The Point at Otterbein University Opens Maker Space to the Community

Posted Feb 28, 2018

Westerville, Ohio – The Point at Otterbein University is a growing STEAM innovation center that is home to resident companies, academic departments and now the public. The Maker Space, within The Point, is comprised of five creative spaces for members of the community to utilize, providing access to industrial technologies not commonly available. The Maker Space has a design studio with latex cutters, a rapid prototyping room with 3-D printers, woodshop, metal shop, computer lab, and an advanced manufacturing lab with a plasma cutter. Each room has multiple machines and resources people can learn how to use to create personalized projects. From engraved cups to 3-D plastic models to wooden signs, the only limit to what you can create is your imagination. According to Curtis Smith, Maker Space and laboratory operations manager, the first step to being able to use the machinery in the Maker Space is to take quizzes, which can be found online at otterbeinpoint.com. From there, community members can set up free training sessions with Smith and staff to earn “Ability Badges,” which are worn for access to specialized machines. “We want to ensure the safety of those who are using our facilities,” said Smith. To use the machinery at the Maker Space, community members can choose to pay $75 per month, $25 for a day pass, or $850 for a one-year membership. Payment can be made online at otterbeinpoint.com. The Maker Space is open Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional hours of operation can be made by appointment. The Maker Space is located inside The Point at 60 Collegeview Road. The Point is in the final phases of construction, which will be complete this summer. The new addition will feature a café, an event forum gathering space that will be available for rent, as well as industry labs and a gaming center for students and community members to enjoy.  For more information, visit otterbeinpoint.com.

Otterbein University