Two students working on their Capstone Project.

Capstone Design

Connecting Engineering Students to Industry Needs
Voiland CollegeSchool of Mechanical and Materials EngineeringUndergraduate ProgramCapstone Design

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About Capstone Design

Our senior capstone class is designed to give students experience completing real-world projects with industrial partners. The program is deliverable based, where students work with industry to define and meet specifications unique to each project. The students gain experience applying the skills they have learned in school, while industrial partners get to know recent graduates as they complete projects that assist their organization. In this semester-long course, students work in teams of 4-6 to develop practical engineering solutions, presenting a working product or prototype along with associated documentation at the end of the semester.

Project Timeline

  • Fall Semester: Mid-August to Mid-December
  • Spring Semester: Early January to Early May

At the project’s start, students visit the sponsor’s location to understand the challenges faced, ensuring they are well-prepared to deliver effective solutions. Throughout the semester, weekly meetings between students and sponsors facilitate ongoing communication and collaboration.

Project Management Approach

Students utilize Agile Scrum methodology, providing regular updates and tangible deliverables (e.g., prototypes, test reports) every two weeks. This iterative process allows for customer feedback throughout the design cycle, minimizing surprises and aligning the final outcome with expectations.

Typical Project Types

Students in the mechanical and materials engineering capstone program are trained in various areas, including thermal systems, mechatronics integration, manufacturing processes, 3D modeling, finite element analysis, and instrumentation/control. Potential project ideas span a variety of fields, with some recent examples including:

  • Mechatronics
    • Automated band-cutting system
    • Liquid sampler with pneumatic lid closer
    • Embedded sensors on glasses to measure slippage during physical activities
  • Hardware Design and Construction
    • Rotary fixture for staging parts inside a sand blaster
    • Ice dispenser drip tray redesign for improved durability
    • Gravel dispenser for a miniature asphalt machine
  • Test Fixtures & Manufacturing Jigs
    • Test rig for measuring clamping force and heat dissipation in PCB wedge locks
    • System for detecting leaks in packaged foods
    • Test setup for measuring force on automotive hood struts

Sponsors are encouraged to submit diverse project ideas, even those outside these categories, as students are eager to tackle various challenges.

Contact Information

Information for Potential Project Sponsors

Benefits for Organizations

  • Invest in Future Engineers: Engage with and mentor students, helping shape the next generation of engineering talent.
  • Cost-Effective Solutions: Access engineering services at a low cost.
  • Leadership Development: Offer junior engineers in your organization opportunities to practice mentorship and leadership skills.
  • Enhanced Recruitment: Gain visibility among graduating engineers, improving recruitment efforts.

Funding

The typical project cost is $25,000 plus any associated build costs. We understand that funding can be a barrier, especially for nonprofits, and are open to discussing alternative funding arrangements to ensure that budget constraints do not limit project possibilities.

Have a Project Idea?

If you have an idea for a project and are interested in connecting with our students, please fill out our project idea submission form. Once you submit your project idea, our instructors will evaluate it to determine if it aligns with our program capacity and educational goals. If your project is a good fit, we will reach out via email to discuss the scope, timeline, and funding options. We look forward to collaborating with you!

Submit Your Project Idea

Recent Capstone Projects