Keystone College will host a symposium on advances in 3-D technology followed by the grand opening of its 3-D Printing Center on Thursday, Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Theatre in Brooks on campus.
The morning will feature two keynote speakers who are recognized experts in the educational uses of 3-D printing and the opportunities created by the emergence of this new technology.
Gina Scala, director of marketing for worldwide education at Stratasys Corp., a leading international manufacturer of 3-D printers and materials, will speak from 9:15 -10:15 a.m. on ways in which 3-D printing can support STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) initiatives in schools. At 10:30 a.m. Fred Kahl, artist, entrepreneur, and faculty member at the School of Visual Arts in New York City will speak on new opportunities in 3-D technology. The ribbon cutting for the new Center will take place at 11:30 a.m. followed by tours and demonstrations of 3-D technology.
The new process of 3-D printing, also referred to as additive manufacturing, offers more efficient methods of forming materials into highly complex shapes and parts. The process uses materials such as plastics, carbon, fiber, or metal to produce three-dimensional objects. Rather than printing out a document like a traditional printer, 3-D printers produce objects such as tools, parts for automobiles and machines, medical devices, art, and other objects.
The creation of the new 3-D Printing Center at Keystone was been made possible by a $290,850 grant funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development as well as grants from Lackawanna County and the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation. The project represents a partnership between Keystone College, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Skills in Scranton, and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center. The Center will serve as vital regional resource to provide support and training for individuals and companies to take advantage of this new, advanced technology and serve as a catalyst for regional economic development.
The symposium is open to the public and free of charge. For more information contact Jennifer Conklin at (570) 945-8173 or e-mail jennifer.conklin@keystone.edu.
