EML 2322L – MAE Design and Manufacturing Laboratory
Project Purchase Orders
Once construction commences on your design project it will be necessary to purchase materials and parts from the lab, from local stores and from companies like McMaster-Carr, MSC, or Surplus Center using your allotted budget. Purchase orders (“POs”) are required for all raw materials (regardless of size). POs are NOT required for unmodified, reusable items like motors, wheels, 80-20 attachment and accessory brackets and fasteners (including adhesives and string). The laboratory manager will consolidate and place the orders each week. The procedure for requesting the order is as follows:
· Download and fill out the Excel PO request form. As stated on the form all shaded boxes must be filled in or the request will not be submitted. Note the three example PO requests included in the Excel PO request form document. If ordering from an outside vendor, be sure to contact the company and check if all the parts you are ordering are in stock.
· Submit a paper copy of the purchase order any time during the week in the lab.
· Orders are usually placed on Fridays (to give all groups a chance to submit them before the week’s end) and delivered by the following Friday, so please plan ahead and submit POs for non-local orders early in the semester.
· Regular trips to Lowes and Walmart will take place as well. The lab will purchase items for the groups using a University credit card. Try to not order parts from an outside vendor if they are available locally, unless you can source the same components for less money (including shipping and handling charges).
· It is each group’s responsibility to track their budget and communicate clearly with each other as to what items are to be purchased. Exceeding your allocated budget limit will result in a 10% grade penalty for the main project.
Below are two documents listing the common materials normally stocked in the lab and their associated costs. Remember that any material used from the lab must be purchased out of the budget by issuing a PO. If the exact size of the material you need to use is not on the lists, calculate the equivalent cost per volume based on the prices presented, as shown in the example calculations.