Precision Instrument Machine Shop

The Precision Instrument Machine Shop (PIMS) in the College of Engineering is a full-service machine shop with more than 75 years of combined experience in the design, development and construction of laboratory instrumentation and hardware.

The shop is equipped with the following machines:

Five lathes capable of handling all turning jobs from the smallest, most intricate parts to diameters of 16 inches. The "Prototrak" CNC lathe is capable of repetitive turnings of complicated shapes and turning internal and external threads in English and metric units with extreme precision and accuracy.

Five milling machines: three standard manual styles and two that are equipped with computer-aided programming and servomotors. The "Prototrak DPM" milling machine is capable of machining intricate, irregular shapes and pockets.

Grinding and polishing capabilities to furnish any desired surface finish that the job may require.

Welding and brazing equipment to satisfy any need for the fabrication of vacuum chambers, structural components, flow distribution lines and thermocouples.

We keep most commonly used materials and hardware on hand to provide a quick turnaround time to meet immediate needs. We can work in ferrous and nonferrous metals, ceramics, plastics, graphite and wood.

The shop personnel have been successful in bringing to completion projects involving vacuum, hydraulics, pneumatics, optics, electronics, electrical power distribution, high temperature components and many specialized mechanical components.

The three full-time instrument makers are capable of assisting you with the design, development and construction of your project. Invoicing is available for projects supported by contracts and grants or departmental funds.