Prototype Shop
Rapid fabrication and prototype manufacturing for engineers, startups, and local companies.
Teams can submit RFQs for parts, fixtures, and small assemblies. The shop supports early-stage hardware development with quick turnaround and direct collaboration with builders who understand manufacturing.
CNC machining, casting, welding, fabrication, and 3D printing with documented inspection. Students work under direct mentor supervision, learning production-grade manufacturing while building real parts for hardware teams.
Revenue from fabrication directly funds training, equipment, and workforce development.
How We Work
Iteration, Not Just Production
We understand development cycles. Parts evolve. Revisions happen. Our systems track changes and maintain continuity across iterations.
Engineering Collaboration
We are not just button-pushers. Expect questions about tolerances, material choices, and design intent. We engage as partners, not vendors.
Controlled Speed
Fast turnaround comes from tight coordination, parallel planning, and disciplined execution. Not from skipping inspection or improvising on the floor.
Services
| Service | Lead Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| CNC Machining | 3–15 business days | Functional prototypes |
| Fabrication & Welding | 1–4 weeks | Frames and structures |
| Prototype Casting | 2–10 weeks | Turbine prototype components |
| Waterjet Cutting | 2–10 business days | Flat patterns |
| 3D Printing (FDM/SLA) | 1–10 business days | Fit checks |
| Hydraulic Hose Assembly | Same-day to 3 business days | Equipment repair |
| Inspection & Documentation | Add 1–3 days to production | Quality verification |
| Custom Laser Cut Gaskets | 1–5 business days | Engine and exhaust gaskets |
CNC Machining
Precision 3-axis CNC milling for aluminum, steel, titanium, and engineering plas...
3–15 business days
Fabrication & Welding
MIG, TIG, and stick welding plus bending, forming, and mechanical assembly. Weld...
1–4 weeks
Prototype Casting
Sand cast or direct-print ceramic mold casting, including small-scale VIM for ad...
2–10 weeks
Waterjet Cutting
Precision 2D cutting for metals and non-metals with no heat affected zone. Table...
2–10 business days
3D Printing (FDM/SLA)
Rapid prototypes, fixtures, and fit checks. FDM for durability, SLA for detail a...
1–10 business days
Hydraulic Hose Assembly
Custom hydraulic hose fabrication for equipment repair, maintenance, and industr...
Same-day to 3 business days
Inspection & Documentation
Dimensional verification, first article inspection, and documentation packages f...
Add 1–3 days to production
Custom Laser Cut Gaskets
Precision 2D gaskets cut from paper, cork, rubber, felt, and specialty materials...
1–5 business days
How It Works
Step 1
Send Your Package
Submit CAD files (STEP preferred), drawings, material specs, and quantity requirements.
Step 2
Get a Quote
We review for manufacturability and provide a scoped proposal with timeline and inspection requirements.
Step 3
Build with Checkpoints
Work proceeds under documented instructions with in-process verification and first article inspection.
Step 4
Deliver with Documentation
Final inspection, documentation package, and delivery or pickup coordination.
Capabilities
Students learn on production equipment while building real parts. Every capability below represents both a service offering and a training pathway.
Standards and Supervision
The Backyard Shop operates with ISO 9001 and AS9100-aligned quality systems. Work follows documented processes, controlled revisions, and inspection checkpoints, executed by student teams under experienced supervision.
Quality Systems
AS9100-Aligned Systems
Documented work instructions, revision control, and process accountability. Not certified, but built on aerospace discipline.
Material Traceability
Incoming material verification, lot tracking, and certificate retention for jobs requiring traceability.
First Article Inspection
Production holds until the first part is verified against drawing requirements and approved to proceed.
Nonconformance Control
Deviations are documented, dispositioned, and corrected. No silent failures. Lessons feed back into training.
Engagement Process
- Step 1: Submit your technical package: drawings, CAD (STEP preferred), material specs, and critical dimensions.
- Step 2: We conduct a technical review for manufacturability, tolerances, and process fit.
- Step 3: You receive a scoped proposal with timeline, inspection requirements, and any design feedback.
- Step 4: Fabrication proceeds under documented work instructions with in-process checkpoints.
- Step 5: Final inspection, documentation package, and delivery or pickup coordination.
Technical Package Requirements
Complete packages move faster. Incomplete submissions require clarification cycles that extend lead times.
- Engineering drawings (PDF) with GD&T and revision control
- CAD files in STEP or native format
- Material specifications and finish requirements
- Critical dimensions and inspection criteria
- Quantity, deadline, and any certification or traceability requirements
Training Mission
Every job is a training opportunity. Students work under direct mentor supervision on real customer parts, learning the discipline of production-grade manufacturing while earning credentials that matter to employers.
What This Is Not
This is not a commodity job shop. We do not compete on volume pricing. We build first-of-their-kind parts for teams solving hard problems, under systems designed for accountability and repeatability.
Ready to Build?
Submit your technical package for review. We will assess manufacturability, provide feedback, and scope a proposal with timeline and inspection requirements. Your project funds student training and workforce development.