The College of Engineering strives to provide ample opportunities for students to access hands-on learning experiences. Machine shops, which support all student projects and design teams, are instrumental in equipping students with the practical knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce. Tooling is needed to allow students to fabricate parts for their projects and to prototype new designs.
Many of the student shop spaces on campus are heavily used and in need of updating. The ability to have access to cutting-edge equipment ensures success in projects and designs.
This year, your Bama Blitz donations to the College of Engineering will help equip our machine shops to better serve the needs of our students. One specific need is a more precise, rigid engine lathe to produce better parts. The estimated cost for an engine lathe with the preferred specifications is $15,000.
“I am the suspension and steering design lead for Bama Racing [UA’s Baja SAE team],” said student Corban Walsh. “Many of the parts my team is responsible for rely on accurate lathe machining since there are many parts in a suspension that need to be coaxial for smooth action. For example, one of the components we machine on the lathe are inserts for the arms of the suspension. These inserts have a threaded hole that needs to be centered; if not then it would lead to rotation of the arm throughout the suspension travel, which could lead to damage to the subsystem and therefore put the driver in danger. A new lathe would allow for a higher degree of precision and a higher degree of safety.”
