Fabricating the Future of Innovation
At Fermilab, advanced research is propelled through expert design, precision fabrication and rigorous quality. Critical services such as machining, welding, procurement and inspection play a vital role in ensuring the success of complex projects. These capabilities contribute directly to advancing scientific discovery and innovation, supporting cutting-edge research efforts.
Machine Shop
Fermilab’s Machine Shop produces high-tolerance prototype and small-run machined parts, as well as certified welding processes for the lab, the DOE and institutions worldwide.
The shop is equipped with a range of tools, including manual lathes and milling machines, as well as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) horizontal and vertical machines. It also offers high-tolerance EDM wire capability, ensuring the quality and precision needed for complex scientific projects.
Advance machining and welding capabilities
In addition to standard machine tools, the Machine Shop has water-jet cutting capability for sheet sizes up to 4 feet by 8 feet, with a tolerance of plus or minus 0.002 inches. The shop also has an engraving machine to produce lamacoid signs using multiple colors, fonts and designs.
Fermilab’s certified welders are qualified to perform gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) in the 6G position on various metals, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum and titanium. They also use other welding processes, including shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux-core arc welding (FCAW), plasma arc welding (PAW), orbital welding, brazing, oxyacetylene cutting (OFC-A) up to 17 inches thick, plasma arc cutting (PAC) and carbon arc cutting (CAC).
Quality and materials
Quality and materials expertise are essential to the success of projects. Early in a project, the team provides cost estimates and offers guidance on manufacturing and quality engineering issues.
As a project progresses, the team handles procurement for parts, tooling and supplies necessary to support fabrication efforts. They also provide source and incoming inspections services throughout the project. After items pass inspection, the team manages storage and inventory control for magnets and their components.
Metrology and fabrication procurement services are also provided to Fermilab and other national laboratories. The goal is ensuring deliverables meet customer specifications and requirements while maintaining safety and environmental standards.
