At Clarkson University, hands-on learning isn’t a perk — it’s the foundation of our approach to education. One of the most exciting examples of this in action is the SPEED Program Machine Shop, a dynamic space where student creativity, technical skills, and real-world applications come together.
Whether you’re studying mechanical engineering, aerospace, or construction management, or just have a passion for building and innovating, the Student Prototyping Machine Shop is your launchpad. It’s where ideas become prototypes, students become leaders, and experience turns into confidence.
What Is the SPEED Program Machine Shop?
Located in the Center for Advanced Materials Processing (CAMP), the Student Prototyping Machine Shop is a fully equipped, state-of-the-art facility open to all students. While it’s most heavily used by members of SPEED (Student Projects for Engineering Experience and Design) Teams, any student can access the shop’s cutting-edge tools and resources to design, fabricate, and test their own projects.
Students use the shop for:
- Building parts for national engineering competitions
- Completing design-focused coursework
- Experimenting and prototyping their own creations
- Learning machine operation through Clarkson’s MT Courses
And unlike many university shops, this one is student-run, which gives students valuable leadership and technical experience.
Tools and Training That Set You Apart
The machine shop includes:
- CNC milling machines and lathes
- High-quality manual machines
- TIG, MIG, and plasma welding stations
- Water jet and wire EDM cutting
- Up to five-axis computer-controlled machining centers
Students work under the supervision of trained machinists, ensuring safety and skill development every step of the way.
Learn By Doing: The MT Course Series
Before students can access the shop, they complete MT (Multidisciplinary Team) safety and skills certification courses. These pass/no-credit courses introduce students to shop equipment and prepare them for real-world engineering environments.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the course progression:
- MT51: Intro to Basic Shop Skills – Learn safety, layout, tools, and shop procedures.
- MT52: Basic Lathe Operations – Focus on metal lathe operations like threading and boring.
- MT53: Basic Milling Procedures – Covers vertical mill setup and cutters.
- MT54: CNC Machining – Dive into CNC programming and machining center setup.
- MT55: Basic Welding – Explore welding techniques and safety with MIG, TIG, and arc.
- MT56: Intro to MasterCam – Learn CAD/CAM software for tool path and machine code creation.
- MT57: Advanced Lathes – Use precision lathes and advanced machining methods.
- MT58: CNC Lathe Procedures – Program and operate HAAS lathes with G-code.
These MT classes are essential for building technical skills and preparing for SPEED team roles, internships, and future engineering careers.
Real Experience, Real Impact
Clarkson’s SPEED teams are among the most active and accomplished in the nation. From Baja SAE to Chem-E Car to Timber Bridge, students design, build, and compete at the highest levels. The machine shop is where these projects come to life and where students discover their passions.
“The shop has helped me develop not just machining skills, but also confidence and leadership,” said Jonathan Kent ’25, a mechanical engineering major and shop leader. “It’s a place where you’re challenged and supported.”
A Competitive Edge
Employers are looking for graduates who can do more than solve equations—they want engineers who can build, lead, and adapt. The SPEED Program Machine Shop helps Clarkson students gain that edge through:
- Career-ready skills in machining, design, and safety
- Team collaboration on real engineering projects
- Mentorship and leadership experience
- Cross-disciplinary innovation
Tour the Machine Shop and Start Creating
Ready to see it in action? Check out a virtual tour of the shop with Jonathan Kent ’25 and learn more about how Clarkson students are building the future one part at a time.
