MakerBot, the Stratasys Ltd. subsidiary that makes affordable desktop three-dimensional printers, has developed Innovation Centers for universities and businesses, where people can go to learn about the process and work on the machines.
At a university, the Innovation Center can be open to the student body, and often community members, too, as a destination to make things by 3D printing and foster innovation.
The first MakerBot Innovation Center is at SUNY New Paltz, New York, which celebrated a grand opening Feb. 11. MakerBot CEO Pre Pettis visited for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and he presented a lecture to students and faculty. The college already offers a certificate program in digital design and fabrication, and plans to add more courses.
The Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. brought together SUNY New Paltzs academic expertise in science, engineering and the fine arts, with MakerBot 3D printing technology. The 3D printing center also will help the Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center.
MakerBot also has an Innovation Center at the College of the Ouachitas in Malvern, Ark.
www.makerbot.com.
