Have you ever heard the term 3D printer?
It is a device that creates three-dimensional objects based on digital data.
With the advent of 3D printers and various other digital devices, they have become more accessible.
Individuals can now easily engage in "manufacturing" compared to the past.
That said, even if you think, "I want to do business using digital devices!", digital equipment is still quite expensive.
It can be hard to get your hands on them.
In such cases, there is a convenient facility you would definitely want to use.
That is 'FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β'.
FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β is equipped with various digital devices, including 3D printers and laser cutters.
Once you register, you can use them.
Additionally, FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β supports local "manufacturing" by holding experience events for children using digital equipment.
Let me introduce FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β, a strong ally of local "manufacturing".
What is FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β? A digital workshop supporting local "manufacturing"
FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β is located in the southern part of Kurashiki City, in the center of the Mizushima area.
It is a "workshop for everyone" equipped with digital devices such as 3D printers and laser cutters.
FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β also serves as a development research laboratory for the adjacent company, Setouchi Engineering Co., Ltd., and it is open to registered users.
In addition to providing a workspace for those engaged in business using digital devices, it also holds experience events for children, thereby promoting local "manufacturing".
How to use FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β
When you want to use FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β, please make a reservation by phone in advance (086-476-7727).
The reception hours are from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Additionally, you need to become a member to use the facility.
Therefore, for first-time individual members, please pay a registration fee of 2,000 yen.
In addition to the registration fee, there is an annual membership fee of 2,000 yen each year.
Those under junior high school age can use it for free.
After that, there will be a fee for using each piece of equipment in the facility.
The fees vary by equipment, so please inquire with FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β for details.
Note that the use of power outlets is free.
Those under junior high school age must be accompanied by a guardian when using FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β.
By the way, before using the equipment, there will be a training session for each piece of equipment, where you will learn how to use it.
The training consists of three sessions: basic, advanced, and practical.
The fees for each training session (including tax) are as follows.
| Beginner | 1,500 yen |
|---|---|
| Advanced | 1,500 yen |
| Practical | 2,000 yen |
Main equipment at FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β
At FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β, you can use various equipment.
Here, let me introduce some of the equipment available at FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β.
3D Printer
The 3D printer is a device that creates three-dimensional objects based on data.
▼This is a high-precision industrial 3D printer.
The high-precision 3D printer is primarily a machine for commercial use.
▼There is also a personal 3D printer for home use.
▼There is also a type of 3D printer that is not box-shaped.
▼A double sphere created with a 3D printer.
▼A gear mechanism created with a 3D printer.
These products would normally have seams if made by hand.
However, with a 3D printer, you can create complex shapes without seams!
▼There are also human figures.
▼Models can also be created.
▼Furthermore, models of terrain that faithfully reproduce the undulations can be created.
▼A prototype of Mt. Kenzan.
▼Even the fine details at the tip of the needle are made precisely.
3D Scanner
There is also a 3D scanner.
The 3D scanner is a device that reads the information of three-dimensional objects and digitizes it.
Laser Cutter
▼FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β also has a laser cutter.
▼The laser cutter is a machine that performs cutting and engraving using laser light based on data.
▼Small parts and fine details can also be processed with the laser cutter.
The charm of the laser cutter is that it can be used in various ways depending on the application!
Digital Sewing Machine
▼There was also a digital sewing machine.
The digital sewing machine is a machine that automatically performs embroidery based on data.
▼You can also create realistic embroidery based on photos.
▼The ability to sew fine details is also a key point of the digital sewing machine.
▼With creativity, you can create fun works.
In addition, FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β is equipped with various other machines.
Events for Children and More
At FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β, events for children may be held during the summer vacation period.
Events for making things, which are a staple of summer homework, and experiences of "monozukuri" (making things) using FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β are popular.
▼An example of a work made by a child.
It is a handmade car powered by batteries, equipped with a function to stop automatically when it hits an obstacle.
Examples of Works Created by Users of FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β
Here are some examples of works created by users of FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β using the installed equipment.
▼Keychain
▼Decorative items for stuffed animals and figures
FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β offers a wide range of attractive equipment.
We interviewed the representative director of the "General Incorporated Association Fab Plaza Setouchi," Maruyama Takeshi.
Data of FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima (General Incorporated Association Fab Plaza Setouchi)
| Name | FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima (General Incorporated Association Fab Plaza Setouchi) |
|---|---|
| Location | 8-4 Nishisae-cho, Mizushima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture (1st floor of Setouchi Engineering) |
| Contact | 086-476-7727 |
| Parking | Available |
| Business Hours | Phone reception hours: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays ※Reservations are required in advance for use |
| Usage Fee (including tax) | ・Membership fee: 2,000 yen (including tax) ・Annual fee: 2,000 yen (including tax) ・A usage fee is required for each piece of equipment (fees vary by equipment) |
| Payment Method |
|
| Reservation Availability | Yes Accepted by phone |
| Wi-Fi | No Available for free |
| Power Supply | Available |
| Available Equipment | ・3D printer ・High-resolution 3D printer ・3D scanner ・Laser cutter ・Digital sewing machine and more |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Toilet | Japanese-style toilet |
| Childcare | Stroller entry allowed |
| Barrier-free | Wheelchair access available (facilities such as toilets are not wheelchair accessible) |
| Website | FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β - Fab Plaza Setouchi |
FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β has three types of 3D printers installed!