Heavy Metal: Machining

Ever wonder how a computer design turns into a multi-pound metal robot? That’s where the Machining subteam comes in. We teach students how to safely operate industry-standard equipment to manufacture the real-world parts our robot needs to compete.
Core Focus
Industry-Standard Equipment
We bring CAD models to life. Students learn to manually operate lathes and mills, as well as advanced CNC routers and CNC mills, manufacturing the physical components of our robot.
Safety First
Entering a machine shop can feel intimidating, which is why safety is our top priority. Every new member must complete a foundational Machine Shop Safety Quiz before stepping into the shop or operating any equipment.
Peer Mentorship
Experienced teammates guide newcomers every step of the way. We foster an encouraging environment where questions are welcomed, and mistakes are treated as valuable learning moments.
The Mindset & Takeaways
Building Robots, Building Character
Our ultimate goal is simple: take responsibility for our work, strive for personal growth, and enjoy every single moment of building robots together. Whether you are cutting a simple piece of aluminum or running a complex CNC operation, every member leaves our shop with practical, hands-on engineering and fabrication skills that last a lifetime.
Step Into the Machine Shop
No prior machining experience? No problem. We provide all the training and support you need to safely operate the machines.
Pass the Safety Quiz.
- Get hands-on training with experienced peers.
- Manufacture real, competition-ready robot parts