Aggie Innovation Shop opens with state-of-the-art equipment

The College of Engineering has completely modernized its machine shop, replacing 1960s-era equipment with new, state-of the-art technology.

About $850,000 from the state of New Mexico, with funding from other generous donors, made the renovation possible.

In August 2018, the College of Engineering combined three facilities under the Aggie Innovation Space umbrella. The integrated facilities include the machine shop, formerly known as the Manufacturing, Engineering Technology Center; the Student Project Center, a fabrication laboratory; and the Aggie Innovation Space, a prototyping space.

“It’s a tremendous resource to provide hands-on student experiences and capstones-engineering students’ culminating senior projects,” says Gabe Garcia, associate dean of student success.

“It will also support research endeavors and promote cross-disciplinary projects,” Garcia adds. “Through our partnership with Arrowhead Center, entrepreneurs and New Mexico businesses can work with the Aggie Innovation Shop team to take ideas from concept to cutting-edge, commercially viable products.”

The Aggie Innovation Shop now has the capabilities for CNC machining ad turning; milling and turning; horizontal and vertical cutting; sheet metal bending, shearing and notching; water jet and laser cutting and engraving, welding and thermal forming.