The Opus College of Engineering program is design-focused and laboratory intensive. The Discovery Learning Laboratory provides a fully equipped, on-site machine shop for design and production of prototypes, test fixtures or complex objects. It is where students get the job done.

There are requirements prior to using our gear for your DIY (Do It Yourself) project.

1. Obtain shop training certification for any machine tools or shop access needed.
2. Create a print or write up a process sheet for the work you will be doing.
3. Perform the work.

The Discovery Learning Laboratory is used by other students, faculty and staff, so it is crucial to allow sufficient time in your timeline to complete your project. Contact the Operations Engineer for an appointment to discuss the project and tooling requirements.

Shop training is required for anyone using the Discovery Learning Laboratory Shop. The level of training depends on the equipment needed for the project. Mastering this machine tool equipment takes time and practice. Plan your schedule accordingly.

No "training" assistance or hands on technical help will be given during a DIY project. Training assistance given to one student during a DIY make causes reduced attention to the rest of the shop. The shop machinist job duties require them to be constantly vigilant when multiple students are in the shop.

You will be monitored during a DIY while in the shop. The process sheet or print will be required for anyone asking questions of the shop machinist. Prior to the start of any job, Discovery Learning Laboratory staff will be glad to assist students in selection of the proper tooling to safely and accurately complete a job. We encourage preplanning a job.

The tool crib will check out hand tools to those that do not have any training. Powered hand tools will be made available at our discretion.