A RESOURCE FOR WEST VIRGINIA ’ S MOST CHALLENGING MANUFACTURING PROBLEMS
Engineering Science Building 1306 Evansdale Drive , Morgantown , WV innovationhub . wvu . edu | wvmep . com
With a strong manufacturing workforce already skilled in various sectors , West Virginia proves to be an ideal location for manufacturing bases producing anything from polymers to pharmaceuticals — yet manufacturers face challenging problems throughout the state that can hinder companies ’ growth . The West Virginia University Lane Innovation Hub and the West Virginia University Industrial Extension ( WVUIE ) provide manufacturers with the tools , expertise and insight to navigate today ’ s most challenging problems .
“ Manufacturers across West Virginia have access to the Lane Innovation Hub ’ s state-of-the-art equipment and our knowledgeable and dedicated staff to address these challenges ,” says Dustin Spayde , director of the Lane Innovation Hub . “ This collection of machining , building and fabrication spaces provides many opportunities to help benefit small and medium-sized manufacturers that have the potential to contribute to the overall success of the local and state economy .”
Lane Innovation Hub staff stepped up to the challenge for a West Virginia manufacturer whose production machines are approaching 100 years old , and because the manufacturers of those machines are no longer in business , the lack of replacement parts for the legacy machines poses a significant threat to their production process .
The team from the Lane Innovation Hub used 3D scanners to collect the necessary data to recreate the machine parts needed to be updated . The data was taken to the Lane Innovation Hub on WVU ’ s Evansdale campus , where new parts were developed and fabricated using 3D printing and machining with more substantial materials . The expectation is that the newly created part could allow the machine to continue production for many years to come .
As the first prototyping center on WVU ’ s campus , the nearly 9,500-square-foot space is comprised of three main workshops dedicated to advanced manufacturing , rapid prototyping and electronic prototyping . The Lane Innovation Hub capabilities include coordinate measuring , cutting , engraving , routing , milling , turning , computer numerical control machining , welding , printed circuit board prototyping , soldering , circuit board rework and printed circuit board inspection .
The WVUIE is West Virginia ’ s official representative of the NIST / MEP National Network , a unique publicprivate partnership that delivers comprehensive , proven solutions to U . S . manufacturers , fueling growth and advancing West Virginia manufacturing .
“ WVUIE helps West Virginia manufacturers reach their full potential by providing the insight and education they need to stay profitable in global markets ,” says Jamie Cope , WVUIE manager of business development .
“ The WVUIE assists and assesses the needs of manufacturers in the state ,” Cope says . “ By providing outreach services for the Lane Innovation Hub , the WVUIE allows them to focus their resources on providing quality services . The Lane Innovation Hub ’ s services are a welcome addition to the tools the WVUIE uses to assist manufacturers in overcoming their challenges .”
For those interested in learning about the Lane Innovation Hub , visit innovationhub . wvu . edu , or contact Dustin Spayde at Statler-iHub @ mail . wvu . edu . For your manufacturing business and training needs , contact Cope at james . cope @ mail . wvu . edu , or visit WVUIE at wvmep . com .
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