Who can use Professional Machining
Q: Can undergraduate students or student clubs request professional machining services?
A: Yes, please submit your CAD file and associated drawings to Machine Shop Manager Ryan Mendell (ryan.mendell@utoronto.ca). For more information about types of services, hourly rates, and how to submit a job, please see here: https://www.mie.utoronto.ca/student-life-services/machine-shop-professional/
Q: Can people outside of UofT request machining services?
A: No, the UofT MC78 Machine Shop services are reserved for UofT students, faculty members, and hospitals associated with the university only. For external corporations and private individuals, please contact a different local machine shop. We cannot recommend a local machine shop for you.
Q: What information do I need to provide when requesting a job?
A: Please see more information for what to submit here: https://www.mie.utoronto.ca/student-life-services/machine-shop-professional/
What materials and services are available with Professional Machining
Q: Is a quote required before approving the work?
A: Yes, all work must be quoted before the shop starts on your project. After you submit your drawing and the associated CAD file, a quotation will be provided to you. If you wish to proceed, you will fill out a Job Request Form to start the job. Learn more about requesting a job here: https://www.mie.utoronto.ca/student-life-services/machine-shop-professional/
Q: Can I submit an incomplete design and discuss it with a machinist?
R: Yes, engineering consultations with Machine Shop Manager, Ryan Mendell (ryan.mendell@utoronto.ca), are available.
Q: Can the machinists design my part for me if I cannot make my own drawing?
A: Yes, at an additional cost. Please contact the machine shop manager, Ryan Mendell (ryan.mendell@utoronto.ca) to arrange an engineering consultation to determine the design criteria for your part. You may be billed hourly for how long it takes for the design/drawing to be created by the professional machinists.
Q: What types of materials does the shop machine?
A: The MC78 Machine Shop can work with essentially any material. Please see the photo gallery to see a variety of parts and materials the Machine Shop is capable of manufacturing.
Metals: Aluminum, Steel/Stainless Steel, Titanium, Brass, Copper, etc.
Plastics: Acrylic, PVC, Polycarbonate, Nylon, Teflon, PEEK, etc.
Composites: Carbon Fibers, Ceramics and Fiberglass
Q: Can I provide my own material?
A: Yes, if you have existing material needed to make your part, the Machine Shop can work with it. However, it is preferred to allow the machine shop to order the necessary materials for you to ensure that it meets both your design criteria and work holding requirements the machinists have determined for the manufacturing.
Q: Can the shop ship the completed parts?
A: The shop can ship parts at an additional cost.
Q: Can the shop repair damaged equipment or modify an existing part?
A: Yes, the shop can work with existing parts or repair some equipment.
Billing
Q: How will my project be billed?
A: Your job is billed through FIS, Credit Card, or Invoice. For invoicing, you must provide a P.O. or Cheque before work begins. Fill in a job request with the following form: https://www.mie.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/JobRequestForm-July-2025.pdf
Q: Can I request an urgent job?
A: The jobs submitted to the machine shop are completed on a queue basis, meaning they are completed in order of request. You can request that your job be completed by a certain date, but there are no guarantees a rush job can be accommodated depending on ongoing jobs in the queue.
Q: How can I check the status of my job?
A: If you have submitted a machining project, rest assured it is in progress and you will be emailed when your job is complete. Please do not contact us for updates as this takes away from actually machining your project.