The Center for Design Manufacturing & Fabrication, better known as the Machine Shop, is managed by our Mechanical Lab Manager, Justin Huff. Located on the first floor of the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science near DU’s Innovation Lab, the Machine Shop has been a cornerstone of the Mechanical Engineering curriculum since 2019. Under Justin Huff's leadership, it has become an essential hub for fostering creativity, supporting research, and preparing students for successful careers in engineering and beyond.
With a strong focus on Manufacturing Engineering and Design for Manufacture, the Machine Shop plays a vital role in advancing the university’s instructional and research missions. By equipping students with hands-on skills and practical knowledge, the Machine Shop helps develop the next generation of leaders across disciplines.
Empowering Creativity
The Machine Shop offers a wide range of resources to empower student creativity and innovation:
- Experiential Learning: Students engage in hands-on projects, from industry-sponsored designs to research-driven innovations. These experiences help bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application.
- Research Support: The shop collaborates with graduate and doctoral researchers to create cutting-edge solutions, contributing to advancements across diverse fields.
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Partnering with various departments on campus, the Machine Shop fosters interdisciplinary approaches to solving complex problems.
Students have the opportunity to become shop-certified by completing the “Machine Shop Practice” course, a formal program focused on safety and machine tool operation. This 10-week course covers essential skills such as lathe operations, milling techniques, and safety procedures. Once certified, students gain full access to the facility, empowering them to bring their projects to life with confidence.
Get Machine Shop Certified This Summer
Register for the "Machine Shop Practice" class this summer and learn how to master the mill, lathe, band saws, and more! This course provides all the essential training to gain access to the DU Machine Shop. Upon successful completion, you'll earn machine shop certification, unlocking the freedom to use the facility for academic or personal projects.
Class Schedule
June 23 - July 31, 2025
Tue/Thu - 10 AM – 11:50 AM
2155 E. Wesley Ave., Room 160
Email our Enrollment Manager, Kevin, to reserve your spot today!
Available Equipment
Machine Tools
- HAAS Super Mini Mill - Gen 2 Control
- Kent KTM 3VSF with 2-Axis CNC Control Powered by the Acu-Rite G2 Controller
- Kent KTM 3VSF 3-Axis Manual Control with Acu-Rite DRO
- GMC GT-1860DB 2-Axis Manual Lathe with Acu-Rite DRO
- MSC Manual Lathe with Acu-Rite DRO
- Grob 4V-24 24″ Vertical Bandsaw
- DAKE SE912 Horizontal Bandsaw
- Doall G1 Surface Grinder
Welding Equipment
- Miller Dynasty 280 TIG Welder with Water-Cooled Torch
- Lincoln Electric MIG Welder with Spool Gun and Arc Welding Capability
- Miller LMSW-52T Air-Cooled Spot Welder with Timer
- Thermaflow Plasma Cutter
- Oxy-Acetelyne Torch
Meet the Mechanical Lab Manager
Justin Huff, a Colorado native, received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Denver in 2011. He earned his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from DU in 2021. Before returning to academia, Justin spent a decade in industry, where he:
- Machined precision parts for the aerospace sector.
- Designed laser enclosures.
- Worked as a Sales Engineer specializing in high-end machine tools and accessories.
In addition, Justin is a certified structural steel welder and has extensive experience in mechanical design using SolidWorks and GibbsCAM. His expertise in manufacturing engineering brings a unique perspective to the Machine Shop, enriching the student experience at the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science.
Justin’s passion for mentoring students and fostering innovation has made the Machine Shop an invaluable resource at DU. By blending academic knowledge with real-world experience, he inspires students to think creatively and develop practical solutions to engineering challenges.
In his free time:
Justin enjoys playing basketball, spending time outdoors with his two young children, and tackling creative projects in his home shop. He is always on the lookout for ways to combine family time with his love for engineering and design.
