Prototype development center open for businessPosted: December 2nd, 2007
AT YOUR SERVICE -- Eric Becks, left, an engineering projects manager at Lake Superior State University's Prototype Development Center, demonstrates how a rapid prototyper machine works to LSSU engineering student Tom MacMillan of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. The machine works directly from CAD files to build parts that verify a product or component's function. The prototyper is one of many resources available to Michigan small business through a newly opened center on campus. (Photo by John Shibley)
A print-resolution photo that runs with this caption can be found by clicking here.
MEDIA CONTACTS: Tom Pink, 906-635-2315; John Shibley, 635-2314; Eric Becks 635-2738
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich.-- Lake Superior State University now offers its engineering resources and expertise to any small to mid-sized manufacturer that wants to develop and bring new products to market. LSSU's Prototype Development Center (PDC) puts manufacturing methods, mechanical services, materials testing, electronics, computers and robotics at a company's disposal so it can create functional prototypes of any product.
Manufacturers can then use the prototypes as “proof of concept” or for demonstrations that can aid in securing start-up capital investment.
The center will operate under the auspices of LSSU’s School of Engineering and Technology.
"Many small businesses have excellent product ideas but lack resources or expertise to convert those ideas into reality," said Eric Becks, the center's engineering projects manager. "The PDC will provide an economical means to create prototypes that bridge the gap."
Engineer Eric Becks
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One of the center's tools is a three-dimensional printer, or rapid prototyper, that generates parts designed in a CAD program. The final product verifies that all design elements mesh into a functioning whole. Businesses can go directly from a drawing to an ABS-plastic model without the extra time and risk of creating molds or manufacturing parts, only to discover that components do not fit properly or function as intended.
The center also offers LSSU engineers with years of design and entrepreneurial experience who can help shepherd projects from initial concept to final prototype. Small-business clients can take advantage of component testing services, manufacturing process analyses, and product feasibility studies.
The center brings educational opportunities to Lake State's campus community as well. Students gain hands-on experience while faculty apply technical expertise to benefit Michigan companies.
"The center is especially eager to assist companies with the development of leading-edge products," says Becks, who came on board in late October with an electrical engineering background. He plans to build upon successful collaborations between LSSU and companies like Applied Manufacturing Technologies, Delphi, DURA and Continental Automotive. The center plans to hire a second engineering projects manager with a mechanical engineering background.
Becks' experience includes working with two other engineers to launch a diagnostic equipment manufacturing company, which involved developing a private stock offering to raise capital, working with state and regional economic agencies for grants and guaranteed loans, as well as developing hardware and software for new products.
Lake Superior State's Prototype Development Center was seeded by a $321,000 Michigan 21st-Century grant, and runs in cooperation with the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center.
The PDC can be reached by contacting Becks at 906-635-2738 or by clicking here.
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