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Phorge Makerspace: Striving to Do More
With the help of: Manufacturing Works
About
Phorge Makerspace is a community of makers extending throughout Wyoming. A place in which people with shared interests can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge. A makerspace’s interests can be truly diverse – including sewing, rocketry, fabrication, 3D printing, coding, woodworking, soap-making, and more. These spaces are also help to prepare those who need the critical 21st century skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
The Challenge
When starting a makerspace, many different interests need to be met to create an environment that will draw potential members. Some of these capabilities could include; 3D printing, fabrication, woodworking, various small scale metal and wood lasers, software packages for creators, etc. With each of these, equipment costs can add up quickly and without the proper vetting of equipment vendors, faulty equipment could be more likely. Phorge wanted to increase capability and capacity, in hopes to increase membership, all while being very efficient with the money that would be spent. Phorge worked with Manufacturing Works, part of the MEP National Network™.
The recent funding found and acquired by Manufacturing Works allowed us to upgrade and expand our equipment, which has already increased our membership.