The IMFLabs offers a variety of services to researchers, inventors and entrepreneurs in the New England area. If you are looking to develop custom instruments, solve difficult design challenges, or fabricate a prototype, we are the right fit for you.
3D Printing
When you need rapid parts, models and assemblies, or want a complex structure in a composite material, 3D printing is the clear choice.
3D printing breaks down a 3D computer file into layers and "prints" the data in an additive process to build a fused physical structure. 3D printing is able to build structures that cannot be produced through normal subtractive machining techniques. The objects produced can be used as:
- Assemblies — instruments, structures or products
- Models — for research, instruction or demonstration of a concept or idea
- Molds — for parts and products
- Parts — both rigid and flexible
IMFLabs staff can provide quotes and produce your parts, models and assemblies in as little as 24 hours.
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Utilizing SolidWorks 3D Solid Modeling, IMFLabs' engineers can bring a new device from initial concept to fabrication-ready design.
The 3D design process allows excellent information sharing as all details of a product are defined. The ability for all stakeholders to see the design in 3D helps to reduce error and effectively utilize the entire team's expertise.
Machines with moving parts can be animated to show the motion of all parts in order to understand and refine function. As well as design details, this process can produce industry-ready, detailed drawings, stunning photo-rendered images and animations for illustration, advertising and presentation purposes.
FEA Simulations
For designs where the strength of materials need to be understood or optimized, FEA (Finite Element Analysis) can be applied.
Using SolidWorks Simulation, we perform a detailed analysis of all forces applied to and experienced by your parts. Results from this analysis are then used to update part sizes, choose optimum materials, or guide redesign in order to address any weaknesses that are identified.
Grant Proposal Assistance
For assistance with grant proposals, please contact Michael Lane at Michael.Lane@uvm.edu or (802) 656-0070.
Mechanical Design/Fabrication
IMFLabs has the capability to design and produce anything from a single part to a complete working prototype or model. We even offer small-volume production runs. Through our complete on-site machine shop, we provide:
- CNC milling services
- CNC turning center
- Drilling
- Grinding
- Polishing
- Welding
- And more!
We work with a wide range of materials including plastics, metals, carbon, graphite and machinable ceramics. Our research engineers can also provide additional fabrication management services including heat treating, coating and others.