Mechanics

The Mechanical Department designs and produces mechanical assemblies for physics instruments. It works in collaboration with the other technical services and research groups of the IP2I, as well as within national or international collaborations and projects.

With a design office and manufacturing workshops (mechanical machining and metal work) working in constant interaction, the mechanical department is able to carry out projects from the study phases (R&T, dimensioning, etc.) to the finished product (manufacturing, subcontracting follow-up, assembly and integration), including the test and trial phases, as well as on-site assembly if necessary (CERN, GANIL, etc.)

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Design Office

The Design Office is responsible for managing and monitoring the projects it develops. It deals with the design of mechanical assemblies and their implementation on site.

It has recognised expertise in numerical calculations and simulations using finite elements, particularly for static, dynamic or vibratory mechanical design, for thermomechanical studies, as well as for fluid flows and fluid/structure heat exchanges.

Technical tools :

• CAD modelling on Catia V5 / Catia V
• Collaborative work and SGDT on 3DExperience
• Multiphysics FEA simulations on Ansys WB / FLUENT

Mechanical workshops

The workshops carry out the manufacturing of parts and prototypes, as well as their assembly. They take care of the installation of instruments locally or on site. They are responsible for finding new suppliers as well as subcontracting and monitoring.

Machining workshop including :

• Conventional machines (lathes, milling machines)
• Digital lathe
• Computer-controlled 2.5-axis mini-milling machine
• 3D printers (SLA, FFF, FDM)
• 3 numerically controlled 3-axis centres (stroke > 1m)

Metal workshop producing :

• Carpentry in aluminium profiles
• Bending / Cutting
• Various brazing and welding including TIG (UHV)

Additional skills

In addition to the production of mechanical assemblies, the Mechanical Department accompanies its projects through to the inspection and testing phases thanks to a wide range of equipment and associated skills:

• Metrological measuring arm and 3D Scan (Ø2m & 4m)
• Ultrasound cleaning & test bench for vacuum and ultra-high vacuum tightness
• Instrumentation for thermal/fluid measurements & motor control
• Fibre technology (polishing / bonding / connection)