Design and Fabrication Services
What our Customers Say
DFS has worked with students, faculty, and researchers from a diverse array
of departments within the University at Buffalo community involving
many hundreds of projects. Our customers routinely indicate that they have
had a rewarding
experience
working with DFS and we have received correspondence from many satisfied
customers which we would like to share
with
you here.
 At
the corner of Main Street and Allen Street is a "Hyperbolic Paraboloid," a
multi-curving three dimensional geometric shape. The "Hyper" as
it has come to be called was designed three years ago as a senior project
for UB's Scool of Architecture. The community was initially excited
to see any improvement to the area. However, since its conception, the Hyper
has not had a roof negating its original function as a pedestrian shelter.
In
my class "Small Built Works" I was given the task of designing
a cladding system to cover the "Hyper." Fortunately, during the
same semester, the Architecture School acquired the services of Jim Peron
and the use of his design and fabrication shop. What difference could just
one man make for an entire school? Without Jim Peron's experience,
understanding of materials and methods, as well as expert crafting and making
abilities, the Hyperbolic Paraboloid would still not have a roof today. When
I approached Jim about the project I had no idea how to TIG weld or how to
mill the holes perfectly in the stainless steel plates (we were using for
the roof). Jim showed me how to weld and use the metal milling machine, as
well as continually offering intuitively helpful advice on how to improve
the design. It is not only I who owe Jim Peron an enthusiastic "Thank
You!" but the entire Allentown community.
We wouldn't have been able to do it without you Jim. Thanks for
being such a great teacher and helping us to use your wonderful shop.
- Jake, UB Architectural Student
Learning the basics of wood, metal and plastic machining is a complementary
component to any class involving the design of products. As a past student
in the Certificate Program for Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology, the
Machine Shop class gave me insight into materials selection, efficient and
effective machining techniques, and the value of diagrams and drawings in
the design process. Students are taught how to design products that are not
only usable and accessible, but also commercially viable. Any student who
wants to design or evaluate consumer products, buildings or workspaces would
benefit greatly from the skills learned in the fabrication shop.
- Carly Panchura
The Center of Assistive Technology's (CAT) Machine Shop has provided
the RERC on Technology Transfer (T2RERC) with fabrication and engineering
support for the past ten years. The Shop's ability to quickly construct
quality models, working prototypes, and even limited production runs of Assistive
Technology (AT) devices to the precise specifications required by our program
has been a tremendous asset. The Shop's can-do attitude, and ability
to work with wood, metal, or plastic to meet our needs, rivals many much
larger organizations and makes it a pleasure to do business with them.
- Jim Leahy
In the summer of 2001, I was a student in a Machine Shop Fabrication
Course taught by Jim Peron. This course taught shop safety, the basics
in machining,
welding, and the use of hand tools and woodworking equipment. Possession
of these basic machine shop skills has enhanced my ability to apply the text-based
knowledge I have acquired through my engineering curriculum. As a result,
I was able to undertake more advanced design projects in many of my engineering
courses.
- Jonathan, UB Engineering Alumnus
Thank you for the great job that you did on our projects. We are extremely
satisfied. It is a pleasure working with someone who is so knowledgeable
and can help us conceptualize and design the various devices that we have
needed to conduct our research, especially the special bicycle pedals and
the ankle device to measure dorsiflexion and plantarflexion strength and
endurance. In addition, you were able to build the prototypes and then the
final devices exactly as we needed them and were available in the event that
anything needed even the most minor adjustment. Your ability to understand
the human side of using the devices, ranging from listening to our non-technical
explanation of what we needed to the patients being able to use the devices
easily, in addition to your precise technical skills and craftsmanship, is
beyond compare. You and your shop have allowed us to provide innovative and
safe measurement and training devices for our research patients. Without
your help, perspective and abilities, we would be unable to have as successful
a research lab. We plan to continue our collaboration with you. Thank you
again.
This customer is 100% satisfied!
- Nadine M. Fisher, Ed.D, Director, Rehabilitation Physiology
Lab
[ Top of Page ]
| 
