Facilities Description


A side view of a cone plate viscometer built in the shop 		The Northwestern University Instrument shop is a full service machining, fabrication and repair facility capable of meeting the needs of an active research community. We support researchers in the physical and life sciences. The shop is staffed by six highly talented instrument makers with over 200 years experience.

The Instrument Shop is a fully equipped machine shop outfitted with manual and CNC (computerized numerical control) machines. We also provide welding, woodworking and design services for our customers. Our capabilities include:
  • Milling, Drilling, and Boring
  • Turning and Threading
  • Surface Grinding
  • Wire and Ram EDM (electrical discharge machining)
  • TIG Welding for Vacuum Applications
  • Orbital Welding of VCR Fittings
  • Helium Mass Spectrometer Leak Detection
  • Stick, Spot, Gas Welding & Brazing
  • Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication