In the context of academic libraries, Makerspaces are dynamic and inclusive environments that empower students and researchers to create digital artifacts, experiment with emerging tools and technologies, and engage in collaborative research and innovation, regardless of their faculty affiliation. Unlike departmental or faculty-specific Makerspaces, library Makerspaces are truly interdisciplinary, offering open access to all and fostering cross-faculty collaboration and creativity.
Libraries, particularly in developed countries, have been at the forefront of establishing and expanding Makerspaces as part of their commitment to enhance teaching, learning, and research. These spaces support hands-on, practice-based learning and provide opportunities for users to explore and experiment across a range of disciplines.
In South Africa, at least five academic libraries currently host makerspaces, including those at the University of Pretoria (UP), University of the Free State (UFS), University of Johannesburg (UJ), and Stellenbosch University (SU).
Stellenbosch University Library launched its Makerspace in 2021 to support practice-based learning in areas such as 3D modelling, 3D scanning and printing, electronics, and basic robotics. Since its inception, the Makerspace has seen the creation of numerous 3D-printed objects and has welcomed a diverse range of clients seeking support for their academic and creative projects.
To build user confidence and foster independent innovation, the Makerspace offers a series of training sessions, including 3D printing: Introduction to Tinkercad, 3D scanning: Introduction to Einscan among others. These sessions are designed to equip clients with the skills they need to use the space effectively and contribute meaningfully to their own research and learning journeys. The Makerspace is freely accessible to all members of the SU community.
In this blog post, we highlight two selected research projects that demonstrate how the SU Library Makerspace has contributed to innovation and interdisciplinary research at the University.
3D printing of turbines used in field sites

“We’re using the spore traps in my MSc project on Sclerotinia stem rot of canola. The goal of the spore traps is to capture airborne spores of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (the fungus that causes stem rot of canola) for quantification of the airborne inoculum (i.e. to determine the quantities of spores in the fields in a given time period) – the prototypes are being tested this year on 22 field sites in the Western Cape. We aim to develop a disease prediction model for Sclerotinia stem rot, therefore we need sufficient pathogen data, and asked Dr André (van der Merwe) to help us come up with a simplified spore trap that can rotate in the wind for optimal spore catching”

— Mariana van Deventer, MSc Plant Pathology, Stellenbosch University

Mariana’s brief remark encapsulates the precise purpose of the Library Makerspace: to convert imaginative concepts into research outputs that are relevant in the field, literally. We assisted in the 3D printing of the turbines used in the field sites.

3D scanning lizards for climate‑change insights

Jody Thorburn, BSc Biodiversity & Ecology (Hons), Stellenbosch University

When simulating the vulnerability of lizards to a warming climate, it is crucial to accurately estimate their surface area, as they regulate their body temperature through the exchange of heat and water with their habitat. Jody’s Honours’ thesis investigated whether advanced 3D scanning could surpass the generic allometric equations that biologists have employed for decades.

Method at a glance

Jody utilised the Makerspace’s high-resolution 3D scanner to capture detailed digital models of preserved lizards and numerous living specimens. Subsequently, she employed specialised software to accurately measure the surface area of each lizard and compared the results to the approximations that scientists typically obtain from basic mathematical formulas. The 3D scans were significantly more precise, with an error of less than five percent, in contrast to the old formulas’ errors of up to 18 percent. Additionally, they demonstrated that preserved specimens respond similarly to live specimens for this type of measurement. This additional precision is directly incorporated into computer models that simulate the process by which lizards acquire heat and shed water, thereby enhancing the precision of our predictions regarding their vulnerability to climate change.

Why the Makerspace mattered

The Makerspace provided both the high‑resolution scanner and on‑site expertise—advising on specimen mounting, lighting, and file‑conversion scripts—so Jody could focus on ecological interpretation rather than hardware logistics. The Makerspace was acknowledged in their final output: This project would not have been possible without the generosity and involvement of the 3D scanning technicians, Norman Hebler and Darryl Geldenhuys. The technicians provided in-depth training, which helped me navigate new scanning software and played a major role in data processing.

Looking Ahead

The Makerspace’s high-definition 3D scanner is available to researchers, postgraduates, and academics for the purpose of digitising a wide range of objects. We assist you with the configuration of the 3D scanner, mesh cleaning, and file export processes to enable you to proceed directly to 3D printing, visualisation, or analysis. Don’t know which filament is best suited for your 3D printing project?  Book a consultation and we’ll walk you through the best options, ensuring your ideas move smoothly from concept to finished output.

For more information or to book a Makerspace consultation, contact Norman Hebler.

Author: Norman Hebler