Beta in Bentonville

Fueling Innovation at Beta in Bentonville: Empowering Startups Through CAD Design and Functional Prototyping

The Beta in Bentonville Product Prototyping Lab, operated by the University of Arkansas, is dedicated to supporting Arkansas startups with CAD design and functional prototyping services. The lab is equipped for metal machining, fabrication, and metal 3D printing, and is staffed by a full-time machinist and College of Engineering students. Beyond aiding the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the lab offers hands-on experience for engineering students, supports the Masters of Science in Product Innovation (MSPI) program, and collaborates with Bentonville high school students and the Scott Family Amazeum to share resources and expertise.

Beta In Bentonville Equipment

Machining Capabilities

HAAS Vertical Machining Center
  • 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
Bridgeport Manual Miller
  • 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.
Moriseiki Manual Engine Lathe
  • Travel - X axis 8.00 in. Z axis 45.00 in.
  • Swing - 17.5”
  • Spindle Speed - min. 54 rpm max. 3000 rpm

We can machine a wide variety of materials; plastics, carbon steels, tool steels, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, brass, and copper.

Metal Fabrication Capabilities

  • Travel - X axis 28.00 in. Y axis 36.00 in.
  • Material Thickness - .750 in max.
  • Cutting Speeds - 300 IPM max.
Material Thickness - .75 in max.
Grob Vertical Bandsaw
  • Table Size - 20.00 in. x 20.00 in.
  • Workpiece Size - 18.00 in. blade to upright
  • 10.00 in. max. Height
Dake Horizontal Bandsaw
  • 9.00 in. max dia.
  • 8.00 in. x 8.00 in. max block
Materials - carbon steel and stainless steel
Lincoln Tig Welder
Materials - carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum
  • Tube Sizes - ¾” - 2” dia.
  • Angle Range - 0 deg. - 90 deg.

We also have an Oxy Acetylene cutting torch available for metal fabrication as well.

3D Printing Capabilities

Bamboo FDM 3D Printer
  • Chamber Size - 10.00 in. x 10.00 in. x 10.00 in.
  • Max Print Size - 9.40 in. x 9.5 in x 10.00 in
  • Materials - ABS, PLA, PTEG, PTEG CF, TPU 95
  • Chamber Size - 10.00 in. x 10.00 in. x 10.00 in.
  • Print Size - 10.00 in. x 10.00 in. x 10.00 in.
  • Materials - aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium.

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

Beta in Bentonville also serves as a front door to Arkansas based startups for area resources and companies that can handle projects that are beyond our scope with either size or capabilities. Beta in Bentonville staff have made connections with other UA facilities as well as local and regional manufacturing facilities that are equipped for small to large scale production.

Are you an Arkansas start-up in need of product prototyping assistance?

Contact Information

 

For questions, email us at brrogers@uark.edu

Customer Testimonials

Mike Burton and Clayton Woodruff w/ LockstopBen Bazis FLPSDE Water Bottle CageDestin Hall Scott Family Amazeum

Mike Burton and Clayton Woodruff w/ Lockstop

"Beta Bentonville has been nothing short of a lifeline for LockStop. Their unwavering support and expertise in prototyping and manufacturing transformed our basic prototype into a fully commercialized device, saving us invaluable time and resources. As a pre-revenue startup, we couldn’t have achieved this milestone without their incredible partnership. Our journey was made possible because of their dedication and belief in our vision."

Ben Bazis FLPSDE Water Bottle Cage

"Beta has been an extraordinary help to our brand. The team is amazing and has gone above and beyond for us. Thank you so much for being awesome!"

Destin Hall Scott Family Amazeum

"Beta was an instrumental thought partner and fabricator in helping the Scott Family Amazeum's Exhibits Team develop a prototype for a custom part. Their turnaround and quality exceeded our expectations and we’re looking forward to working with them again on future projects."