Beta in Bentonville: Precision Metal Service Center for Product Design, Prototyping, and Micro-Manufacturing
Beta in Bentonville is a precision metal service center operated by the University of Arkansas, open to product designers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and businesses at any stage. Our services span CAD design, CNC machining, metal fabrication, and 3D printing -- from first prototype to small-batch micro-manufacturing. Arkansas-based startups receive preferred pricing as part of our commitment to growing the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The lab is staffed by a full-time machinist and College of Engineering students, and also supports the Masters of Science in Product Innovation program, K-12 outreach, and regional maker education.
Who We Serve
- Product designers and industrial engineers needing prototype parts
- Startups developing hardware or physical products
- Established companies needing small-batch or one-off precision parts
- University researchers and graduate students
- K-12 and community education programs
- Arkansas startups: discounted rates available -- ask us how
Beta In Bentonville Equipment
Machining Capabilities
We can machine a wide variety of materials; plastics, carbon steels, tool steels, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, brass, and copper.
- X axis 30.00 in. Y axis 16.00 in. Z axis 16.00 in.
- Spindle Speed - 7.5 hp 6000 rpm max
- Table Size - 10.5” x 47.8”
- Automatic Tool Changer - 20 station carousel
- Travel - X axis 30.00 in. Y axis 12.00 in. Z axis 20.00 in.
- Spindle Speed - 0-5000 rpm
- Table Size - 10.00 in. 50.00 in.
- Travel - X axis 8.00 in. Z axis 45.00 in.
- Swing - 17.5”
- Spindle Speed - min. 54 rpm max. 3000 rpm
Metal Fabrication Capabilities
- Travel - X axis 28.00 in. Y axis 36.00 in.
- Material Thickness - .750 in max.
- Cutting Speeds - 300 IPM max.
- Table Size - 20.00 in. x 20.00 in.
- Workpiece Size - 18.00 in. blade to upright
- 10.00 in. max. Height
- 9.00 in. max dia.
- 8.00 in. x 8.00 in. max block
- Tube Sizes - ¾” - 2” dia.
- Angle Range - 0 deg. - 90 deg.
3D Printing Capabilities
- Max Print Size - 9.40 in x 9.5 in x 10.00 in
- Materials - PLA, PTEG, TPU, PVA, PET, ABS, ASA
- Max Print Size - 12.8 in x 12.6 in x 12.6 in
- Materials - CF-PPA,CF-PA, CF-PC, GF-PA, PC, PA, ASA, ABS, TPU
- Max Print Size - 7.9 in x 4.9 in x 8.3 in
- Materials - Tough, Color, Fast Model, Clear, Flame Retardant, Alumina, Precision Model, Rigid, Silicone 40A, ESD, Durable, Castable, High Temp, Flexible 80A
CAD Design
- Solidworks - CAD Modeling, Drawings, Assemblies, Simulation, and Analysis
- GibbsCAM - 2.5D and full 3 axis CNC programming
- Fusion 360 - CAD Modeling, Drawings, and Assemblies
- Fusion 360 CAM - 2.5D and full 3 axis CNC programming, Plasma 2 axis Programming
- Fusion 360 NETFABB - Support software for metal 3D printing
When a project exceeds our in-house capacity -- in size, volume, or specialized process -- we connect customers with trusted regional manufacturing partners. Our staff have established relationships across UA facilities and local production shops to help you scale from prototype to production, wherever you are.
Need a product prototype or a precision metal contract manufacturer?
Submit your project information.
For questions, email us at kmiller@uark.edu
Customer Testimonials
Mike Burton and Clayton Woodruff w/ Lockstop
Ben Bazis FLPSDE Water Bottle Cage
Destin Hall Scott Family Amazeum