R14701: ME Machine Shop Opportunities

 Goal ◦ Top rated ME program and ME machine shop in the nation and eventually the world.  Objectives ◦ Identify characteristics of top rated university machine shops (i.e. capabilities, layout, procedures, usage trends). ◦ Identify potential areas for improvement based on these characteristics.

 ME Faculty/Staff ◦ Dave Hathaway, Rob Kraynik, Jan Maneti ◦ Machine Shop Committee ◦ Dr. Hensel  ME Students ◦ Graduate and Undergraduate ◦ Senior Design ◦ Clubs

Need #CategoryImportanceDescription CN1 Safety CriticalAll equipment and machines need to meet safety standards to avoid injuries. CN2CriticalMachine shop access needs to be limited to certified users to ensure user safety. CN3Important There needs to be enough professionally staffed hours to ensure the safety of the students and to give them adequate work time in the shop. CN4 Accessibility Important There needs to be time slots allocated for RIT clubs to work so that their time doesn't cut into that of other users. CN5Important There needs to be a readily available schedule that shows the availability of the machine shop so that users know when they can have access to the machine shop. CN6Critical There needs to be a way to limit the access of the machine shop to certified users so that non-certified users do not cut into the limited time that the shop is available. CN7 Layout Important Storage and assembly spaces need to be allocated for MSD teams to minimize clutter within the shop and maximize work space for each team. CN8ImportantThe flow of work through the machine shop needs to be efficient so that users' time isn't wasted. CN9 Capabilities Desirable There needs to be equipment and machines that expand the capabilities of the machine shop, allowing for a broader scope of projects (i.e., water-jet, vacuum forming, 3-D printing). CN10Important Students need to be taught on up to date equipment and machines to enhance their capabilities and have up to date skills. CN11Critical Increase the number of machines with CNC/ProtoTRAK capabilities so that students can learn modern techniques used in industry. CN12Critical The machine shop has to support both undergraduate and graduate needs which include class projects, senior design and research. CN13 Usage/Procedures ImportantUsage trends need to be better tracked to aid in scheduling and planning. CN14DesirableThe procedures for work requests needs to be more formal to better allocate machinists' time. CN15Critical A method for tracking individual machine usage needs to be put in place in order to determine what new equipment may need to be purchased.

 Changed focus to students ◦ Committee is focusing on faculty perspective.  Interested in helping? ◦ Please post on the discussion board with any comments or ideas.