Beyond Code: CNC, 3D Printing, Soldering, Welding & Fabrication
Recently, I’ve been thinking that versatility is the most important skill for a robotics engineer in the age of AI. The University of Michigan has two places to learn manufacturing skills, from basic machining and 3D printing to CNC and welding, so I decided to learn everything they offer. The training map is below. This post is where I keep track of what I’ve learned and built.
Table of Contents
Getting Started
Basic Workshop Safety I
Location: Canvas
Completed: October 13, 2026
This is the starting point for all training sessions. It introduces basic workshop safety rules through Canvas modules and quizzes that must be passed.
Wilson Center Basics II
Location: Wilson Student Team Project Center
Completed: October 15, 2026
This is the starting point for all hands-on training at the Wilson Center. It consists of two parts. The first is on Canvas, with videos and quizzes covering the basics and introducing the final project.
The second part is an in-person project. I made two aluminum pieces using the workshop tools below.
| Final Result - A pencil holder | |
|---|---|
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| Photo | Tool and notes |
|---|---|
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Shear. This machine was used to cut the sheet aluminum to size. |
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Manual hole punch. This machine was used to punch the holes in the sheet aluminum. |
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Horizontal bandsaw. This machine was used to cut the aluminum stock for the bottom piece. |
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Drill press. This machine was used to drill the blind holes in the bottom piece. |
Dial calipers were used to measure the pieces and mark cut lines and hole locations. Files and deburring tools were used to smooth the edges and holes. A brake was used to bend the sheet aluminum, and a hand tap was used to cut internal threads in the bottom piece.
FRB Basics II - Soldering, CO2 Laser Cutting, 3D Printing
Location: Ford Robotics Building
Planned: October 23, 2026
This course introduces soldering, CO2 laser cutting, and 3D printing.
Machining
Manual Mill
Location: Wilson Center
Completed: TBD
Manual Lathe
Location: Wilson Center
Completed: TBD
CNC ProtoTRAK Mill
Location: Wilson Center
Completed: TBD
Haas VF-2 Mill
Location: Wilson Center
Completed: TBD
CNC TL-1 Lathe
Location: Wilson Center
Completed: TBD
Haas SL-20 Lathe
Location: Wilson Center
Completed: TBD
Laser Cutting & Fabrication
Universal R9000
Location: FRB Robotics Makerspace
Completed: TBD
This course introduces the Universal R9000 laser cutter.
Fablight Metal Laser Cutter
Location: FRB Robotics Makerspace
Completed: TBD
This course introduces the Fablight FL4500 Tube & Sheet fiber laser cutter.
ProtoMAX Waterjet
Location: FRB Robotics Makerspace
Completed: TBD
This course introduces the ProtoMAX abrasive waterjet cutter.
ShopBot CNC Router
Location: Wilson Center
Completed: TBD
Welding
TIG 1
Location: Wilson Center
Completed: TBD
TIG 2
Location: Wilson Center
Completed: TBD
MIG Welding
Location: Wilson Center
Completed: TBD
Aluminum Welding
Location: Wilson Center
Completed: TBD