In a world where 3D printing is becoming accessible to everyone and novel fabrication techniques are being revealed, the course EAS 141: Basic Mechanical Fabrication serves to equip you with an understanding of the fundamentals of machining and as well as how to communicate their design effectively.
EAS stands for Engineering and Applied Sciences, and it’s a sequence of courses that aims to enhance your knowledge and skills in various engineering and science branches. Specifically, EAS 141 is a seven-week, two-credit course open to all undergraduates. It aims to teach you the “safe and effective use of basic machine tools such as lathes, mills, band-saws and drill presses.”
Jim Alkins, who formerly managed one of Kodak’s fabrication shops and who is currently the senior laboratory engineer in the Ronald Rettner workshop, teaches EAS 141. Below, I took some time to interview Jim to gain his insight regarding the course and his experience at the University of Rochester.
Amro Bayoumy: If you could give one piece of advice to a student majoring in engineering, what would it be?
Jim Alkins: I’d say that engineering is all about discoveries, so explore all avenues of engineering. You should take engineering courses outside your major and form a solid set of skills and knowledge in all possible fields. The field you might think you want to pursue a degree in might change once you’re exposed to more disciplines. So, make sure you’re flexible and open to change, taking reasonable risks. Finally, make sure you talk to professors and graduate students, understand their research and ongoing projects, and learn experientially.
AB: What’s your favorite part of teaching at the University of Rochester?
JA: Seeing students grow by learning and understanding more about the mechanics and science behind everything, and watching them become self-confident through experimenting.
AB: What do you aim to achieve through teaching EAS 141? When did this course start?
JA: This course started in Fall 2009, previously taught by John Miller at the Taylor Hall machine shop and overseen by Professor Zavislan. I joined the University in January 2015. I want students to understand the safe operation and proper use of machinery. This is a computerized world; I want to bring them back to fundamentals and manual operations of equipment. It makes it easier to design parts once you know the manufacturing process.
AB: What additions do you think can be implemented to enhance EAS courses?
JA: I’d like to offer an advanced course with more computerized machines and complicated manufacturing processes. This course would target junior- and senior-level students, especially mechanical and biomedical engineering majors.
AB: What are some examples of projects that students have worked on in this course?
JA: Students throughout the course are familiarized with the usage of the various machinery available and are required to complete a fabrication project at the end that utilizes the available machines in the workshop along with a supporting paper describing the procedure of the project. Students have worked on everything from brass pens to robots. I even had some students working on musical instruments.
AB: How can students in engineering and non-engineering majors benefit from EAS 141?
JA: I believe working with your hands is truly valuable, and making a product gives a high level of self-satisfaction, especially when you do it right.
AB: How many students does the Ronald Rettner workshop serve on a weekly basis?
JA: The workshop serves 25 students a week for EAS 141 classes, approximately 15 people from the Baja SAE club, and a lot of student for their senior project. In total, it serves around 50 to 75 people a week.
AB: Are there any specific requirements to enroll in EAS 141?
JA: No; the course is open to all undergraduates and is offered during both fall and spring semesters.
So if you’re planning on majoring in engineering, or even if you’re just interested in making something with your own hands, consider taking EAS 141!