The Physics Instrument Shop was established to serve the scientific instrument fabrication needs of the Physics Department and the University community.

Design software is primarily in Solidworks and MasterCam, with file conversion capability from other common design programs, such as AutoCad and Rhino. Production from notes, offhand drawings and discussion is also possible. For a complete listing of our services and capabilities visit the services page.

The shop utilizes both manual and computer controlled milling machines and lathes for the production of instrumentation in a wide variety of common and exotic materials. Tig welding and high temperature brazing of Stainless Steel for UH vacuum system construction and repair is available. Thanks to the generous support of the Vice Chancellor of Research, Arts and Sciences and the Physics Department, the shop has acquired an Omax abrasive jet machine that offers unique cutting capabilities in nearly all materials.

Charlie Bowen has been with the shop since 2001 and has 40 years of experience in machining and design. Tracy Buxkemper has been with CU for 22 years completing the Department of Labor Apprentice program in Instrument Making while employed at the CIRES Instrument Shop, and has supervised the shop since 2001.

The shop is located in the Duane Physics building on the University of Colorado campus in Boulder Colorado. For more information please contact us.