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.
Equipment
Beyond a large selection of basic fabrication tools, jET personnel operate many types of high-performance equipment to support Janelia researchers.
| Equipment | Manufacturer | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Axis CNC milling machine | Hermle | Milling and drilling multiple sides or spatial angles on complex parts in one single set up |
| Robodrill CNC milling machine | Fanuc | 3 Axis CNC part production |
| Wire EDM | Agie Charmilles | Non-conventional part manufacture by cutting with a fine, energized wire that erodes metal through electrical discharge |
| Tool room lathe | Sharp | Manufacturing small round parts |
| Manual mills (2) | Bridgeport | Milling parts by conventional methods |
| Laser cutter | Universal Laser Systems | Quickly cutting plastic parts |
| 3D Printer | Objet Connex 350 | 3D rapid prototyping of new and experimental designs |
| Laser welder | Laserstar | Welding of small parts and instrumentation |
| CAD-CAM software | Mastercam and Esprit | Complex tool paths from 3D CAD design part files |
| Bead blast cabinet | --- | Buffering and sanding for part finishing |
|
Optical comparator, micrometers, calipers and various gages |
various | Part inspection and system verification |
