Research Support Shop

Rice’s Research Support Shop, better known as the Machine Shop, has a full-time team of highly skilled technicians who create precision tools and machines that help Rice scientists complete their research and experiments. The Research Support team provides services ranging from simply drilling a hole to creating complex scientific instruments. Almost every job completed is one-of-a-kind, created to serve a unique purpose in a specific lab for a particular piece of research. The rate for these services is $87/hour.

Equipment

Hurco CNC Milling Machine
Bridgeport Milling Machines
Hardinge HLV Precision Lathes
LeBlond Lathes
Vertical Band Saw
Horizontal Cutoff Saw
Tool Grinders
Belt Sander
Hydraulic Press

Services

Precision Machining
EDM Machining (Electrical Discharge Machining)
Sheetmetal Fabrications
TIG Welding
Metal Finishing

The RSS has a material stockroom where miscellaneous shop supplies can be purchased. If your needs require materials not in stock, a special order can be placed.

Materials on hand

Raw materials such as Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Copper, and Brass
Fasteners such as a variety of screws, bolts, washers, and nuts
Materials not on hand can be special ordered

The RSS also offers an annual six-week class for graduate students seeking an introduction to his team’s services and products. In the 36-hour course students learn basic machine shop tool skills and how to make simple machine parts for their experiments.

Shop Work Order

Please complete the Shop Work Order form and send to elibatres@rice.edu.

Contact

Eliberto Batres, Sr. Administrator, elibatres@rice.edu
Attila Thomazy, Scientific Instrument Maker, attila@rice.edu
Phone: 713-348-4051