This consultation ensures that the investigator and the facility director are clear on the project objectives. The material is then ordered along with any special tools required to complete this project. When the material and tools needed for the project arrive, the job is scheduled in the shop for manufacture. Depending on the complexity of the job, it may take from one to many days to complete. The finished project is delivered to the user for inspection and to determine whether it will perform as needed.
Customized work can cause a backlog in the work schedule.
Some jobs require more time because they are ongoing research projects, and the job may require improvements and modifications to meet the needs of the user. The Instrument Shops are presently housed in two central locations in the Center to provide better coverage for the scientific community's needs.