Precision Machining
Limn Research provides precision machining for scientific and industrial applications. We specialize in small, technically demanding components and assemblies requiring tight tolerances, careful inspection, and consistent process control. We offer short-run production and fast-turnaround R&D support.
Typical work
Machining work we do for customers includes:
- prototype components for scientific instruments
- optical mounts and alignment hardware
- microfluidic plates, manifolds, molds, and tooling.
- small precision mechanisms
- precision hand tools for specialized assembly processes
- custom fixtures and experimental apparatus
- molds for short-run/prototype casting processes
- production for specialized sensors and scientific equipment
Most parts we machine are small to medium in size, meaning they fit inside a lunchbox. This allows us to focus on the kinds of precision work and machining challenges that are specific to laboratory equipment, sensing hardware, and experimental devices.
Parts larger than this can often be accommodated depending on geometry.
Capabilities
Our capabilities currently include:
Machining
Our machine shop is built around the small, precise, and technically demanding geometries common to scientific hardware such as microfluidics or small optomechanics.
- 3- and 4-axis CNC milling, including micro-machining with end mills down to Ø0.1mm.
- Precision turning, including small-diameter components under microscope.
- Surface and form grinding for dimensional accuracy, complex features in hardened or difficult-to-machine materials, and producing form tools for milling and turning work.
- EDM work provided through a trusted local partner where required.
Finishing + Assembly
Many high precision components require careful manual or semi-manual finishing, and we specialize in these operations.
- Lapping, to achieve flatness, optical surface figure, or precise round dimensions.
- Polishing, both by machine and by hand.
- Heat treating, especially for process tooling.
- Deburring, under microscope and with high-speed dental tools where necessary.
- Precision forming and stamping of wire and small sheet metal components
- Small-scale TIG welding, brazing, and crimping/swaging for difficult assembly applications.
- Basic SMD electronics assembly and testing for integration with machined components.
Inspection
Equally important to making a component is measuring our success in doing so.
- Coordinate measurement (CMM) with probes down to Ø1mm.
- Optical silhouette and surface metrology down to 100x magnification.
- Dimensional measurement with traditional and LVDT indicators (sub-micron).
- Wide range of gages and standards, calibrated and traceable to NIST.
- Surface figure, spherometric, and optical flatness measurements.
- Electronic test equipment including oscilloscopes, function generators, multimeters, and load testers.
Process & Quality
For production work, we establish a process in collaboration with our customers. We maintain controlled drawings and revisions, and inspect critical features using CMM and optical measurement, along with a standard set of NIST-traceable metrology tools. We track design revisions and batches, and provide inspection reports with each run of parts. Where appropriate, we apply serialization and per-part tracking.
Materials
We can machine a very wide range of materials, and are not typically constrained by material choice. Materials we work with most often include:
- Aluminum alloys
- Stainless steel alloys, particularly in a pre-hardened or hardened state
- Engineering plastics, including reinforced and filled grades
- Tool steels
- Brass, bronzes, and pure copper
- Titanium alloys
- Laminates and composites
We can accommodate many other material depending on geometry and tooling requirements.
Tolerances
We routinely work to tight tolerances appropriate for precision instruments and experimental hardware.
Feel free to provide a drawing for evaluation of specific tolerance requirements.
Lead times
Lead times are project-specific, but we are structured to respond quickly and work within fast R&D project timelines. We typically deliver prototype parts in days rather than weeks; production parts are scheduled in response to customer requirements.
Expedited machining is available for especially urgent projects.
