The MaxxSouth Digital Media Center is home to a makerspace that offers collaborative work areas and tools meant to fuel creativity and innovation. The makerspace features 3D printing, 3D scanning, a Cricut and a Silhouette (die cutters), a heat press, and two sewing machines. The makerspace also features an amazing Legos collection, supplies for paper crafts, knitting supplies, pipe-cleaners, coloring pencils and crayons and more.
Throughout the year the Center’s staff leads workshops and open sessions in the makerspace designed to introduce patrons to the various equipment, and individuals and groups may also schedule custom workshops in the space.
3D Printing
3D Printing in the MaxxSouth Digital Media Center is a hands-on experience. If it is your first time to print, setup a consultation. If you have been through a consultation before, and have been certified by a DMC staff member, you can schedule time to come in and use the printers on your own. The DMC’s 3D printers can print items up to 280 mm x 280 mm x 250 mm (11 in x 11 in x 9.8in) with a time limit of 15 hours. All prints are done with PLA filament in a wide variety of colors.
3D Scanner
The Center’s 3D scanner allows patrons to digitize real objects. Once scanned, items can be 3D printed or imported into other modeling software.
Button Making
The Makerspace has 2.25” button maker available for students and staff to use inside the DMC. We can help you make your own individual button or work with you on buttons for an organization or event. Stop by or call to find out more.
Cricut and Silhouette
The Cricut and Silhouette are die-cutting machines, also known as craft plotters or cutting machines, that act similar to a printer. From anywhere, you can design an image in either the Cricut or Silhouette free web-based software program. When you are ready to print/cut your project you will open your file on our designated print computer. The cutters then cut your design out of vinyl or whatever material you choose. The die-cutting machines can cut all sorts of materials: paper, card stock, felt, foam, fabric, thin plastic, adhesive vinyl and heat transfer vinyl. You then cut your design and use the finished product to decorate signs, cards, tumblers, mugs, glassware, plastic totes, canvas bags, t-shirts, caps, magnets, cowbells and so much more.
Glowforge 3D Laser Printer
The Glowforge 3D laser printer allows you to create beautiful things numerous materials, all at the push of a button. You can make an endless variety of useful, fun, and practical things from materials like wood, leather, felt, fabric, acrylic, paper, and more. Glowforge uses subtractive manufacturing while traditional 3D printers use additive manufacturing.
Heat Press
The makerspace’s heat press is ideal for heat applying transfers to such items as t-shirts, jackets, mousepads, and more. It is heavy duty and equipped with an automatic digital timer.
Janome HD Sewing Machines
The makerspace features two heavy duty sewing machines, perfect for a beginner or seasoned sewer. To assist patrons, the DMC staff offers a workshop series called “Sew Easy” throughout the year and is available for consultations. To use the machines, patrons must check out the sewing kit from the DMC front desk. The DMC has some scrap materials and supplies for patrons to use in learning to sew, but for specific projects patrons are expected to supply their own materials.
Paper / Crafting
Interested in arts and crafts? The Makerspace has tools and supplies for you too! For use in the makerspace we have colors, color pencils, X-acto cutters, paper punches, paper cutters, a variety of tapes and glues, staplers, rulers, scrap cardboard, cards and a wide variety of solid and patterned paper.
