Whether you're a startup, researcher, or industry team
We help you design, build, and refine ideas into working prototypes — without the usual barriers.
3D DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
We help turn your ideas, drawings, or physical parts into accurate and fabricable digital models. Whether you're prototyping a product, need something 3D printed, or need to make copies of a hard-to-replace item, our team can support each step of the process.
Capabilities include:
- CAD modeling (solid and surface)
- Product visualization, assembly animation, and rendering
- 3D scanning and reverse engineering
- STL repair and file cleanup
- Prototype design and iteration support
- 2D <-> 3D documentation generation
- Enclosure design
- DFM / DFA guidance
Examples:
Morrill Hall Specimen Scanning
NEED: Create digital models of fossil specimens for education and outreach
SOLUTION: 3D scanned bones and fossils using high-resolution metrology tools, then cleaned and prepped the files for 3D printing
RESULT: Morrill Hall staff can now print durable replicas to distribute to guests from far and wide
✔️ Digitized fragile, irreplaceable specimens
✔️ Streamlined repeat use — museum staff drop off, we handle the rest
✔️ Supported STEM education and outreach statewide
DIGITAL FABRICATION & MACHINING
We fabricate parts using NIS' extensive library of additive, subtractive, and hybrid tools. From single components to complex assemblies, we can produce fast, high-quality results in plastics, metals, and more.
Capabilities include:
- 3D printing (FDM, SLA, SLS, PolyJet, large-format)
- Small Volume Metal Casting
- CNC machining (mill, lathe)
- Sheet metal cutting and forming
- Plasma cutting, Fiber Laser cutting + marking + engraving + welding
- Small volume production
- Advanced welding, including MIG, TIG, Fiber Laser Welding/Cutting/Cleaning, and Robotic MIG
- Powder coating and finishing
- Assembly and fit-up
Examples:
Huge Savings in Large-Format FDM Printing
NEED: Large-format functional 3D parts for product validation
SOLUTION: 309 hours of F770 printing with custom file prep and weekend check-ins
RESULT: Delivered faster and cheaper than outsourcing — $3.7K vs. $11K market rate
✔️ 3D printed over 300 hours of large-format parts
✔️ Saved client 67% vs. commercial providers
✔️ Let client engineers focus on R&D, not operations
SYSTEMS PROTOTYPING
Some prototypes need a bit more — sensors, boards, motors, or integrated control. We offer support for projects with light electronics and electromechanical components.
Capabilities include:
- Embedded systems and microcontroller setup
- PCB layout and prototyping
- Sensor and actuator integration
- Functional test builds
- Electromechanical assembly and testing
- Mechatronics design
- Sensor integration
- System-level debugging and testing
Examples:
Cattle Kettle Distributed Monitoring Prototypes
NEED: Refine a rugged, cellular-connected monitor for livestock water tanks
SOLUTION: Supported multiple iterations of enclosure design, internal layout, and field-ready packaging; helped troubleshoot cellular communication issues and advised on manufacturability
RESULT: Advanced from early prototype to manufacturable design, ready for field pilots and investment conversations
✔️ Integrated electronics + mechanical systems
✔️ Iterated rapidly for usability and field conditions
✔️ Provided technical advising during incubator and grant phases
Training & Workshops
Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a day. We provide hands-on training for individuals and teams looking to learn prototyping tools, fabrication techniques, or equipment safety.
Offerings include:
- Tool certification and safety training
- CAD and 3D printing workshops
- Certificate-granting courses in Robotics, Drone pilotry, and Robotic Welding
- Fabrication and prototyping workshops
- Custom sessions for student groups, faculty labs, or external partners
