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Starting a Project

The University of Washington MicroFabrication Facility (UW-MFF) is a User Facility, in which researchers with approved user projects may utilize the resources of the facility for fee. As a User Facility, many projects are best served by the user scheduling time to work in-person at the facility, including getting trained on necessary equipment and executing their processing work themselves, with guidance from the facility staff. For certain projects, it may be possible for the facility staff to execute your process work remotely, with appropriate fees charged for staff time. A list of hourly equipment rates and other facility usage fees is here.

To get started:

  1. Contact the UW Microfabrication Facility to discuss your project ideas and technology requirements.
  2. You may optionally schedule a visit to meet with one or more staff members in person, to discuss your project and see the facility.
  3. If you wish to initiate a project, the initial paperwork is minimal.
    • Visit the MFF new user site, and follow its three-step process to set up your user login.  PIs should complete the process before their students begin.
    • Download, fill out, get an authorized signature, and return the appropriate Facility Use Agreement, either UW, or Non-UW.
    • Optional: Download, fill out, get an authorized signature, and return a Non-Disclosure Agreement, if required for your project.
  4. For each person who will work in the lab, schedule the required orientation and wet bench training sessions.
See the training schedule for dates and registration links.
  5. UW projects will be billed to using the university account number provided on your Project Description Form. Non-UW projects will be billed for lab usage on a monthly basis. You may place a Purchase Order, in accordance with the Facility Use Agreement, to cover the estimated amount you will spend. Due to the research and development nature of work at the facility, it is not possible to issue binding quotations for projects. Many projects have unanticipated changes in direction, scope, process, or equipment used from what was initially planned, so it is helpful to budget for possible changes. Discuss your project needs with facility staff to plan an appropriate amount for your purchase order.