graphic lettering: On-campus machine shop

Research Shop Services...

Skilled workers operate the Research Shops equipment fabricating machined parts.

Note: Initial consultations are needed for all projects. Small projects may only require a phone call while others may need a face-to face consultation.

For shop consultations please contact:

David Buffaloe,
Instrument Shop Supervisor-
Phone: 515-6734
Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
closed 12-1pm
Location: 130 Weaver Labs
(corner of Dan Allen
and Western Blvd.)

Machine and Fabrication...

a group of small fabricated parts resting on top of parts drawings.

The Research Shop is a fully functional precision machine and fabrication shop with high precision machining equipment and well equipped fabrication / welding equipment and tools (See Equipment Listing page). Our three axis CNC milling machine allows us the capability to produce almost any part, including 3-D graphics with our CAD/CAM/3-D software.
The Research Shop has the only multi axis wire electrical discharge machine (EDM) on the NC State campus. EDM uses an electrically charged wire (.010 dia.) to electrically machine (burn) away conductive material. EDM allows for extremely accurate machining with an exceptional surface finish. EDM can be used to make multiple angle cuts such as those found in gears, sprockets and involute splines. In the high precision machining industry, EDM is used to make geometric shapes and curved lines such as specialty surgical and medical tools, as well as parts and equipment used in the aerospace and nuclear industry where precision fits and part quality is high priority.
The Research Shop also creates laboratory apparatuses and parts from all types of plastic materials.

Create a product
Assist project leaders, staff, and graduate students in product design, material selection, and cost efficiency
Assist BAE and Bio-Medical Engineering students with senior design projects from concept to completion
Copy and make a machine part from an old one
Keeps worn or outdated machinery working properly. If there are no replacement parts available the Research Shop can often fabricate a new machine part

Assist with rough designs for projects built from metal, wood, and all types of plastic materials
Create working models, prototypes or final design projects to your specifications. Our staff can work from CAD created drawings or rough design drawings
Make modifications to refine finished projects
During the fabrication process of the project, the ability to monitor the work for potential design errors or problems. Advise of our findings so a solution can be applied to correct the problem.

The shop's specialty is building one-of-a-kind university research projects which are produced with faculty/staff collaboration. However, any project that can make use of our machining capabilities are very welcome. Project size is not a problem because the Research Shop at Weaver Labs has one of the largest open work areas on campus and it is easily accessed by extra wide garage door openings.

Fabrication

Precision Machining

Biomass Torrefaction Unit