FACILITIES
CAPABILITIES OF MACHINE SHOP

 

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machine

Website
Manual
Torque Chart

Basic Specifications
Travel:
      X-Axis – 30 in (762mm)
      Y-Axis – 16 in (406mm)
      Z-Axis – 20in (508mm)
 

• 3D models designed on Creo or Solidworks are to be saved in IGES or Step file format (ex: body parts, boat hull, wings, plane, etc.)
• Codes for the machines can be written using Master Cam
• 2D parts should be saved as IGES, wire frame, datum curves and points (in Creo shut off surfaces)
• Typical tolerances: average +/-.0005

 

Manual Machines

Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)

 

Profile Projector

 

Milling Machine     

 

Lathe Machine

 

Press Brake

 

  

Sheet Metal Cutting Machine

 

• Drill press
• Band Saws (Horizontal and Vertical)
• Wheel grinders
• Hand power tools (110V, battery and air)
• Standard hand tools

 

Welding

• Plasma cutting
• Types of welding
  • Oxy-Acetylene
  • MIG
  • TIG

Primary Material of Choice

• Aluminum

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Large Jobs & Major Projects

• Large projects need to be approved by the Machine Shop staff
• Visitors will be provided with safety glasses at the entry door to the shop and proper footwear must be worn. No sandals or open toed shoes.
• EVERYONE MUST WEAR SAFETY GLASSES!
• Authorized workers are required to get supervisor approval before work is started.
• Workers are required to follow all standard shop rules and practices.
• Shop labor is free of charge for students/faculty projects. Material must be supplied. 
• Non-certified workers are allowed to observe or drop off work, but the supervisor must approve and be present while work is being performed.
• Work must NOT be dangerous to the equipment or the personnel.
• Individuals requesting work will be required to submit Technical drawing as required.

 

Procuring Materials & Raw Stock

• Raw stock, such as, angles, bars, shapes, sheets, beams, channel, rods, plates, tubing, pipes, stainless, copper, brass, aluminum, galvanized, mild steel, etc are required for the jobs.

 

Raw Material and Industrial Supply

• MSC Industrial Supply Co.
• Grainger
• McMaster-Carr
• thyssenkrupp Materials NA
• Alro Steel
• Yarde Metals
• Harbor Freight
• Online Metals

Small Jobs & Walk-Ins

• Everyone MUST wear safety glasses and closed toe shoes!
• ONLY certified workers can do walk-in work.
  • Authorized workers are required to get shop supervisor approval before work is started.
  • Workers are required to follow all standard shop rules and practices.
• Non-certified workers cannot work in the shop; they must have a certified worker perform all operations.
  • Non-certified workers are allowed to observe or drop off work, but the supervisor must approve and be present while work is being performed.
  • Individuals not working are not to be hanging out in work area.
• The job must be simple and not require more than 30 minutes of machine or bench time.
• Work must NOT be dangerous to the equipment or the personnel.
• The supervisor has the right to refuse any walk-in work.
• The individual for whom the work is being done is responsible for all damages.
  • This individual is also responsible for the worker.
  • The basic principle is: be careful!

 

Training System

In order to maintain a safe, organized and productive environment in the HECM machine shop, students must complete mandatory machine shop training before using the Machine shop. For further information, visit the link below:

Popup Courses

Forms & Documentation

• Shop Manual
  • Note: the shop manual contains most shop forms and documents.

 

Contact Us

Machine Shop
Texas A&M University
Higher Education Center at McAllen
6200 Tres Lagos Blvd
McAllen, Texas 78501
Phone: (956) 271-1365