Machining and Fabrication
One of the many aspects of scientific and medical research is the need for specialized hardware. The nature of modern research requires a vast array of type, size and complexity in the design of this hardware, some of which can be assembled from off the shelf items. Frequently, acquisition of this hardware requires the services of a facility with unique capabilities.
Duke's Physics Instrument Shop is a full service design and fabrication machine shop staffed with experienced craftsmen and state of the art machinery. Our use of CNC machine tools and CAD/CAM software allows us the ability to produce complex designs in a wide variety of materials in a timely and cost effective manner. We work directly from blueprints or drawings provided by our customers or take ideas from individuals and engineer their particular needs. Our capabilities include a wide and diverse collection to serve the entire university, from simple to complex and precision in the scientific, medical, mechanical and artistic disciplines.
Let us supply your non 3D printed plastic parts like Teflon. Services include machining, welding, plastics fabrication and light sheet metal work. We can arrange access to vendors for waterjet, laser and commercial coatings.
Please contact us if you are interested in services or products.
The Duke University Physics Instrument Shop
Justin Fox, Research & Design Engineer
Scott Howell, Senior Instrument Maker
055 Physics Building
Box 90305, Duke University
Durham, NC 27708
+1 (919) 660-2587
As with other university-based shared facilities, hourly rates are charged as a means of recovering a portion of the costs associated with operating such a facility. These fees are reviewed and approved by Physics Department management, the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences Dean's Office, and the Duke University Central Accounting Office.
Industry clients working on government contracts are billed at the "External University and Non-Profit" rate.
Note: The users fees typically increase by 3% on July 1 (the start of a new fiscal year).
Instrument Shop Instrument Design Fees effective July 1, 2027
$81/hour for Duke University Users
$131/hour for External University and Non-Profit Users
$203/hour for Industry Users
Instrument Shop Consulting Fees effective July 1, 2027
$42/hour for Duke University Users
$68/hour for External University and Non-Profit Users
$105/hour for Industry Users
This fee is charged in addition to the instrument design rate when staff consultation is required or desired.
Billing Methodology
The Physics Instrument Shop will provide an initial consultation to review your project. The Instrument Shop will follow up with a quote based on project requirements and estimated design and consultation fees. Clients will be billed based on actual time and materials.
The billing cycle runs from the 1st day of the month to the last day of the month. Invoices for fees are emailed monthly to the PI and Grant Manager for Duke users, and to the customer contacts provided to the Physics Instrument Shop for external users.