Have you ever heard of a 3D printer?
It is a machine that creates three-dimensional objects based on digital data.
Various digital devices, including 3D printers, have advanced and become more accessible.
Even individuals can now make things more easily than in the past.
That said, even if you think, “I want to start a business using digital equipment!”, such equipment is still very expensive.
It can be hard to afford.
At times like that, there’s a convenient facility you’ll definitely want to use.
It’s “FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β.”
FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β is equipped with a range of digital devices, including 3D printers and laser cutters.
Once you register to use the facility, you can use them.
FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β also supports local makers by holding hands-on events where children can try making things with digital equipment.
Here’s an introduction to FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β, a reliable ally for local makers.
The information presented here was accurate when this article was published in March 2020. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β? A digital workshop supporting local makers
FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β is located in the center of Mizushima, in southern Kurashiki City.
It’s a “workshop for everyone,” equipped with digital devices such as 3D printers and laser cutters.
FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β also serves as the development and research lab for the neighboring company, Setouchi Engineering Co., Ltd., which opens the lab to registered users.
It supports local makers by providing a workspace for people running businesses using digital equipment, as well as holding hands-on events for children.
How to use FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β
If you want to use FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β, make a reservation by phone in advance (086-476-7727).
Reception hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
You must also become a member to use the facility.
Individual members must pay a ¥2,000 membership fee on their first visit.
In addition to the membership fee, there is an annual membership fee of ¥2,000.
Membership is free for junior high school students and younger.
After that, there is a fee each time you use any of the equipment in the facility.
Fees vary by machine, so please contact FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β for details.
Use of electricity is free.
Children of junior high school age and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when using FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β.
By the way, before using each machine, you must attend a training session to learn how to operate it.
There are three sessions: basic, advanced, and practical.
The fees for each training session (including tax) are as follows:
| Beginner | ¥1,500 |
|---|---|
| Advanced | ¥1,500 |
| Practical | ¥2,000 |
Main equipment at FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β
You can use a variety of equipment at FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β.
Here’s an introduction to some of the equipment available at FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β.
3D printers
A 3D printer is a machine that creates three-dimensional objects from data.
▼ An industrial-grade, high-resolution 3D printer.
The high-resolution 3D printer is mainly intended for commercial use.
▼ There are also personal 3D printers for home use.
▼ There’s also a type of 3D printer that isn’t box-shaped.
▼ A double-layered sphere made with a 3D printer.
▼ A gear mechanism made with a 3D printer.
These are products that would have seams if made by hand.
But with a 3D printer, even complex shapes can be made without seams!
▼ There are also human figures.
▼ Models can be made, too.
▼ Even terrain models that faithfully reproduce the contours of the land.
▼ A prototype of a kenzan (flower-arranging pin frog).
▼ Even the fine details at the tips of the needles are precisely made.
3D scanners
There are also 3D scanners.
A 3D scanner is a machine that reads information from three-dimensional objects and converts it into data.
Laser cutters
▼ FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β also has laser cutters.
▼A laser cutter is a machine that uses data to cut and engrave with laser light.
▼A laser cutter can also process small parts and fine details.
The appeal of a laser cutter is that it can be used in all kinds of ways, depending on how you apply it!
Digital Sewing Machine
▼There was also a digital sewing machine.
A digital sewing machine is a machine that automatically embroiders based on data.
▼It can even create realistic embroidery based on photographs.
▼One advantage of a digital sewing machine is that it can sew fine details.
▼With a little imagination, you can make fun creations, too.
FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β also has a variety of other equipment.
Events for Children and More
FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β sometimes holds events for children, such as during summer vacation.
Events for making crafts, a classic summer vacation homework assignment, and hands-on “making things” experiences using FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β are popular.
▼An example of something made by a child.
This handmade car runs on batteries and has a feature that makes it stop automatically when it hits an obstacle.
Examples of Items Made by FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β Users
Here are some examples of items made by FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β users with the equipment available there.
▼Keychains
▼Accessories for stuffed animals and figurines
FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β is equipped with a wide range of appealing machines.
We interviewed Takeshi Maruyama, representative director of Fab Plaza Setouchi, a general incorporated association, which operates FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β.
FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima (Fab Plaza Setouchi, a general incorporated association) Information
| Name | FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima (Fab Plaza Setouchi, a general incorporated association) |
|---|---|
| Address | 8-4 Mizushima Nishisakae-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture (1st floor, Setouchi Engineering) |
| Contact | 086-476-7727 |
| Parking | Available |
| Hours | Telephone inquiries: 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. |
| Closed | Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays ※Advance reservations are required to use the facilities |
| Usage fees (tax included) | ・Membership fee: ¥2,000 (tax included) ・Annual fee: ¥2,000 (tax included) ・Equipment usage fees apply for each machine (fees vary by machine) |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted By phone |
| Wi-Fi | Not available Free to use |
| Power outlets | Available |
| Available equipment | ・3D printer ・High-resolution 3D printer ・3D scanner ・Laser cutter ・Digital sewing machine and more |
| Smoking | Entirely non-smoking |
| Restroom | Japanese-style toilet |
| Childcare | Strollers may be brought inside |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair access is possible (restrooms and other facilities are not wheelchair accessible) |
| Website | FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β - Fab Plaza Setouchi |
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FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β has three types of 3D printers!