Machine Shop
The Undergraduate Machine Shop provides training for students in the use of machine tools, access to the tools, and guidance in project planning, as well as providing construction and maintenance service to teaching and research laboratories. One fulltime faculty mechanical engineer and two part-time employees staff the Undergraduate Machine Shop.
The early stage of training consists of hands on practical experience while students fabricate a miniature Stirling Engine in EML3002C – ME Tools. In this class, sophomore students learn basic machine shop practice: part layout, process planning, milling, drilling, turning, thread formation, tool selection, grinding, measurement, and use of hand tools. Other topics covered are drawing layout, dimensioning, and other pertinent issues. As they continue on with higher-level coursework, the Undergraduate Machine Shop provides additional hands-on educational experiences. Access to the shop and tools create opportunities for students to engage in challenging activities and projects in engineering. Assistance is provided to students in higher-level courses and senior design classes in the form of guidance in project planning and fabrication. Finally, above all else, the staff of the Undergraduate Machine Shop emphasizes the importance of shop safety.
| Major Equipment | Year Acquired |
|---|---|
| Birmingham Turret Milling Machine (2) | 1998 |
| Morton FEL-1304G Engine Lathe (2) | 1998 |
| ACRA “Saw King” KB-45 Vertical Band Saw | 1998 |
| Solberga Drill Press | 1998 |
| Baldor Grinder-Buffer | 1998 |
| Supermax CNC Mill YCM-30 | 1999 |
| Kalamazoo Belt Sander | 1999 |
| Pexto 36” Sheer | 1999 |
| Kalamazoo Horizontal Bandsaw | 2000 |
| JET 10 ton Hydraulic Press | 2000 |
| DI-ACRO 24” Brake | 2000 |
| MSC Complex Milling & Drilling Machine RF-30 | 2001 |
| Delta Scroll Saw | 2001 |
| Milwaukee 14” Abrasive Cut-Off Saw | 2003 |
