Advancing education with innovative space built with additive in mind.

California State University Long Beach has just opened a new Innovation Space (I-Space) Facility with the help of our partners in southern California, Purple Platypus. The  Gerald M. Kline I-Space is a state of the art design and engineering lab located in the University's newly designed library and features an interdisciplinary design facility. Including 3D printers, laser cutters, digital scanners, and specialized software, the I-Space features advanced machines and technology that unify and expand upon the related labs currently located in various departments across campus.

Bringing the Innovation Space Idea To Life

The idea of the I-Space project bloomed over the past two years with the leadership of Roman Kochan, CSULB’s Dean of Library Services and Dr. Christiane Beyer, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Beyer, heavily immersed in the additive world, was put on the project specifically to determine which machines would be needed for the space. When looking for technologies to include in her lab, Beyer was set on bringing in the highest standard of additive equipment to place in the hands of her students.  “I think this will give an advantage to the students here that are using these facilities to be able to go out and do their research but also join the industry as well,” said community philanthropist Gerald Kline who funded the I-Space project.

Stratasys J750 Polyjet Technology at the new California State University Long Beach Innovation Space.

How 3D Printing Plays a Role

3D printing which can be creatively utilized by a variety of majors, both engineering and arts-based students will benefit from using the I-Space and having access to high-end tools that are currently integrated into many fast-paced industries and being successfully adopted by entrepreneurs and leading professionals to rapidly develop new ideas. When looking for technologies to include in the lab, Beyer was set on bringing in the highest standard of additive equipment to place in the hands of her students. Leveraging the partnership with Purple Platypus and Stratasys, Beyer decided on a J750 and F170. “We had a fantastic experience working with Purple Platypus. We knew each other from before. We actually purchased our first printer, the Objet 30, the printer I have in my engineering lab from them. That was how our relationship started. Since then, over the years we started to work on this equipment,” Beyer said. This new state of the art I-Space facility, that is located on the bottom floor of the CSULB library, will be open to all students, faculty, and businesses in the community.