Machine Shop

The Machine Shop fabricates and assists with design of prototype mechanical equipment for research and coursework utilizing several mills, lathes, grinders, and saws. Most of the construction in these shops is done by a professional staff. You can discuss a project with the shop manager who often can make suggestions to reduce construction time and cost or to improve function. They also can assist in selecting materials and maintain a library of materials and equipment supplier catalogs. Limited sand casting and mechanical repair can also be done.

Additionally a student machine shop is maintained for use by graduate or undergraduate students after appropriate training and completion of a personal injury release form.

Hours

  • Main shop area: 8am - 12noon and 1pm - 5pm Monday through Friday
  • Student shop area: 7am - 6pm Monday through Friday unless otherwise posted on the doors.

Services

  • Fabrication of prototype mechanical equipment for research utilizing CNC mill, Lathes, band saws, grinders*
  • Provide training on equipment and safety in the student machine shop
  • Provide and maintain machines in the student machine shop
  • Assistance selecting materials for mechanical design applications
  • Maintain a library of materials and equipment supplier catalogs
  • Limited mechanical repair*
  • Assist with the design of mechanical prototypes and systems
  • Machine Shop Technical Request

Equipment

 

Prototype Shop

  • Sharp Milling machine with Proto-Trak 2 Axis CNC control
  • Bridgeport EZ Trak DX 2 Axis CNC Milling Machine
  • Rockwell Drill Press
  • Harrison AA Tool Room Lathe
  • Harrison M300 13x40 Lathe
  • Harrison M250 Tool Room Lathe
  • Starrett HB 400 Optical Comparator

Student Shop

  • Chevalier Surface Grinder
  • Bridgeport Milling Machine w/Proto-Trak 2 Axis CNC Control
  • Proto-Trak K3 Milling Machine w/Proto-Trak 2 Axis CNC Control
  • Do-All Cut Off Saw and Do-All Vertical Band Saw
  • Willis Radial Arm Drill Press
  • Turn Master 13x40 Lathe
  • Harrison M350 Lathe
  • Kingstonn 18x60 Lathe

Student Use

Student Shop Hours: 7am - 6pm Monday - Friday

Graduate Students procedures:

  1. Your use must be related to either funded research or your thesis work.
  2. You must obtain permission from your faculty advisor.
  3. You must complete the "Student Safety Training Session" offered in the shop. Register for this by sending an email to John Graham.
  4. You must have a personal injury release signed by you and your faculty advisor.
  5. Start your work!

Undergraduate Students procedures:

  1. Your use must be directly related to a ME class.
  2. You must obtain written permission from your class instructor.
  3. Contact the machine shop staff for direct support and appropriate safety training.
  4. You must have a personal injury release signed by you and your faculty advisor.
  5. Start your work!

Safety Training

All student users must attend an inhouse safety training class. Contact John Graham for the next available safety class. Student Machine Shop is to used to complete Mechanical Engineering design projects.

M.E. Shop Rules:

  1. Check in with Machine Shop personnel and ask for instructions if you are not familiar with the particular machine.
  2. Safety Glasses MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES.
  3. Do not operate machinery with loose clothing.
  4. Clean machinery every time you use it. This includes: cleaning out ship trays, wiping down
  5. machinery with rages and sweeping floor around your area.
  6. Have all machinery cleaned and tool boxes check ten minutes prior to shop closing time.
  7. There must be two people present at all times in student shop when operating machinery.
  8. Tell shop personnel if any machine gets damaged or breaks while in use. This may keep the next user from getting hurt.
  9. Do not interchange tooling from one machine to another.
  10. Please help keep this shop clean and safe. If you abuse the shop you will lose your privilege to use it.

Employment Opportunities

CO-OP Slots: Co-op students in the ME or EE programs will be considered for full time 40 hrs/wk employment. Co-op's will be provided the required guidance but are expected to carry projects from conception to the grave. As the 'project manager', Co-ops will learn to use a variety of CAD programs and machines, select tooling and materials, and work with grad students through the prototyping process. These slots are more demanding on both you and us, but if you have an interest in learning hands-on machining and are capable of operating independently and responsibly, the educational experience can be tremendous. Mechanical aptitude is a must for these positions. A knowledge and use of common hand tools is required. A valid driver's license is also required. Taking classes is not permitted during work hours unless approval is granted by the machine shop manager.

Wages vary according to current semester standings and are reviewed annually. Visit the CO-OP office for information and hiring status. Feel free to stop by between classes for a tour of the lab and a chat if you have more questions.

Contact Us

John Graham
Machine Shop Manager
MRDC, Room 2323

John Graham manages the machine shop and supervises the Computerized Numerical Control Laboratory; he provides assistance to students and faculty on funded research projects.

Phone: 404.894.3216
Fax: 404.894.8336
E-mail: john.graham@me.gatech.edu