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Machine Shop

Location:
University of Houston
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department Machine Shop
5000 Gulf Freeway Building 7, Door 110
Houston, TX

Hours of Operations:
Monday – Friday 9am – 3pm by appointment only

To Schedule Machining Services:
Fill out the Mechanical Engineering Machining Request Form. Once the form has been filled out, Jamar, the machinist supervisor, will respond with his Teams calendar to schedule a virtual/in person meeting.
Mechanical Engineering Machining Request Form

 

Available Machining Equipment

This list outlines the machining equipment available at the machine shop.

  1. HAAS VF-3 (CNC Vertical Mill)

    • Type: 3-axis CNC milling center
    • Machine travel: 40” X Axis, 25” Y Axis, 20” Z Axis
    • Capabilities: Precision 3D contouring, pocketing, drilling, tapping, facing, slotting
    • Limitations: No 4th/5th axis milling, cannot turn parts (lathe work)
    • Ideal For: Complex 3D components, tight tolerances, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, plastics, carbon fiber, wood etc.

    HAAS VF-3 (CNC Vertical Mill)

  2. HAAS TM-3P (CNC Toolroom Mill)

    • Type: 3-axis CNC milling machine
    • Machine travel: 40” X Axis, 20” Y Axis, 20” Z Axis
    • Capabilities: Precise 2.5D/3D milling, drilling, tapping
    • 5000 RPM Spindle
    • Limitations: Not suited for production runs, no turning

    HAAS TM-3P (CNC Toolroom Mill)

  3. HAAS TL-1 (CNC Toolroom Lathe)

    • Type: CNC Lathe
    • Capabilities: Turning, facing, threading, boring
    • Machine travel: 8” X Axis, 30” Z Axis
    • 3000 Rpm Spindle
    • Limitations: No live tooling (no milling on lathe), limited to round parts
    • Ideal For: Shafts, bushings, threaded rods, round features

    HAAS TL-1 (CNC Toolroom Lathe)

  4. Manual Bridgeport Knee Mill

    • Type: Manual vertical mill
    • Capabilities: Drilling, slotting, pocketing, facing on flat parts
    • Limitations: Operator skill dependent, no automatic tool changes or contouring
    • Ideal For: Simple parts, quick one-off modifications, teaching manual machining basics

    Manual Bridgeport Knee Mill

  5. Manual Lathe

    • Type: Engine lathe (manual)
    • Capabilities: Turning, facing, parting, threading (with proper setup)
    • Limitations: Requires operator knowledge, slower than CNC
    • Ideal For: Prototypes, quick round parts, educational purposes

    Manual Lathe

  6. Central Machinery Belt Sander

    • Type: Stationary sanding machine
    • Capabilities: Deburring, surface finishing, sanding edges of flat and contoured parts
    • Limitations: Not suitable for material removal on large or precision parts
    • Ideal For: Cleaning up edges, smoothing small surfaces

    Central Machinery Belt Sander

  7. Bench Grinders

    • Type: Dual-wheel grinding machine
    • Capabilities: Tool sharpening, deburring, cleaning metal surfaces
    • Limitations: Not for precision machining, requires proper PPE
    • Ideal For: Grinding lathe tools, removing burrs

    Bench Grinder

  8. 40 lb. Sandblasting Cabinet

    • Type: Abrasive blasting cabinet
    • Capabilities: Surface texturing, paint/rust removal, cleaning metal parts
    • Limitations: Not suitable for delicate parts or tight-tolerance surfaces
    • Ideal For: Pre-paint prep, cleaning oxidized or dirty parts

    40 lb. Sandblasting Cabinet

  9. WellSaw 1118 Horizontal cutting saw

    • Rough cutting saw
    • Max material size 24” x 20” x 8’ Length

    WellSaw 1118 Horizontal cutting saw

  10. Vulcan Omnipro 220

    • Multiprocessor Welder Mig, Tig & Stick
    • Materials it can weld: Steel, Aluminum, stainless steel

    Vulcan Omnipro 220

  11. 48” Pan & Box Brake Model #G0542

    • Material bending up to 48” length
    • Bending range 0 - 135ºM
    • Maximum height of sides 6”
    • Various materials Aluminum, Steel and Stainless

    48” Pan & Box Brake Model #G0542

  12. Scotchman iron worker #12012-24M

    • Angle Shearing
    • Flat shearing 36” Width x 1” Height
    • Various size hole Punch

    Scotchman iron worker #12012-24M

 

Student Access & Machining Requests

  • Who Can Use Equipment:
    Machines may only be used by trained personnel. Students are not permitted to use equipment without prior authorization and training.
  • The machine shop is not open to students as a hang out/socializing location.
  • Machining Help / Requesting Parts:
    If a student needs a part machined or has a request beyond their skill/equipment access, they should:
    1. Fill out the Mechanical Engineering Machining Request Form
    2. Provide drawings, materials, and machining requirements
    3. The machinists will assess feasibility or recommend external resources

The Machine Shop provides support for students, faculty, and researchers through precision machining and fabrication services. Our facilities are equipped with a wide range of manual and CNC equipment, capable of producing high-quality components for academic projects, research prototypes, and instructional purposes.

 

Machine Shop Services

  • Precision Machining
  • Welding
  • Consultation
  • Prototyping
  • Fabrication
  • Sheet Metal
  • CAD

 

Rates

  • Hourly rate is $85.00/hr for internal college faculty, students and staff.
  • Hourly rate is $125.00/hr for non-college faculty, students and staff.

All estimates include labor and any materials/parts needed for the job.

 

FAQ

Q: Who can use the machine shop services?
A: Services are available to students, faculty, and researchers of the college. Outside users may be considered with approval.

Q: What services do we offer?
A: CAD Consultation, design fabrication & assistance, Manufacture of experimental research, development of experimental apparatus, Reverse engineering and design from simple parts, welding, sand blasting and many more machine shop related task.

Q: How do I request machining or fabrication work?
A: Submit a Machining Request Form. Please include drawings, CAD files, or sketches with dimensions to ensure accurate quoting and fabrication.

Q: How long does it take to complete a job?
A: Lead times vary depending on complexity, material availability, and shop workload.

Q: What type of files or drawings should I provide?
A: We accept CAD files (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, STEP, etc.) or detailed engineering drawings in PDF format. Hand sketches with dimensions are also acceptable for simpler jobs.

Q: Do I need to provide my own material?
A: The shop may have limited stock available. For specific projects, customers are encouraged to provide their own materials. Please confirm material suitability before purchase.

Q: Is there a cost for machining services?
A: Costs vary based on material, complexity, and time required.

Q: What safety rules should I know before coming to the shop?
A: Always wear safety glasses and closed-toe shoes. No loose clothing, jewelry, or long hair near machines. Food and drink are not allowed inside the shop. Follow supervisor instructions at all times.