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CUSTOM CRYOSTATS / DEWARS

Your cryogenic system is the foundation of your entire project. Whether you're advancing particle physics research, testing superconducting magnets or developing quantum computing infrastructure, a poorly fabricated system means compromised data, failed experiments and months of lost progress. Meyer Tool & Mfg. solves these challenges by fabricating custom cryostats and dewars that maintain thermal integrity and vacuum performance under the most demanding conditions.
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We design and fabricate cryogenic dewar systems for liquid helium and liquid nitrogen applications, from compact laboratory units to installations exceeding 20 feet in length. With decades of experience serving clients across various industries, we've developed solutions that eliminate the common failure points in cryogenic systems. We manage every step of fabrication under one roof, from engineering and machining to welding and testing.
Radio Frequency Cavity Cryostats

Superconducting radio frequency (RF) cavities require cryostats that can maintain precise thermal conditions while managing complex vacuum requirements and electromagnetic shielding. Any thermal leak or vacuum failure disrupts cavity performance and compromises your beam quality.

Our RF cavity cryostats integrate thermal shield design, multilayer insulation (MLI) placement and magnetic shielding requirements for optimal cavity performance. Post-weld machining ensures the precision alignment of ports and mounting surfaces — a critical requirement when cavity positioning tolerances are measured in fractions of a millimeter.

Examples of our RF cavity cryostat fabrications include:
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  • Custom liquid helium cryostats: 500-megahertz superconducting RF cavities at Brookhaven National Laboratory's NSLS-II Light Source.
  • Rectangular cryostat assemblies: Argonne National Laboratory's ATLAS accelerator intensity upgrade.
  • ASME code-stamped dewars: Vertical test dewars for superconducting RF cavity testing.
  • Cryomodule components: Cornell University's Energy Recovery Linac program.

​SPIDER LEAVING THE BUILDING

We are getting ready to ship the Princeton University SPIDER cryostat vessel (2/2017).  Final assembly and helium leak tests are complete.  We are now working on final packaging.  The SPIDER will be used to study gravity waves while floating above Antarctica via large Helium balloons.  

Find out more here:
MORE ABOUT SPIDER

CUSTOM CRYOGENIC DEWAR FABRICATION

​One-of-a-kind research demands one-of-a-kind cryogenic systems. Whether you're launching a space-based observatory, testing next-generation magnets or developing quantum sensors, most standard configurations will not meet your requirements. We fabricate custom dewars and cryostats for applications where failure is not an option.

We've built successful systems for particle accelerators, quantum computing programs, advanced materials research and space-based instrumentation. 

Examples of our past work include:
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  • 140-inch cryostat components: Solenoid magnets in muon to electron (mu2e) conversion research.
  • Superconducting undulator assemblies: Integrated vacuum chambers and thermal shielding for synchrotron light sources.
  • SPIDER cryostat vessel: Princeton University gravity wave research, designed for operation above Antarctica.
  • Infrared astronomy dewar: NEWFIRM instrument installed at a mountain-top observatory in Arizona.
  • Aluminum cryostat systems: Inner liquid helium vessels for astrophysics programs.
  • Spallation neutron source: Specialized components for cryogenic test facilities.

HOW WE ELIMINATE COMMON CRYOGENIC
​SYSTEM FAILURES

Most cryogenic system problems trace back to thermal leaks, vacuum failures or dimensional issues from welding distortion. Our integrated fabrication processes address these risks before production begins.

Custom cryostats and dewars from Meyer Tool & Mfg. include these performance-critical elements:
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  • High-vacuum chambers: Ultra-high vacuum performance with helium leak rates verified through testing.
  • MLI systems: Multilayer insulation engineered to minimize radiant heat transfer.
  • Thermal shields: Liquid nitrogen or helium cooling to intercept heat loads.
  • Internal piping: Distribution systems designed for minimal heat leak.
  • Precision-machined interfaces: Alignment maintained through thermal cycling.

We work with high-grade aluminum, stainless steel and other metals, selecting materials based on your thermal performance requirements, weight constraints and operating environment. Our ASME-certified welders specialize in cryogenic service welding, producing leak-tight joints that perform at extreme temperatures.
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Engineering and fabrication teams collaborate from the outset to integrate manufacturability into the initial design. Before production begins, we identify potential fabrication challenges and develop risk mitigation strategies: custom welding fixtures, additional machining stock and optimized assembly sequences. Every system undergoes helium leak testing, cold shock testing and pressure testing before shipment, with documentation that meets specific industry requirements.

Discover More With Meyer Tool & Mfg.

At Meyer Tool & Mfg., we've built cryogenic systems that perform in the world's most demanding research and industrial environments. Whether you already have fabrication drawings or need engineering support to finalize your design, we can help you develop a system that meets your specifications. We'll assign a dedicated project engineer to work directly with you and keep your project on track without having to coordinate with multiple points of contact or different vendors.

Our clients include national laboratories, aerospace programs and leading research institutions that trust us with their most critical cryogenic systems. As a fabricator based in the United States, we deliver precision workmanship and detailed documentation that meet the strict standards these projects demand.
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Contact us today to discuss your custom cryostat or dewar requirements and learn how our fabrication expertise can benefit your next project.