▲ Maker Agit that is located on the first floor of the CWNU library

At, ‘Maker Agit,’ you can make your own artwork using machines such as laser cutters and 3D printers for free. It is located on the first floor of the CWNU library. Maker Agit in Changwon is the very first, “maker space,” in the region that is located in a library where you can turn your bright ideas into reality. There are facilities to help you create prototypes from your ideas, and you can take various, ‘Maker Technology,’ classes that help you learn how to use the latest digital equipment.

Maker Agit opened in 2018 with the goal of nurturing local talent, offering lifelong education, community service, and promoting community innovation. Additionally, the Maker Agit located in CWNU is the very first one that is open to the local community in Gyeongsangnam- do. They are specialized in training professional craftsmen and have been working hard to serve the local community by not only making a business agreement with an auxiliary equipment center in Gyeongsangnam- do, but also by offering 3D printer technology lessons at the local Community Center for young men who are trying to get jobs. Furthermore, Maker Agit conducted a program during the pandemic for visiting and cultivating men of talent, for which the Ministry of SMEs (Small and Medium- sized Enterprises) and Startups gave them an S grade (the grand prize) in 2020 during the, ‘Maker Space Building and Operating Annual Evaluation.’

Maker Agit consists of three different sections: the Front, the DF Zone, and the Seminar Room. The Front is where the entrance and information desk are located. You can appreciate the artwork made by, ‘makers,’ or craftsmen. The DF Zone is a place where students can make artwork using digital equipment such as 3D printers and laser cutters. In the Seminar Room, you can work on your own projects freely. In addition, when there are no lessons, the Seminar Room is also used for conducting meetings and as a place for networking. In Maker Agit, you can use 27 different kinds of equipment including a 3D pen kit, different types of 3D printers, laser cutters, vacuum forming machines, a paper cutter for bookbinding, a UV printer, and a UV hardening machine.

To use Maker Agit, you need to sign up for their membership. The membership is free and it is a level system based on the amount of lessons you take. When you first sign up for the membership, you are put into the Rookie level where you can only take tours of the facilities and participate in equipment training. After you finish the training, you move on to the Maker level where you can make reservations to physically use the machines. You can then achieve the Pro Maker level by finishing 10 hours of equipment training and taking an operation program, or alternatively by using the machines for more than 100 hours. You can achieve the Master Maker level by finishing 30 hours of equipment training and taking on an operational program, or by using the machines for more than 500 hours. Members that are at the Pro Maker level or higher are allowed to take even more advanced Maker Lessons. Tours of the facilities are for learning about the facilities in general, and the programs and equipment they offer. Equipment training allows you to gain authority to use the equipment. Moreover, Maker Agit offers different kinds of education programs even for those who have never used the equipment before. Programs for making popsockets and cake toppers using a 3D pen and making natural humidifiers using laser cutters were offered. There were also leather crafting programs for making sunglasses and woodworking classes for, ‘making a wooden cutter.’ At the moment, these programs are not provided in March due to a discussion with the National Project Council. Information about the programs that will be offered starting in April, can be seen on their official website: (https://union.changwon.ac.kr/makeragit/).

The most notable technology produced in the 4th Industrial Revolution is arguably 3D printers and laser cutters, and such technology is attracting attention from many companies. In line with this demand, CWNU is recognizing the need and supporting students’ education through Maker Agit. How about actualizing the sparkling, innovative ideas of CWNU students in the Maker Space?

By Kim Min-seong, cub-reporter  kms9494274@gmail.com

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