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.