Roland DGA (Irvine, CA) announced that the Blue Ridge/Univ. of Arizona 4-H FAB LAB in Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ has made accessibility to hands-on experience with advanced technologies, including Roland digital printing and 3D milling devices, easier for students. Recently, the Fab Lab played host to students from the White Mountain Apache Tribe as well as leaders from 4-H chapters in Pima, Coconino, Apache, Maricopa and Navajo counties, allowing these groups to use its state-of-the-art equipment, according to the company.
“By giving young people the opportunity to make everything from digitally printed banners to 3D milled prototypes, we’re helping to create the next generation of STEM professionals,” said Kevin Woolridge, co-director of the Blue Ridge/UA 4-H FAB LAB. The simple operation and impressive capabilities of the devices in our lab make it possible to interest and engage users of all ages.”
The Fab Lab provides students with free access to a variety of digital devices from Roland and other manufacturers. This equipment includes Roland’s VersaUV LEF-12 UV flatbed printer, VersaCAMM SP-300i wide-format printer/cutter, CAMM-1 GS-24 desktop cutter and a MDX-40A milling machine.
“Awareness of our lab and the great learning opportunities we offer is growing rapidly,” said Woolridge. “There’s already significant interest in establishing a mini Fab Lab in Tucson to complement our main Blue Ridge/UA 4-H facility in Pinetop-Lakeside.”
For more information on the Blue Ridge/UA 4-H Fab Lab, click here.
To learn more about Roland DGA, visit rolanddga.com.