Lab shows 3D printing possibilities

INNOVATION: A Fab Lab Makercrate is coming to Masterton thanks to Fab Lab Masterton Co-Chairs John Hart and Kirsten Browne. PHOTO/FILE

Wairarapa will experience the wonders of open access 3D printing when The Fab Lab Makercrate from Christchurch is set up this week at Masterton Library.

The Makercrate is a mini digital fabrication lab in a converted 20 foot shipping container. It contains a 3D printer, vinyl cutter and technology to make everything from electronics through to product prototypes.

Fab Lab Masterton Co-chairs John Hart and Kirsten Browne have been busy for months organising the initiative and said they are excited to show Wairarapa what can be achieved through the digital fabrication machinery.

"We are delighted to be able to show Masterton and the wider Wairarapa community first hand, what is possible with 3D manufacturing," Mr Hart said.

"The Makercrate will allow us to run demonstrations and courses over the coming months that have never been on offer here before.

"The amazing support from Connecting Communities Wairarapa has allowed us to launch this project in conjunction with Masterton Library now.

"We expect the Makercrate to be in Masterton for at least the next few months, if not longer, and can't wait to see people coming through."

The co-chairs applied for $150,000 in funding earlier this year to establish a Fab Lab in the Wairarapa Times-Age building which they said would have created a hub for members of the community to bring their ideas and watch them come to life.

Although this funding has not yet been granted, Mrs Browne said bringing the Makercrate to Masterton was the first step in getting the community and funders on board.

"There are only a handful of people from Wairarapa exposed to this new kind of maker culture," she said.

"So bringing the Makercrate is a very important step for our community and our funders."

Information on the courses and demos that will be running at the Makercrate including opening hours will be available later this week.