This project aims to foster positive community connections by providing free access to equipment and hands-on training.
Through this grant application, we hope to purchase a new and innovative piece of equipment for the SPL Makerspace. The benefit of this project is that it gives the community more access to high-tech equipment without the financial barrier, provides education to learn a new skill, and provides the opportunity to local entrepreneurs to flourish.
With this grant we will purchase a Direct To Film (DTF) and Direct To Garment (DTG) printer. These printers are a game changer for full colour apparel printing on all fabric types and colours! We will provide hands-on access with all the training required to use this printer for the public, community groups, and small businesses.
The Makerspace has seen increasing use over the past three years, especially in custom apparel design and sublimation printing. While we've used Cricut and heat transfer vinyl for single-color designs and printable vinyl for full-color designs, these options have limitations in size and durability. Sublimation printing offers permanent, vibrant designs but only works on certain fabrics.
The Epson F1070 DTF/DTG printer would be the next big step for the SPL Makerspace. Printing direct to film is a versatile method that creates durable, vibrant designs by printing them onto a special film, coating them with an adhesive powder, and then heat-pressing the film onto fabric. This process allows for high-quality prints on a wide range of materials, including light and dark cotton, polyester, and blends, without requiring pre-treatment of the garment.
Makerspace members will get hands-on access to professional-level equipment. They will learn how to make custom designs, use the DTF printer, and the heat press. This will be a first in the county because currently anyone who wants to use a DTF image has to order it online.
Providing public access to advanced tools and equipment within a makerspace removes one of the biggest barriers: cost.
High-end machines are often prohibitively expensive for individuals, students, and small businesses to own or access. By making this equipment available, we empower community members to design, prototype, and build their ideas regardless of income or background.
Such access also strengthens the local economy and workforce development. Community members gain hands-on experience with professional-grade tools encouraging the growth of small-scale manufacturing, start-ups, and creative industries.
Moreover, shared access promotes collaboration and community building. When people from different disciplines and walks of life work alongside one another, they exchange ideas, mentor each other, and form networks that drive social and economic resilience.
In short, access to expensive equipment turns potential into practice. It transforms public curiosity into innovation, education into opportunity, and individual effort into community growth.
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Love this place. Great place for the community
This is such an amazing opportunity for the residents of Selwyn
The makerspace in Lakefield unites so many community members and provides them access to tools and opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have. Love this space!
What a great addition this would be for Makerspace!
This would be so fantastic for the community to have! Such a great idea 💡
I discovered this makerspace a few months ago. It is such a welcoming place and so supportive. I have been able to learn several new skills and it has assisted my very small business and provided new social connections. I wholeheartedly support this application for funding for new technology to further enhance this exceptional place in our community.