04/27/2026
The Research Shop just finished an enclosure we made for two laser engravers for NC State Materials Science!🐺🔩
The structure is made from extruded aluminum framing with aluminum sheeting for the sides. It is bolted directly to the table, through the frame, for stability. There are two doors since there are two lasers. We used a tinted polycarbonate on the doors to help absorb specific laser wavelengths for safety, while also offering visibility during operation. 👓
11/05/2025
The Research Shop team just finished these rumen suction strainers we made for Hoofprint Biome!
They are used to extract the fluid (rumen) out of a cow's stomach. The fluid is then analyzed/ tested. 🐄🔍
08/19/2025
Our team just finished a project for the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River, NC! ⛰️🧰
The project is a collaboration between North Carolina Department of Agriculture (NCDA) and NC State. This produce line is used by NCDA to teach hygienic design and maintenance. The research station uses it to wash produce, like apples and tomatoes, grown at the research station.
The overall goals of the project were to lower the height of the line so the workers can work off of the floor, reduce the transition angles between the conveyors to prevent produce bruising and improve the hygienic design and overall safety of the line. 🍎
The two conveyors were made from scratch by the Research Shop. The washer (middle section) was modified by adding new curtain hangers, hard piping spray system and lowering the washer. The dump tank was shortened and put on casters so it can be used either with the packing line, or as an educational tool for NCDA to teach hygienic design. 🐺🪛
