Lansing Regional SmartZone

3D Printing / Prototype Program

The Lansing Regional SmartZone now has available, to all companies and entrepreneurs in the tri-county region, a unique tool to assist with product prototyping.  With support by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Lansing Economic Development Corporation, the Lansing Regional SmartZone has procured a rapid prototyping machine known as a “3D-Printer.”

The vision for the Lansing Regional SmartZone 3D Printing / Prototyping Program is to provide the means for all regional companies and entrepreneurs who are interested in creating a manufacturable product to validate and test their ideas in a cost effective manner prior to short or full production runs.   This technology enables the creation of fully functional prototypes, as well as access to the necessary engineering and CAD assistance to bring the product concept to life.

Imagine, an inventor can take an idea, a drawing, a concept, and in a matter of hours hold a fully functional prototype in their hands.

What is the intent of the program?  Recognizing Greater Lansing’s strengths in manufacturing and engineering the intent of the program is to assist our companies and entrepreneurs in developing new products that can help develop new business opportunities.  The 3D Printing System provides a low-cost alternative to help interested users validate products and parts without having to spend valuable resources on often costly low-volume production runs.  

What exactly is it?  The equipment is an
Objet Eden 260V, which prints three dimensional working parts utilizing an advanced UV cured polymer. 

Rapid Prototyping Machine

What can it do? The machine is capable of producing fully functional complex prototypes (including functioning gears) that do not require assembly in most cases.  The machine is capable of producing parts with the following dimensions: x-axis: 10 inches, y-axis: 10 inches, z-axis: 8 inches in detailed precision (within 16 microns).  Additionally, the machine can produce products in a multitude of different polymer materials including transparent and flexible options.

How does it work? The machine utilizes CAD drawings (.STL files) to produce the prototype.  Knowing that not all entrepreneurs and companies are capable of producing these often complex drawings the Lansing Regional SmartZone has partnered with Lansing Community College and other private partners  to provide the necessary assistance needed to get your product into the necessary CAD format to produce the prototype.

How much does it cost?  Pricing is dependent on the amount of print material, the print time necessary to produce the part, as well as whether or not the company is established or startup business..  Therefore, estimates are made only after a consultation with staff.

How do I learn more and/or get started? Or contact Ken Szymusiak of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership at ken@purelansing.com or 517-702-3387 x 208 for additional information or to obtain a quote.