Tool Library
Overview
In order to expand access to tools, we need to tackle two problems: educating people on how to use tools, and getting them physical access to workshops. Thankfully, Professor Blair Satterfield from the SALA department at UBC has taken a huge step forward with the creation of the D-Constructed manual. This guidebook contains an overview of all the different kinds of tools available to UBC students, along with a map of where they are stored and instructions on who to contact for access.
In an effort to make the process of accessing tools as simple as possible, MELT will be working with Professor Blair to transform this map into a digital platform. We want to make the process of learning about the available tools and reaching out for training and access as simple as possible. We feel this is a critical goal for MELT.
🙏 Acknowledgements
The tool library is built on top of the excellent D-Constructed resource. Many people contributed to this document, including Blair Satterfield, Graham Entwistle, Sam Hart, Lisa Kusaka, Derek Mays, Alana Paven, Alex Preiss, Sébastien Roy, Kara Verbeek, and Amy Wu.
Manufacturing Techniques

Formative Fabrication
Forming processes make use of stresses like compression, tension, shear, or some combination to cause the plastic deformation of a material into a desired shape.

Subtractive Fabrication
In subtractive manufacturing 3D objects are made by consecutively cutting material away from a fixed material body until a desired form is achieved. Unwanted materials

Additive Fabrication
“Additive fabrication” refers to computer controlled build processes where materials are deposited in layers and aggregated to construct three dimensional objects. Three dimensional design data