At a July 22 ribbon-cutting ceremony inaugurating the opening of a new MakerBot factory in Brooklyn, N.Y., Dan Freedman, dean of the School of Science and Engineering at SUNY New Paltz and director of the Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center (HVAMC), addressed attendees on the part to be played by 3D printing technology in the educational and economic future of the state.
“On behalf of my colleagues at SUNY New Paltz and our many partners in the Hudson Valley 3D initiative (HV3D), I would like to congratulate MakerBot on both their new facility and on continuing to lead the world in providing access to the entire 3D fabrication ecosystem,” Freedman said.
“In our collaboration with MakerBot, New Paltz has generated a model that has attracted interest from a number of larger institutions across the country. This is an unusual, but exciting position for a regional university to be in. It reflects the high quality of our students, faculty and administration and the creativity and support of MakerBot and our HV3D partners.”
The factory’s opening ceremony was also attended by MakerBot CEO Jonathan Jaglom, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and Brooklyn Technical High School Chief Educational Officer Dr. Mathew Mandery.
“The new MakerBot factory is a state-of-the-art facility with a focus on lean manufacturing and efficiency, making it one of the most advanced factories in New York City and in the global 3D printing industry,” Jaglom said. “Close proximity to our R&D teams and corporate headquarters is a huge advantage as it allows us to adapt quickly to changes in the growing market of 3D printing.”
The upgraded factory aims to support significant anticipated industry growth. The research firm Canalys forecasts that total 3D printing industry revenue will grow to more than $20 billion by the end of 2019.
SUNY New Paltz has taken on a prominent role in the education and training of future leaders in 3D printing by offering multiple opportunities for exposure to the technology:
- The MakerBot Innovation Center, home to 30 MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D printers and scanners, is the frequent location of classes, workshops and lab opportunities for students and community members who wish to learn about digital design.
- HVAMC continues to partner with regional entrepreneurs and organizations to manufacture custom products and new design prototypes.
- New Paltz students can now pursue a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, which will prepare graduates with strong technical and creative problem-solving skills for a new manufacturing careers. An additional digital design and fabrication certificate program is also available.
More information about the 3D printing initiative at SUNY New Paltz and the HVAMC is available online.
