3D Future for Lincoln’s Businesses

The University of Lincoln will run onlincolnshire’s newest Technology Hub offering free use of cutting-edge 3D equipment, expert advice and business support.

Launching on Thursday February 27th at the new £11 million Lincoln School of Art and Design, the hub will offer businesses the chance to use 3D printers, 3D colour scanners and a laser cutter, as well as give access to fabrication techniques and expertise in the heritage sector.

The launch party between 4.30pm and 7pm will offer demonstrations of all the equipment, give people a chance to try it for themselves and explain more about the free training and expert advice available.

Cllr Colin Davie, Executive Member for Economic Development at Lincolnshire County Council, which runs the onlincolnshire project, said: “This latest Lincolnshire Technology Hub has the chance to transform businesses.

“The possibilities are endless. You could be an architecture firm looking to create a 3D model of your design, an engineer who wants to develop a prototype or a heritage worker from one of our city’s historic sites in need of fabrication machinery to replicate the design of a sculpture long since lost to the elements.

“The University has experts on hand to help guide businesses through using the equipment and offer their advice on other elements such as new product development, packaging design and prototyping.”

The main hub area housing the 3D printing and laser cutting equipment will be based in the workshop of the award-winning Architecture Building at the University’s Brayford Pool campus, while the 3D scanners and heritage expertise will be found in the School of Art and Design, which is attached to the Architecture Building.

Mike Poole, Business Development Manager at the University’s College of Arts, said: “We’re delighted that we can host this free facility and offer our own experts as resources for the local business community.

“The hub is aimed at architects, engineers, designers, heritage specialists, and artists, to name a few. The idea is to offer the opportunity to try out new equipment before making a purchase and access expert advice and support so businesses can grow. We hope to see as many people as possible take advantage of this new venture.”

All of the equipment purchased through the onlincolnshire project can be borrowed or used for free by eligible businesses, with just a small charge to cover insurance costs and materials used. Booking and training may be required. The hub is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The Lincoln Hub will be open Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm. Businesses interested in using the hub can book an appointment by calling 01522 835097 / 837494 or email thehub@lincoln.ac.uk. Follow @onlincolnshire on Twitter, #LincolnHub or visit www.facebook.com/onlincolnshire to stay up-to-date with developments.

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