By Monika Earle
 The rollers are being resurfaced on the SEMA Garage’s dyno. | |
 Using the SEMA Garage’s new 3D printer, members are able to print durable products in up to nine different materials as large as 16x14x16 in. |
SEMA council and network members recently gathered at the SEMA Garage, where they received an advance preview of some of the upgrades and improvements being made to the product development center in Diamond Bar, California. Since opening less than two years ago, the 15,000-sq.-ft. facility has served as an industry resource to help manufacturers develop products quickly and cost effectively.
The SEMA Garage is currently undergoing renovations and will include upgraded equipment and new technology that will better serve the industry’s needs.
“The SEMA Garage has proven to be a valuable resource to the industry,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development. “We are excited to build upon the success that we’ve seen and bring new, upgraded equipment to the Garage.”
Among the new tools and equipment that will be available at the SEMA Garage include:
- 3D Scanner: Your engineers, quality control and analytic departments will be able to create and obtain custom scans on the products of your choice. An upgraded scanner (FARO Edge ScanArm HD with rapid point cloud collection) features improved resolution with greater accuracy, reducing the product development cycle from months to weeks.
- 3D Printer: Create, print and test physical models of your products before investing in production costs. Using the SEMA Garage’s new 3D printer (Fortus 450mc 3D production system), members are able to print durable products in up to nine different materials as large as 16x14x16 in.
- Emissions and Dyno Lab: SEMA members will be able to obtain emissions certification and test performance products in the purpose-built lab that is being renovated to include the newest and most advanced tools, including state-of-the-art AVL equipment, new dyno and lab upgrades. Everything, including expert staff who work as advocates for members, is available to assist members and streamline the certification process.
- Training Center: Whether members want to hold sales meetings, film training videos or host a customer appreciation celebration, the training center will serve as an ideal location. Situated on the second floor of the SEMA Garage, the space is being expanded to accommodate a larger group, and new A/V equipment will offer members greater options for their presentations.
Renovations are scheduled to be completed by August 2015. In the meantime, the photo studio—which includes a photo cove large enough to accommodate a full-sized vehicle—is available for use. Expert staff are available to keep members seeking emissions certification and exclusive member Measuring Sessions continue to be scheduled.
For details about the SEMA Garage, contact Rachael Salazar at rachaels@sema.org or visit www.semagarage.com.