The equipment at our disposal allows us to create high-precision devices for a wide variety of clinical or research applications. Examples of devices that have been produced by this facility include: acrylic cranial windows, a brain tissue environmental chamber, a myocardium rapid-freezing device and a mitral valve repair frame. With the combination of our trained technicians and advanced equipment we can help you develop a custom device that will enable you to complete projects or procedures. Some of our machining equipment include:

CNC Machines

Manual Machines

Vertical Mills
We have a complete array of cutting tools, machine fixtures and tooling that increase the versatility of three vertical milling machines. As a result, we can generate geometries as complex as conventional milling allows. Machinable materials include metals (surgical stainless, implant materials, etc.), polymers (autoclavable, high-impact resistant, load bearing) and ceramics.

Lathes
Three engine lathes of various sizes are specially suited for high precision custom work. Capabilities range from turning large diameters (21") to holding to high tolerances (0.0002").

Multiple Welding Disciplines
Our TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas), Oxy-Acetylene and Arc welders allow us to weld a variety of materials including stainless steel, steel, aluminum and titanium. To join dissimilar metals, brazing, silver soldering and lead/tin soldering are also available.

Precision Surface Grinding
Three types of grinders allow us to machine hardened materials such as chromium cobalt, hardened tool steels, carbides and heat-treated stainless steels to extremely close tolerances.

Surface Finishing
To give devices a good looking outer finish we use either one of our two bead blasting methods. We have aluminum oxide beads that give a slightly dimpled finish, or silicon carbide chips that give a deeper etched finish. To add text or designs to any metallic face we have an electrical etcher that burns the desired display into the surface of the device.

Heat Treating
With our high precision temperature-controlled programmable electrical furnace, we can provide a range of heat treatments for steel items up to 4" x 6" x 12".

Shears/Breaks
Standard metalworking equipment is available for shearing, bending and forming sheet metal and bar stock.

Plastic shop
Our plastic shop is where most of the fabrication of acrylic, polypropylene, and other plastics is performed. The shop also handles wood in order to make fixtures for various projects.

Old, dull and/or damaged instruments can be returned to like-new condition. We sharpen, polish, weld, straighten and make replacements for broken or lost components. Metallic instruments can be uniquely labeled using our etching process.

Instrument Manufacturing and Modification
Custom instruments can be designed and manufactured, and we can make copies of discontinued items for clinical or research use.

Lab personnel can provide as much design assistance as is required. We accept jobs ranging from someone needing a simple part in a hurry to working with your detailed engineering drawings. We can provide input on materials, geometries, drive mechanisms and instrumentation. Often hand-drawn sketches are sufficient, but full computer-aided design capabilities are available.

Design Qualifications

• 120+ years experience in the design and fabrication of mechanical devices
• 70+ years experience with medical devices
• Capabilities include:
  • Ability to take ideas from concept to finished prototype
  • Technical drawings to document design
  • Cardiovascular, orthopaedic, and surgical devices
  • Multiple types of fixtures required by researchers

• Anthony Shawan
• Manager
• 
  

• Ed Cloesmeyer
• Research Engineer I
• 
  

• Jim Proudfit
• Research Engineer I
• 
  

• Brian Sauer
• Research Engineer I
• 
  

• Don Sutliff
• Research Engineer II
• 
  

• Walter Zimmer
• Research Engineer I
•