Announcement
- Starting 5/19, Boyd lab will be open by pre-approved appointment only. If you need to use the lab or have a project done, please email the shop supervisors to see if your request can be accommodated.
Boyd Lab is an on-campus, fabrication shop that focuses on giving students hands-on equipment training and access to equipment for their projects. The shop supports core Mechanical Engineering courses, but also supports other ISU ventures such as research and club projects. Unfortunately, the shop does not support personal projects.
Boyd Lab has a fully stocked shop with hand tools, power tools, a host of wood-working equipment, general metal fabrication equipment, high-precision metal fabrication equipment, multiple welders and grinders, and metal saws. More information on the type and capability of equipment can be found under the “Boyd Lab Equipment Guide”.
To use the shop, students must complete online training and schedule in-person, hands-on training. Specific information can be found in the “How to use the space” section.
1260 Hoover Hall
528 Bissell Rd, Ames, IA 50012
REGULAR HOURS
*Boyd Lab will be closed for the first and second week of each semester.
**Boyd Lab will be closed for Finals week of each semester.
***Boyd Lab will be open by pre-approved appointment only during the summer months.
craigsev@iastate.edu
515-294-1715
1260C Hoover
528 Bissell Rd.
Ames, IA 50011-1096
First, Students need to verify that the work they want to do is appropriate and allowed in the shop. If you are working on a class-related project, working with a research group on campus, or working on a club project, then chances are your project is just fine in the shop. If you are wanting to work on a personal project, unfortunately, the shop doesn’t support personal projects, and you will have to go elsewhere. If you have questions about if your project is appropriate, then reach out to shop supervisors.
Boyd Lab offers training on equipment to students wanting to use the shop as well as job request services. If you are wanting to have Boyd Lab make a part(s) for you, you will want to navigate to the “Job Submissions” section of the webpage to learn more. If you are looking to do the work yourself, continue on to the training requirements in Step 3.
All students wishing to use Boyd Lab equipment must complete the following items:
Boyd Lab supports several core ME courses. Depending on the time of the year and time of each semester, the shop may or may not have extra capacity for project work and training. You can check the training calendar for training related volume. For projects, it’s best to reach out to the shop supervisors and check to see if there is capacity for your project. Otherwise, stop by in person and they can direct you in person. If the shop is too busy, your work may have to be scheduled for a different time.
Once you’ve been trained and confirmed that the shop has capacity for your project, you’re welcome to come in and work during regular hours. When you come, make sure you come prepared with your project material, your safety glasses, your badge, appropriate attire, and are in a sound state of mind to be working on equipment. Please remember that you are only able to work on equipment you have been fully trained on.
The Boyd Lab is named for James H. Boyd, a 1938 graduate of mechanical engineering. As a collegian, the Creston, Iowa-native was involved with the student chapter of ASME as well as Phi Kappa Phi and Tau Beta Pi honor societies. During his career he worked for both Emerson-Fisher and Monsanto, and formerly served as president of ISU’s Alumni Association. James Horace Boyd passed away in 2004, the same year that the Boyd Production Realization Laboratory (i.e. “Boyd Lab”) was established.