm is there and I think if we are to make a success of this, it will be something we'll feel right through the generations in a few years."

The Makercrate will be manned by Mr Greville and digital services team member Angela McDonald from 10am-noon each day the library is open.

"I can't wait to get kids in and get them inspired," said Ms McDonald.

"In January, Connecting Community will be bringing their holiday programme kids through, but people can come in now, we're open every day except Stat holidays.

"If there's a group of keen kids, all they have to do is go to the library."