RCBI’s makerspace, called the Maker Vault, is housed in a former vault – a holdover from the days when the Huntington building was home to a bank.
During the open house, RCBI will showcase its new collaborative space that focuses on making, creating, learning and exploring. The Maker Vault will feature a stable of hands-on tools that include an X-Carve (a router controlled by a computer), a vinyl cutter, 3D printers and more. The Maker Vault will be open to the public.
“Before the term ‘makerspace’ was popular or well known, RCBI was one,” said Charlotte Weber, RCBI Director and CEO. “For 25-plus years, we’ve served industry by offering access to high-tech tools, training and expertise, so entrepreneurs and manufacturers could develop the skills and operations they need to compete. We’re excited to extend our reach to members of the community, so they can develop their innovative ideas and make them real in our Maker Vault.”
The open house is part of Remake Learning Days, a weeklong celebration that highlights innovative teaching and learning. The event will include demonstrations by award-winning makers and refreshments.
RCBI is part of the West Virginia Maker Network, a group that supports “making” in West Virginia. A project of the West Virginia Education Alliance and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, the network was launched with financial support from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and Chevron.
RCBI is located at 1050 Fourth Ave. in downtown Huntington. RSVP for the open house by calling 304-781-1625 or e-mailing frontdesk@rcbi.org.
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The Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing (RCBI) provides leading-edge equipment, specialized training and staff expertise so entrepreneurs and manufacturers of all sizes can innovate, create jobs and thrive.