The new Makerspace at NJIT — Courtesy: New Jersey Institute of Technology
By Joshua Burd
The New Jersey Institute of Technology has opened the doors to a new training and prototyping facility focused on feeding the state’s growing manufacturing sector.
Known as Makerspace at NJIT, the 10,000-square-foot facility operates equipment ranging from small 3D printers to large industrial machining centers, such as precision measurement and laser cutting machines, according to a news release. The university has opened the space with an eye toward hands-on experience that will appeal to prospective employers.
NJIT welcomed private- and public-sector leaders earlier this week to unveil the facility.
“This is a no-brainer to make an investment in the next generation of leaders,” said state Sen. Theresa Ruiz, who chairs the Senate Education Committee and was a supporter of the $10 million allocation from state coffers that helped fund Makerspace at NJIT.
NJIT President Joel S. Bloom called the Makerspace a “dual-use facility” that would create a “workforce of the future,” while also serving the needs of industry, “particularly manufacturing businesses.” Moshe Kam, dean of NJIT’s Newark College of Engineering, added that the facility would encourage engineering students to learn in other ways beyond computer simulation.
The university also plans to double the space and add electronic devices, a wood shop, a paint booth and soldering machines, the news release said. The facility will provide opportunities for industrial partners to participate as mentors, trainers and instructors, while allowing companies to collaborate with students and faculty members on research and development projects and allowing employees to receive customized training tailored to their needs.
Key features of the NJIT Makerspace will include:
- Product design and prototyping
- Industry standard computer aided design and machining software
- CNC machining
- 3D printing
- Metalwork and welding
- Electronics design, assembly, and manufacturing
- Industrial metrology, or measurement and verification
