Resources

Suggested Vendors

Here are some suggested vendors for procurement of vacuum components, materials, fasteners, and related items. Purchase options vary widely; some accept only credit cards, others take purchase orders. We have open accounts with some suppliers– if you are with a BU research group the SIF can purchase items and bill you.

Industrial Suppliers (Easy to use websites; good for browsing)

• MSC Industrial Supply
• McMaster-Carr
• Swagelok
• Parker

Material (Most metals and plastics)

• Yarde Metals
• Altec Plastics
• Boedeker Plastics

Vacuum (These vendors can supply most vacuum needs)

• Kurt J. Lesker Company
• Agilent Technologies
• MDC Vacuum
• LDS Vacuum

Machine Vendors (Larger Machines, mills, etc.)

• Brooks Associates
• Southwestern Industries
• Rice Machinery

Informational Resources

• William Doxford and Sons – a fascinating look at how it was done 50-80 years ago, pre CNC
• eFunda – The Ultimate Online Reference for Engineers
• Engineers Edge – Design, Engineering and Manufacturing Solutions
• GlobalSpec – Engineering Search & Industrial Supplier Catalogs
• ThomasNet – CNC Machining, Metal Stamping, Gaskets, Fasteners and other industrial products and services.
• Design Squad – PBS KIDS GO!