Janelia Experimental Technology's services include machining and fabrication with a team of experienced scientific machinists to provide high precision, rapid response, in-house fabrication to Janelia and visiting researchers. In-house fabrication at Janelia is performed at jET’s machine and fabrication shop which utilizes enhanced computer numerical control (CNC) machinery, wire electrical discharge machining (EDM), and 3D printing capabilities for rapid prototyping. Janelia Experimental Technology scientific machinists work closely with Janelia and visiting researchers in a collaborative manner for many types of projects including rapid part creation, modifications to existing parts or off-the-shelf components, and high precision fabrication that require specialized techniques.

Additionally, jET maintains a selection of close vendors that are called upon to extend its capabilities and fabrication throughput.  For outsourced parts, jET provides technical management in the form of initial consultation with the researchers, part drawing creation, vendor quoting, technical oversight, and inspection on received parts.  These services refine the researchers' thoughts and visions into custom parts that can be manufactured to further their research.

Janelia Experimental Technology also supports a satellite machine and fabrication shop that is operated by and for the researchers themselves, after they complete a short training course. This "self-service" capability speeds up many smaller tasks. 

Types of Fabrication

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3D Printing

• Multiple Materials
  • In a single print
  • Hard or Soft Material
• Ability to Produce Normally Unmachinable Features
• Quick Turn Around

Laser Cutting

• Ability to Cut Acrylic, Delran, Silicon
• Cut Complicated and Difficult to Machine Designs
• Ability to Engrave or Mark Surfaces

Wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining)

• Unconventional Machining
• Ability to Cut Any Conductive Materials
• High Precision

5-Axis CNC

• High Precision
• Infinite Possibilities
• Ability to Machine on Complex Shapes and Curved or Inclined Surfaces

Outsourcing

• Large Supplier Base with Wide Variety of Capabilities
• Custom Manufactured Parts
• Assist in Design and Manufacturing

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Equipment 

Beyond a large selection of basic fabrication tools, jET personnel operate many types of high-performance equipment to support Janelia researchers.