You Can Try 3D Printing For Free At Libraries In Singapore, With Hands-On MakeIT Workshops

NLB MakeIT’s free workshops

In Singapore, upskilling usually sounds like yet another SkillsFuture course you do on a weekday night after work. But what if you could pick up a new skill and make something fun at the same time? As it turns out, you can try 3D printing for free at selected public libraries in Singapore through the National Library Board (NLB) MakeIT programme.

The workshops are beginner-friendly and open to Singaporeans who register online, so you don’t need to be some tech bro with a mechanical keyboard collection to join. Besides 3D design and printing, MakeIT also offers hands-on sessions in skills like sewing, robotics, and upcycling. If you needed motivation to get off your phone, this is it.

What’s MakeIT at libraries?

Image credit: @nlbsingapore via Instagram

MakeIT at Libraries is an initiative by the National Library Board that lets members of the public try their hand at digital making technologies. Think 3D printing, digital cutting, robotics, and other tools that can help turn your ideas into actual objects.

And don’t worry, you don’t need prior experience to get started. The programme is designed to make these resources more accessible, so regular library users can learn how tech-based fabrication works without needing to own fancy equipment at home.

There are a few ways to take part. Beginners can sign up for Starter Sessions, where you’ll be guided through the basics. Those who already know their way around the equipment can drop by during Tinkering Hours to work on their own projects using the available tools, subject to certification requirements for selected machines.

Organisations and groups can also arrange Learning Journeys, where participants get to learn how these technologies are used and try them out first-hand.

What’s 3D printing?

Image credit: Ronnie Meng Kee Lim via Facebook

For those who need a TL;DR, 3D printing is a way to create physical objects from a digital design. Also known as additive manufacturing, it works by building an item layer by layer until the final shape is formed.

Instead of cutting or carving material away, a 3D printer adds thin layers of material on top of one another. This makes it useful for creating detailed, computer-accurate items that might be hard to make by hand.

Image credit: Ronnie Meng Kee Lim via Facebook

Most beginner-friendly 3D printing uses plastics such as PLA, ABS, or PETG, though more advanced forms can involve materials like resin, nylon, metal powders, ceramics, and even research-based bio-inks. For MakeIT at Libraries workshops, though, don’t worry – you’re probably not printing a titanium spaceship part on your first try.

Learn how to do 3D design & printing for free

Image credit: National Library Singapore

Selected libraries in Singapore run free MakeIT workshops where you can learn the basics of 3D design and printing. You’ll get to create or edit 3D virtual designs, then turn them into actual physical objects using 3D printing machines.

You don’t have to bring your own printer, tools, or mysterious tech gadgets either. MakeIT spaces come with facilities like 3D printers, digital cutters, robotics tools, and other fabrication equipment for members to try.

Image credit: National Library Singapore via Youtube

For beginners, there are Starter Sessions that walk you through everything step by step. One example is the MakeIT with AI Empowered 3D Printing Starter Sessions at Woodlands Regional Library, Punggol Library, Jurong Library, and Tampines Library.

Image credit: Ronnie Meng Kee Lim via Facebook

During the introductory workshop, you can learn how to search for existing 3D designs on sites like Makerworld, use AI-assisted design tools such as image-to-3D object features, and safely operate a Bambu Lab P1S 3D printer. The session is interactive and hands-on, and it also prepares you to reserve and use the 3D printers at MakeIT in future, which is handy if you want to come back and work on your own projects.

Image credit: National Library Singapore via Youtube

Each workshop is about 2.5 hours long, and no supplies or materials are required. We’d recommend bringing your own laptop, though – it makes it easy to install and try the applications being demonstrated during the session.

All workshops and materials are free for NLB members, though prior registration is required. Participants will also need to take attendance using the NLB Mobile app, so download or update it before heading down.

Do note that for safety reasons, MakeIT equipment and programmes are generally recommended for those aged 13 and above. Plus, you’ll also receive a certificate upon completing the workshop – so you can head down during Tinkering Hours to DIY your own projects.

Pick up other skills like sewing & robotics

If 3D printing isn’t quite your thing, MakeIT also offers other hands-on skills like robotics, digital cutting, sewing, and upcycling. For those curious about robotics and coding, you can learn how to use robotic kits and microcontrollers to create commands for a smart robot. No coding experience is needed, so you won’t have to pretend you understand Python just to join.

Image credit: @nlbsingapore via Instagram

There are also digital cutting sessions, where you’ll get to use machines that cut materials like paper, wood, and other sheets with computerised precision. And those who prefer something more craft-based can try sewing, where you’ll learn to use electric sewing machines and explore digital wearables with LEDs, sensors, and other tech add-ons. What’s fast fashion when you can make your own clothes and bags?

There are also upcycling sessions that teach you how to repurpose existing items into something new, whether it’s for repairs, prototypes, or home hacks.