Student Fabrication
Prototype fabrication with aerospace-grade discipline and learning at the center.
The Backyard Shop operates as a nonprofit prototype shop using ISO 9001 and AS9100–aligned quality systems. Every job follows documented processes, controlled revisions, and inspection checkpoints, and is executed by student teams under experienced supervision.
This structure ensures repeatability, accountability, and traceability, while training the next generation of machinists and manufacturing engineers in the systems they'll use in industry. Revenue from fabrication directly funds education, workforce development, and public access to tools.
Waterjet for sheet metal and plastics
3-axis CNC milling for aluminum and plastics
Manual machining, drilling, and tapping
Light fabrication and assembly
How RFQs work
- Step 1: Submit your RFQ with drawings, CAD, and deadlines.
- Step 2: We review for safety, scope, and skill alignment.
- Step 3: You receive a written quote with timeline.
- Step 4: Students fabricate with professional supervision.
- Step 5: We perform inspection and deliver or schedule pickup.
What we need from you
- Clear drawings (PDF) and CAD files (STEP preferred)
- Material specs and finish requirements
- Target quantities and deadline windows
- Contact for engineering questions or exceptions to print requirements
Quality and supervision
Professional supervision
Every job is overseen by an experianced machinist who reviews setup and final dimensions.
First article checks
We pause production until the first part meets spec and is approved by our supervisor.
Rework policy
If we miss a spec, we rework or remake at no cost and log the lesson in our training notes.
Recent fabrication work
What this is not
We are not a high-volume production job shop. We focus on education-aligned, low-to-mid volume fabrication.
Ready to fabricate?
Submit your files and we will respond with a scoped quote and timeline.