SIS develops custom research instruments and components through precision machining, fabrication, and prototyping for academic and scientific applications. The instruments featured below represent a small selection of past projects. The Scientific Instrument Shop specializes in designing and fabricating entirely custom research instruments and experimental apparatus tailored to your lab’s unique specifications.

Instruments

Clear acrylic Y-maze laboratory behavioral testing apparatus with custom 3D-printed round ventilation caps, one engraved with UIC branding.
Modular Y-mazes for behavioral studies
Every custom instrument is built to order. Contact 
us to discuss your technical specifications and receive 
a detailed project estimate.
Top-down view of clear acrylic glass components and concave optical elements arranged on a dark textured foam surface.
Acrylic lenses and clevis pin adapters
Every custom instrument is built to order. Contact us to discuss your technical specifications and receive a detailed project estimate.
Three precision miniature metallic ring sensor components with small pins displayed in a row behind a US quarter coin for size reference.
Heated lung windows
Every custom instrument is built to order. Contact us to discuss your technical specifications and receive a detailed project estimate.
Extreme close-up shot under a microscope showing a tiny metallic ring washer alongside US dime and quarter coins for scale comparison.
Precision research fixtures
Every custom instrument is built to order. Contact us to discuss your technical specifications and receive a detailed project estimate.
Close-up of a 3D-printed black cable organizer clip mounted on an aluminum extrusion rail, securing multiple clear flexible tubes and power cords.
3D-printed lab accessories
Every custom instrument is built to order. Contact 
us to discuss your technical specifications and receive 
a detailed project estimate.

Research Instrumentation and Prototype Development

SIS develops research instrumentation and prototype systems for experimental work across engineering, biomedical, physical science, and interdisciplinary research environments. We support projects from early concept review through fabrication, assembly, and delivery of functional research-ready instruments.

Who We Support

  • Primary Investigators (PIs)
  • Faculty researchers
  • Graduate students
  • Research labs
  • External academic collaborators
  • Postdoctoral researchers (postdocs)
  • Research scientists and lab managers
  • Core facility directors and staff
  • Industry partners and R&D teams
  • Clinicians and surgeon-researchers
  • Veterinary and preclinical research staff
  • Undergraduate researchers and lab assistants

Submit requests via iLab

Tibial Independent Biomechanical Instrument for Alignment

  1. 3D CAD design render of a custom mechanical knee fixture jig assembly with adjustable angle guide and mounting base.
  2. Fabricated custom aluminum knee fixture jig engraved with Scientific Instrument Shop University of Illinois Chicago branding.

Sliding Elbow Mechanical Loading Fixture

  1. Side view of a custom cylindrical aluminum mechanical fixture with attached articulated joint and adjusting bolts on a white background.
  2. Top-down angle view of a hollow cylindrical aluminum fixture connected to an adjustable metal pivot arm assembly.