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  4. Makerspace equipment

Makerspace equipment

The Library Makerspace has a range of equipment to use in the Makerspace on level 9 of the Edward Boyle Library. We also have a Library of Things where you can borrow some equipment for use elsewhere.

Here’s an overview of the key areas of creativity our equipment supports:

  • 3D print, laser and precision cutting
  • Craft and fabrication
  • Digital creativity
  • Drawing and drafting
  • Electronics and coding
  • Sewing and embroidery
  • Sound and vision.

3D print, laser and precision cutting

From personal designs to prototypes, paper cutouts to 3D-printed components, the makerspace offers a range of equipment and materials to help turn your ideas into a reality.

You can capture and finetune your ideas using 2D drawing and design software before using a laser cutter or CriCut machine to cut out, etch or emboss your design on plywood, acrylic, vinyl or cardboard.

3D modelling and slicing software, and a filament or resin printer, can create objects either from your own designs or from the extensive range of open-source 3D models.

Craft and Fabrication

Whether you are crafting a prototype object, building a stretcher for a canvas to paint on, or making your own badges or zines, there are materials and tools you can use for manual creation.

These include:

  • hand tools, such as saws, pliers, drills and screwdrivers
  • scissors, scalpels, and craft knives to cut materials from felt to foamboard
  • glue guns and PVA glue
  • a variety of pens and inks to make your mark.

Digital Creativity

Access to high-specification computers and software will help you to design digital artefacts from posters to zines and everything inbetween.

Drawing tablets are available so you can sketch and manipulate digital images, as well as using Adobe Creative Suite and Computer Aided Design (CAD) software to realise your ideas in digital format.

Drawing and Drafting

Drawing can be a great activity for play and experimentation or can also be used as an integral part of planning and working through ideas. Drafting can make sure you have the design and measurements you want, and that you are making efficient use of the materials and your time.

There is space for 2D drawing, including pencils, pens, rulers and erasers, to sketch anything from sculptural ideas to circuit diagrams.

For 3D modelling, there is cardboard, foamboard, cutting and sculpting tools to test your proof of concept through scale modelling.

Electronics and Coding

The makerspace has a range of equipment for you to code, build electrical circuits, and repair electronic items, whether you’re a beginner or you come to the space with expertise.

There are Arduino and Raspberry Pi microprocessors you can use for coding projects. The electronics stations are set up with oscilloscopes, wave form generators, breadboards and all the components you could want to test your ideas. Soldering stations provide the perfect spot for precision work.

Sewing and Embroidery

Our digital sewing machine can support a wide range of uses, from basic textile projects and repairs to creative dressmaking and embroidery. This includes digital embroidery using CAD software.

Our air-thread overlocker allows you to produce professionally finished seams, such as those you might find on ready to wear garments and furnishings. Both machines are domestic, meaning they are safe for beginners to use with a small amount of training.

Sound and Vision

With high-spec multimedia PCs and an Apple Mac, high resolution monitors and headphones, the Library Makerspace is an ideal place for working on – or playing with – audio and video.

You can access a broad range of software, such as:

  • Adobe Animate
  • Adobe Premier Pro
  • Audacity
  • Krita
  • Maya
  • Zencaster.

You can also borrow kit from our Library of Things to use for your creative projects outside of the makerspace, such as podcasting microphones, ring lights, smartphone gimbals and 360-degree cameras and microphones.