Overview
The Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center (HVAMC) at SUNY New Paltz gives companies access to some of the most advanced 3D printing equipment in the world. Also, the renowned experts at HVAMC share their experience and knowledge to help clients better understand what 3D printing can do as well as which processes and materials will maximize the value of each project.
Included in the center is the first MakerBot Innovation Lab in the world, and it has been involved in a wide array of projects, including everything from producing intricately-designed chocolate skulls to helping state police investigate cold cases. The center was designated by Stratasys, the world’s leading manufacturer of 3D printers, as their first academic super lab. Some of the center’s recent success stories were with two New York companies: A Better Lens Case and TransTech Systems.
A Better Lens Case
Situation and Needs
A Better Lens Case is a startup that needed a prototype created for a component of its new product. Since the component was still being tested and improved, multiple revisions would be required. Before connecting with HVAMC, the company was sending this work to an out-of-state lab, which had slow turnarounds and was expensive.
Engagement
In June 2016, Zachary Cutler of A Better Lens Case attended the FuzeHub Solutions Forum with ITAC at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Zachary had already been working with FuzeHub and HVTDC (the Hudson Valley MEP Center) for several months, and the Solutions Forum presented an excellent opportunity to advance his project. At the forum, he met with Everton H. Henriques of FuzeHub and Dan Freedman of HVAMC to discuss improvements to his design.
Outcomes
Zachary collaborated with the experienced team at HVAMC to determine the best method to use for 3D printing such a small, precise component. On top of providing valuable advice, HVAMC was able to produce the item at a fraction of the cost. When revisions were needed, turnaround time was quick, so Zachary would have as little downtime as possible while waiting for the new model.
TransTech Systems
Situation and Needs
Founded in 1994, TransTech Systems originally focused on bringing new technologies to the construction industry. Since then, the company has extended its base to include other sectors but continues to put the same dedication into the development and improvement of all its designs.
To highlight these efforts, TransTech wanted to have a 3D printed replica made of one its latest innovations to display at tradeshows.
Engagement
TransTech Systems is a well-established company that FuzeHub has used as a resource many times. When the company needed the model, it contacted FuzeHub and explained the situation to Everton H. Henriques. At that point, the only 3D-printing facility that TransTech was familiar with was a for-profit company that was expensive and had a slow turnaround time.
Outcomes
Everton helped TransTech learn more about the additive manufacturing options in New York State and connected the company with HVAMC and its strategic MEP partner, HVTDC.
As a result, TransTech was able to get a model of its asphalt compaction equipment at a lower cost and with a faster turnaround time than expected. In turn, this allowed the company to showcase its products more effectively at tradeshows.
“People who are new to the technology can easily get overwhelmed by the number of different processes and types of materials used in additive manufacturing. In addition to providing faster, cost-friendlier 3D printing services, we also help our clients better understand their options and recommend ones that are best suited for each individual project.”
-Dan Freedman, Director, HVAMC
“Both start-ups and more-established companies can tap into the power of FuzeHub to get their products to market faster and with more confidence.”
-Everton H. Henriques, NY MEP Solutions Manager, FuzeHub
“Our engineers have profited greatly from the very knowledgeable HVAMC technical staff, whose experience with the exciting new FDM technology has enabled us to save development time, cut costs, and introduce valuable enhancements to our products not available with subtractive manufacturing techniques.”
-Ward Duffield, Production Engineer, Spectra Vista Corporation