Service Prioritizations

Please note that services relating to Support Machining and the Electronics Shop, as well as other work in the Student Machine Shop and MakerSpace may be prioritized as follows:

  1. Course instruction involvement and teaching support
  2. Research support
  3. Operations support
  4. Approved Mech Student Groups support
  5. Requests external to Mech (sub-prioritized for teaching, research, and other)

Machine Shops & MakerSpace

The UBC Department of Mechanical Engineering supports hands on learning by providing students with access to machining resources and training, as well as access to fabrication tools through the Student Machine Shop & MakerSpace, as well as a professional shop providing support machining and services for research, teaching, and student initiatives.

Announcements

Before you book a machine or email a question, check here for the latest announcements.

Temporary Closure of Machine Shop and Maker Space – Aug 18 to Oct 1

The Machine Shop and Maker Space will be closed from August 18 to October 1 (inclusive) to support the delivery of the MECH 220 course. Please plan your projects and access needs accordingly. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period. | Date: August 12, 2025 @4:32 pm

Notice of Rate Increase for Support Machining Services

Please be advised that effective September 1, 2025, the rates for Support Machining Services will increase. Any jobs accepted into the job queue on or after this date will be subject to the new rates. The updated hourly rates are as follows: Internal clients $45/hr External clients $142/hr | Date: August 12, 2025 @4:25 pm

Maintenance Shut-Down – June 2 to 13

The Machine Shop and the Maker Space will be closed for the annual maintenance shut-down from June 2 to 13 (inclusive). Please plan accordingly. | Date: May 1, 2025 @4:10 pm

Waterjet is back up and running

The waterjet was out of commission for a few hours today, due to a compressed-air outage in the building. The machine is now up and running. | Date: April 28, 2025 @1:59 pm

New dates posted: MakerSpace and Machine Shop Orientations

Orientation dates for January, February, and March have now been posted. To see if you qualify and to sign up go to: Eligibility & Orientation. | Date: January 6, 2025 @12:21 pm

Hours & Access

Machine Shop hours vary according to operational needs. Before coming by to use a machine or talk to a member of our technical staff, check the Schedule Viewer for the mech-tech booking system to see when machines are available:

Note: Both the Student Machine Shop and the MakerSpace are closed annually from late August through September for MECH 220 and MECH 512 . Regular access will resume after this period. Check the mech-tech booking system for specific dates and times.

Student Machine Shop & MakerSpace Access

To access our Student Machine Shop or the Student MakerSpace, please see our Eligibility and Orientation page for all details on eligibility, requirements, and sign up for an orientation.

  • New Users: If you are requesting access for the first time and are not taking one of MANU 230, MECH 220 or MECH 512 this year, please sign up for one of each of our scheduled orientation sessions. 
  • Returning Users: MakerSpace access, Student Machine Shop access and mech-tech booking system accounts expire annually on April 30th. If you  want to re-establish your access, please fill in the form at the bottom of the Eligibility and Orientation page.

Having Issues?

Please visit our FAQ page for answers common issues like:

  • Access to Makerspace not working? Please email access@mech.ubc.ca with your full name, student number and a clear description of the problem.
  • Need mechanical equipment installed, removed or repaired or forklift loading/unloading services? Submit your request using our Podio Webform.