The Machine Shop Is More Than Just Storage

The upcoming Machine Shop will do more than just store equipment for the engineering department.

The Machine Shop will operate similar to a fabrication shop where students are able to design and build projects. The goal is to have the facility open for use on Jan. 1, 2024, with hopes of gradually expanding in future years.

The Machine Shop is intended to aid students with their Capstone courses by providing them a space for the entire creation process from design to the building of the product. Students of any classification can use the facility for projects not just seniors completing Capstone courses.

Inside the building, a lot of computer numerical control machines such as lasers and water cutters will be kept for use. Tabletop saws, drill presses and different mental bending equipment are intended for the facility. There will be welding equipment as well as basic tools such as screwdrivers and hammers.

Professors may take their classes into the facility to be taught how to operate the machines and tools. For safety reasons, supervision is required and students won’t be able to take equipment outside of the building. This facility is mainly for heavy equipment or ones that require more ventilation than the Science building can provide.

The Machine Shop is not intended only for engineering majors but any and everyone who needs to use such a building to create anything.

The Dean of the College of Sciences and Engineering, Dr. Scott McKay exclaimed,

“We hope that a lot of departments use this facility.”

This facility will strengthen the engineering department by allowing students to build their skills by operating equipment to create and manage projects.