1st Assembly to open its doors
What’s one of the best ways to get the most out of a 3d printer? Use it to build another one, according to a Lower Hutt tech start-up.
Fre3formD, which is based at the Hutt City Council funded 1st Assembly manufacturing hub, makes 3d printers and then helps its customers use the devices to print replica printers.
The design of the original printer is itself an open source one, based on information freely available online.
Many of the parts that make up the printers are themselves made on a 3D printer.
Fre3formD founder Gordon Dykes helps teach customers the skills to build replica printers so they can get up to speed with 3d printing.
‘‘It’s not economically viable for them to produce printers as a competitor but it enables us to create a community space where people can come together at 1st Assembly and share ideas and improvements.’’
Dykes said teaching people about the limitations of printing materials and the machines themselves was crucial to them understanding the technology.
‘‘If you want to print something made out of gold, then you have to use gold. It’s not alchemy.’’
Fre3formD’s printers will be on show on Saturday, October 15, at the 1st Assembly open day.
Other 1st Assembly businesses will also be showing off their projects, including a commercial flight simulator, carbon fibre drones, and hologram technology.
Those who turn up on the day will also be able to get their hands dirty making a stop-motion movie scene, and learn how to build a lightdetecting robotic car.
The 1st Assembly open day will be held from 9am on Saturday, and will feature talks, workshops, and even food trucks.