Case Study: State University of New York at New Paltz achieves campus 3D‑printing innovation and hands-on student training with MakerBot

State University of New York - Customer Case Study

State University of New York faced the challenge of giving a diverse student body and regional manufacturers access to cutting‑edge fabrication technology to boost creativity, hands‑on learning, and workforce development. To address this need, they partnered with MakerBot to bring desktop 3D printing into campus programs and community outreach using MakerBot Replicator 3D Printers.

MakerBot installed the world’s first MakerBot Innovation Center at SUNY New Paltz, equipping the Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center with more than 30 MakerBot Replicator printers as part of a $1.5M initiative (supported by a $250,000 donation and matching grant). The MakerBot solution sharply reduced prototyping cost and time (a lamp housing went from $75 to $0.50 and two hours to produce), created a cross‑disciplinary hub, enabled courses and community programs, and began offering 3D printing services to local businesses—improving student career readiness and regional economic impact.

State University of New York

Dan Freedman

Dean of the School of Science and Engineering