Mechanical
Engineering Shop
The primary function of the ME Shop is that of a teaching
facility. The shop and its personnel function as a full support facility
for such academic courses as ME 71 (Introduction to Engineering Design)
and ME 72 (Engineering Design Laboratory). It provides support for
the fabrication of research apparatus for the Engineering and Applied
Science division, as well as other divisions on the Caltech campus.
It serves as a facility where students, faculty, and staff may fabricate
their own devices and projects for approved research programs.
The ME Shop is open to the entire Caltech community. There are,
however, a few restrictions. ME 71 or the Shop Safety Course must
have been completed prior to using any of the machine tools in the
shop. The Safety Course is given two to three times a year during
the winter term and summer recess.
A full-time staff of John Van Deusen, Supervisor, and Rodney Rojas,
Senior Machinist, staffs the shop. The staff is available for consultation
and advice on all aspects of design and fabrication for research
devices, class projects, and personal projects. There is no charge
for advice in the design of devices and methods of fabrication. There
are charges for use of the shop with rate structures for personal
work and work done by the staff.
The ME Shop is a 5854 square foot facility fully equipped with small
and large machine tools, hand tools, and a variety of materials for
fabrication. A limited amount of fasteners and related hardware is
also available.
The ME Shop is located in the subbasement of Spalding Lab, Building
41, in Room 024. Stairwells are located on both ends of the building,
with the western stairwell coming directly into the shop. An elevator
is available in the center of the building.
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