The Prototyping Center at the Tech Valley Center of Gravity provides affordable access to advanced equipment, hands-on training and manufacturing space. It is set up to be especially accomodating to startups and existing businesses who need space for prototype iteration and short-run manufacturing, but it is available to be used by all members. Lease-free rental space is available for storage of raw materials, tools, and finished product. The valuable equipment in this limited-access facility requires a higher level of skill in its use, and has a higher cost for consumables and operation. Therefore, users of this equipment pay for training and an hourly rate for use of each machine.
Access
Maker and Super Maker members who have completed equipment training:
- Request access when staff is available to unlock the door (typically M/W/F 9-5, Tu/Th 11-7)
- Prototyping Center Memberships receive priority on machine use
Prototyping Center Members who have completed equipment training:
- 24/7 access to the Prototyping Center room
- Priority access to the equipment and space rental
- 25% discount on machine use rates
- Ability to reserve workbench space
- Scheduled access to a 7ft x 12ft 6,000lb freight lift for load-in/load-out
- Contact us for organizations needing access for multiple employees
Reserve access to the equipment using the equipment reservation calendar.
The Equipment
CNC GANTRY ROUTER
Techno LC59120 58″x121″
Machine Use ♦ $0.31 per min (spindle on time)
VACUUM FORMER
Belovac C Class 24″x48″
Machine Use ♦ $0.50 per cycle
LASER CUTTER
Thunder Laser 130W 35″x51″
Machine Use ♦ $28 per hour (file run time)
sponsored by CEG
Stratasys F270 12″x10″x12″
Machine Use ♦ See Separate Matrix
Training
Since the value and repair cost of this equipment is higher, completion of an Operational Knowledge Checkout or equipment training is required to ensure all users are sufficiently skilled in each machine's operation. The Operational Knowledge Checkout is intended for those who are experienced with the equipment, and members will be asked to demonstrate their competancies. For those without experience, we offer one-on-one training. Class times are typical; training will be billed at $40 per hour if extra time is needed.
Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to set up a training appointment.
Stratasys F270 3D Printer Training
- Operational Knowledge Checkout: $20
- Training: $40 (1 Hour) - GrabCAD software signup and operation, loading/unloading filaments, changing print heads, basic troubleshooting, part cleaner operation.
Nova51 Laser Cutter Training
- Operational Knowledge Checkout: $20
- Training: $80 (2 Hour) - Basic vector drawing in Inkscape, Lightburn (laser control software) use for cutting and engraving, safety, machine operation, basic troubleshooting.
Belovac Model C Vacuum Former Training
- Operational Knowledge Checkout: $10
- Training: $40 (1 Hour) - Mold design best practices, material selection, safety, machine operation.
Techno CNC Router Training
- Operational Knowledge Checkout: $40
- Training:
- $80 (2 Hours) Basic CAD and CAM modeling in Fusion360.
- May be skipped if a CAM model is provided that meets the following:
- One adaptive clearing tool path
- One 2D contour tool path
- Uses two tools from CoG library
- exported G-Code with 15 min or less run time
- May be skipped if a CAM model is provided that meets the following:
- $120 (3 Hours) - Post-processing for Techno, tooling selection, feed/speed rate determination, material fixturing, safety, machine operation.
- $80 (2 Hours) Basic CAD and CAM modeling in Fusion360.
