Department of Physics Machine Shop
The Department of Physics Machine Shop focuses on making special one-of-a-kind research equipment to order. The shop has special equipment such as an EDM RAM Machine, a CNC Traveling Wire EDM Machine, a DeVlieg Jig Mill, and a CNC ExCello Milling Machine. We also have all of the normal machines found in a well equipped shop.
The EDM Machines are used to machine metals and samples that cannot be done by conventional machines. Parts or materials that are machined with the EDM Machine must be a conductor of electricity. Materials that are too hard for conventional machining can be cut this way.
Exotic materials we have worked with include gold, silver, platinum, iridium, tantalum, titanium, magnesium, molybdenum, stainless steel, inconel and other nickel alloys, tool steels, machinable ceramics (such as Macor), tungsten, some ceramics, single crystal metal samples, composite materials (of various kinds), and plastics (such as Teflon, Delrin, Nylon, etc.)
The Department of Physics Machine Shop has experience fabricating special equipment that is used in the areas of Ultra High Vacuum (UHV), High Temperature, High Pressure, Cryogenics, Laser Research, etc.
You may contact the Department of Physics Machine Shop via phone at 217-333-1379 or by emailing Shop Supervisor Jim Brownfield (brownfld@illinois.edu).
If you would like to place an order with the Department of Physics Machine Shop, please contact the Department of Physics Business Office at 333-0573 to become a preauthorized PI. Then visit https://my.physics.uiuc.edu/machine to place an order.