Is your school, college, or organization ready to build its own Maker Space?
Vista AST can assist school districts and education institutions in designing, installing and operating their own Maker Spaces for design and digital fabrication. We have the expertise and experience to design Maker Spaces to fit any budget and use scenario.
A customized Maker Space can provide a robust, technology-rich environment for learning and applying skills and knowledge in a problem-based learning setting. Vista AST works with clients to develop customized technology and equipment packages that include 3D printers, laser cutter/engravers and other digital fabrication equipment. Networked design stations with computers allow for collaborative research, brainstorming and design as well as to explore and discuss instructional content.
Building and maintaining a Maker Space is a significant undertaking. Vista AST can provide technical assistance at start-up and implementation including offering service contracts for maintenance and support. Vista AST can also support student use of the makerspace with curriculum, projects, professional development, and other makerspace resources.
Below is a sample of additive and rapid prototyping equipment; additional selections are available depending on the needs of the school.
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- 3D Printers: The most popular equipment in a Maker Space, the FDM printer typically uses PLA, a biodegradable filament for production. Options are available for bed size, rapid printing, dual heads and use of alternate materials such as nylons and flexible filaments.
- Laser Cutter/Engraver: A powerful tool for creating finely detailed items by cutting and engraving materials such as wood, metals, plastic and acrylic.
- CNC Mill: Subtractive technology appropriate for woods, resins and wax.
- Router: Route, engrave, 3D mill or plot all types of materials including plastic, acrylic, MDF, wood, composites, brass and aluminum.
- Virtual Reality: Hardware and software.