A Makerspace Case Study

Machine Shop to Makerspace

The CSI-Engineering machine shop was originally a traditional

machine shop whose purpose was to be a resource only for the

Engineering Department of Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.

The space was run by a single technician who was the only one

trained to operate the machinery and would produce the designs that

student and staff came to him with. There were inefficient safety

protocols since no students were permitted in the shop. Because of

this structure the space was underutilized by the university ,

seeing less than 20 people/week.

After the technician retired, the university decided to hire a new

director of the space and transform it into a makerspace in 2017.

A More Collaborative, Open Space…

The idea to create the CSI-Makerspace came from a desire to

create an innovative and collaborative environment. The idea was

to flip the old, underutilized space into a modern, advanced

prototyping lab, called a makerspace. The goal was to make the

space more inviting and safe, bring in more machinery and trained

staff members to boost usage by at least 400%

“The building has not only

boosted team teaching and

interdisciplinary research and

lab work, but has also markedly

increased social interactions”

Dr. Ribble, EYP

CSI-Makerspace is now open to all students,

faculty, staff, and friends of Trinity

University. The space is partially funded and

utilized by departments such as Art, Theater,

Computer Science, Entrepreneurship, Political

Science, History, Engineering, Biology, and

many more. This has allowed the space to grow

rapidly, service the entire university equally,

and to be highlighted by the university and

national agencies.

Open to all Majors, Not just Engineers

IN THE PRESS

Sparks of Creation

Turning the Corner

Makerspaces on the Rise for Interdisciplinary Higher Education

STEM Design Components That Pay Off

To be able to satisfy the need of various student and faculty

members, the CSI makerspace had to expand its machinery

offerings. Now it has over 20 advanced manufacturing machines in

its space, a 250% growth from its machine shop days to allow for

woodworking, metal working, additive manufacturing, composites,

electronics, welding, etc.

Modern Machining

• ShopBot Alpha CNC Route

• GLowforge Pro Laser

Cutter

• Epilog Zing 60W Laser

Cutter

• X-Carve CNC Routers

• Wazer Desktop Water Jet

• Laguna Crossfire CNC

Plasma Cutter

• Prusa 3D Printers

• Haas Mini Mill

• Makerbot Replicator

• Hictop 3D Printer

• Makerbot Mini

• Makerbot Z

• Markforge onyx Pro Carbon

3D Printer

• Stratasys FDM Printer

• Stratasys SLA Printer

• Bantam PCB Mills

• 3D Scanner

• Luz Bot 3D Printer

• Panel Saw

• Miter Saw

• Jig Saw

• Band saw

• Table Router

• Hand Router

• Belt and Disk Sander

• Scroll Saw

• Drill Press

• Mig Welder

• Metal Brake

• Metal Shear

• Anvil

• Tig Welder

• Stand Grinder

• 12 Ton Press

• Compact Pipe Bender

• Hole Saw

• 4’ Lathe

• Metal Milling Machine

Oscilloscope

• Soldering irons

• Soldering Station

• Heat Guns

• AC/DC power supply

• Resistors Transistors and

Chipsets

Current Machinery

While a machine shop, there were inefficient safety protocols.

Today, various safety protocols and checkpoints for the space

are in place to ensure that everyone is safe and utilizing the

machinery properly.

Safety is Our Top Priority

New Safety Protocols

• Makerspace Safety Handbook

• Safety Tour

• Machine Safety Protocols

• OSHA Dress Code

• Trained Student Supervisors

Training

• Machine User Manuals

• College Courses

• Video Tutorials

• Practice Logs

We created a space where people actually felt like they could

learn in. Most people don’t know how to use machinery anymore,

so we created a friendly culture with well-trained staff members

and student worker that students and facility felt were

approachable. We also created classes and curriculum that was

never seen at the university before to encourage all majors to

learn to utilize the space in new and creative ways, including

help spark countless entrepreneurial ventures.

Opening Doors

Extended Hours

• Hours extended from 5pm

to 8pm on selected, high

demand days

• Extended hours allowed

for more accessibility

with class schedules

Classes

• How to Make

• Engineering Design 1

• Teaching Science Education

• Engineering Senior Design

There are 4 college courses and over

200 people a week now using the

facilities, a 1000% increase.