SUNY New Paltz Given 'SMART Lab' Designation
June 23, 2016

SUNY New Paltz Given 'SMART Lab' Designation

MINNEAPOLIS — The Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center at The State University of New York at New Paltz (www.newpaltz.edu/hvamc/) has opened an additive manufacturing superlab. The new super lab has received designation as a “SMART lab” (Stratasys MakerBot Additive Research & Teaching) by Stratasys, the maker of 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions, here.
The Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center (HVAMC) provides expert advice on 3D printing processes, materials and design for both student education and the Hudson Valley business community. The 3D printing lab is one of the country’s most advanced 3D printing superlabs (defined as employing high-end 3D printers of both PolyJet and FDM technologies). The lab, which opened on June 22nd, features a suite of advanced Stratasys 3D printers, including an industrial-grade Objet260 Connex multi-material 3D Printer, a Fortus 400mc Production 3D Printer, two Dimension units, and over 40 MakerBot 3D Printers. The lab will be open to the entire campus from engineering and art students, to English and philosophy students, as well as educators. The lab will also serve as a central 3D printing service center for the surrounding communities and business, helping to grow the Hudson Valley economy.

“Our designation as a SMART lab is huge step for the HVAMC,” says Dan Freedman, Dean of the School of Science and Engineering and Director of the HVAMC. “The combination of our unique focus at the interface of art, engineering and science, and the recognition and support by the world's leading manufacturer of 3D printers, will move us to an unparalleled interdisciplinary educational experience, help us support regional businesses, and give our faculty the tools and expertise to do cutting-edge scholarship in art, engineering and design.”

In cooperation with the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, a comprehensive resource for business in the area, the SMART Lab at SUNY New Paltz shows the promise to attract new business and economic growth to the Hudson Valley area. The Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation was instrumental in working with the College to plant the seeds of additive manufacturing and mechanical engineering programs currently available to all students, local businesses and community members.

“We’re continually impressed with the industry partnerships SUNY New Paltz is engaged in. The investment they have made in industrial-grade additive manufacturing equipment in the SMART Lab, combined with its expert staff, is allowing increased access for all,” says Gina Scala, director of global marketing, Stratasys Education “It’s exciting to see economic development for local industry and academic development collide, creating fireworks of innovation and benefit for all.”