<p><a href="http://fablab.plymouthart.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fab Lab Plymouth</a> manager Ian Hankey will offer an introduction to processes such as 3D printing, 3D scanning, laser cutting and 3D design during three workshops at <a href="https://www.fablabdevon.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FabLab Devon</a>, based in <a href="http://www.devon.gov.uk/exeter_central_library" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exeter Library</a>, starting on Monday 30 November.</p> <p>The 2.5 hour sessions, which have limited spaces but are completely free, are an excellent opportunity for members of the public to find out first-hand about the potential offered by 3D printing and FabLab technology – and can be <a href="http://www.fablabdevon.org/events-workshops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">booked online now</a>.</p>

<p>A free adult beginners <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-fablab-workshops-design-your-own-furniture-tickets-19357091582" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Design Your Own Furniture</a> session will run on Monday 30 November, from 2pm until 4:30pm, at Exeter Library.</p> <p>That will be followed by a free adult beginners <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-fablab-workshops-design-your-own-jewellery-tickets-19366991192" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Design Your Own Jewellery</a> session on Thursday 10 December, from 4pm until 6:30pm.</p> <p>And the final session, aimed at beginner eight to 16-year-olds, is a <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-fablab-workshop-make-a-look-a-like-marionette-puppet-tickets-19367142645" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Make A Look-Alike Marionette Puppet</a> class that will run during half term on Tuesday 16 February, from 1pm until 3:30pm, at Exeter Library.</p>

<p>Fab Lab Plymouth manager Ian Hankey, who is also an award-winning designer and Master Glassmaker, said: "The work being done in FabLabs around the world utilises cutting edge technology, but people shouldn’t be intimidated by that idea.</p> <p>"I manage the Fab Lab at Plymouth College of Art now, but a couple of years ago I’d never used technology like this.</p> <p>"My background is in hot glass blowing, which is a simple process that hasn’t changed in over 2000 years.</p> <p>"Using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) is completely different, because there’s a computer interface between you and the end result, but the results can be spectacular.</p>

<p>The three sessions at FabLab Devon – which is on the ground floor of Exeter Library, next to the Business and Information Hubin Exeter Library – are part of a county-wide collaborative project funded by Devon County Council.</p> <p>A total of 50 free FabLab taster sessions will be held in primary schools, secondary schools, FabLabs and public libraries across Devon, from Plymouth to Seaton to Barnstaple – with all sessions led by Fab Lab Plymouth Manager Ian Hankey.</p>

<p>Ian added: "Anybody familiar with the technology can use it to replicate seemingly clever objects, but I try to teach people to be comfortable enough with it to use the technology creatively.</p> <p>"We’re living in an age where you could build your own 3D printer for as little as £350 and run it on free open source software, so the barriers to 3D printing aren’t as high as they might seem.</p> <p>"Obviously there’s a limit to what I can teach in an introductory session, but I want people to experience for themselves how easy it can be, so that they’ll feel comfortable visiting their local FabLab to learn more.”</p> <p>Book online for the sessions <a href="http://www.fablabdevon.org/events-workshops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.plymouthart.ac.uk/resources/fab-lab" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Find out more about Fab Lab Plymouth.</a></li></ul>