Located at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), The FaQtory will house quantum equipment and component manufacturers as part of The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub, a Chicago Quantum Exchange-led coalition focused on moving the U.S. quantum sector from laboratory development toward reliable, at-scale domestic manufacturing.

The initiative is supported in part by the U.S. Economic Development Administration Tech Hubs program, which awarded $30 million to The Bloch. The federal award unlocks additional commitments from the State of Illinois and private-sector partners, bringing the total investment in the initiative to nearly $55 million.

Solving Physical Hardware Bottlenecks

For AET, the fit is straightforward. Quantum processors require far more than advanced software and silicon. They depend on high-vacuum environments, custom cryogenic equipment, reliable gas-handling infrastructure, and specialized components that often do not exist as off-the-shelf products.

AET designs, builds, and tests that specialized hardware.

Our capabilities include custom cryostats, vacuum chambers, dewars, cold boxes, vacuum-jacketed piping, valve boxes, process skids, heat exchangers, helium recovery and gas purification systems, automated controls, and research-scale test fixtures.

“As we explored the emerging global quantum ecosystem, it became clear that the Chicago Quantum Exchange is a mission-critical hub connecting organizations that need local cryogenic expertise with our creative engineering team,” said Eugene Botsoe, President of Ability Engineering Technology. “Joining this community allows us to contribute directly to the Midwest quantum economy through on-site technical expertise, rapid prototyping, and workforce development.”

The On-Site Advantage

By establishing a satellite technical presence at The FaQtory, AET will provide IQMP tenants with on-site engineering consultation, rapid prototyping, equipment modification, troubleshooting, and field support.

When a system experiences a vacuum leak, an unexpected thermal load, or a fitting issue, resolving it through remote meetings and long shipping cycles can stall progress. Placing engineers alongside researchers and device developers allows problems to be identified and corrected earlier in the design cycle.

The location will support both AET-built systems and other specialized equipment when our engineering, fabrication, or troubleshooting experience can help improve overall IQMP readiness.

“Ability Engineering Technology brings decades of experience building specialized hardware, an expertise that will strengthen The Bloch Quantum and its IQMP-based FaQtory,” said David Awschalom, the University of Chicago’s Liew Family Professor of Quantum Engineering and Physics, the founding director of the CQE, and the principal investigator of The Bloch. “Scaling a quantum supply chain doesn’t mean starting entirely from scratch. Existing manufacturers like AET bring valuable knowledge and skills that the quantum supply chain needs. By bringing them together in The Bloch’s FaQtory, we improve development and design cycles, accelerate quantum commercialization, and bolster quantum economy growth.”

Backed by Regional Manufacturing Capacity

Along with its satellite presence at The FaQtory, AET is continuing to expand and modernize its primary 35,000-square-foot engineering and manufacturing facility in South Holland, Illinois.

The South Holland facility will provide the engineering, heavy fabrication, assembly, and testing capacity needed to support on-site development work and carry successful concepts into larger-scale production.

With nearly 80 years of experience supporting national laboratories, research institutions, aerospace programs, and industrial gas companies, AET is positioned to help solve the physical engineering challenges that come with scaling domestic quantum technology.

About Ability Engineering Technology, Inc.

Founded in 1947 and headquartered in South Holland, Illinois, Ability Engineering Technology, Inc. specializes in the design, engineering, fabrication, and testing of custom cryogenic, vacuum, and process systems for demanding scientific and industrial applications.

About The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub

Led by the Chicago Quantum Exchange, The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub is a U.S. Economic Development Administration-designated regional coalition working to strengthen the domestic quantum supply chain and accelerate the development, commercialization, and manufacturing of quantum technologies across the Midwest.

This project is supported by the U.S. Economic Development Administration under the Tech Hubs Program.

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Metal fabrication services should begin with precise planning and extend through final inspection, all carried out in an ASME Code Section VIII Division 1 facility. By following a structured process, fabricators can manage risks, maintain material traceability, and achieve consistent results in pressure vessel fabrication. 

This guide outlines each phase of creating a robust pressure vessel, contextualized through proven capabilities.

Design and Engineering

The foundation of reliable pressure vessel fabrication lies in comprehensive design and engineering. At this stage, detailed drawings and specifications define dimensions, operating pressures, and material grades. 

Engineers perform calculations to verify wall thickness, reinforcement requirements, and nozzle placements in line with ASME code mandates. By integrating analysis tools and calculation services, this ensures the design meets client needs and regulatory standards before cutting begins.

Material Selection and Sourcing

Choosing the right materials is vital for pressure vessel fabrication. Materials such as stainless steel, nickel alloys, and carbon steel are evaluated based on corrosion resistance, temperature tolerance, and pressure ratings. Sourcing all metals with full traceability, this aligns each batch to ASME code requirements. 

This practice guarantees that every component used in fabrication can be authenticated and verified, minimizing the risk of material defects.

Cutting and Forming

Once materials are approved, skilled technicians proceed with cutting and forming to achieve precise component geometry. Plate shearing, waterjet cutting, and CNC punching are commonly used to shape shells and end caps. Forming operations, including rolling and pressing, curve flat plates into cylindrical or hemispherical profiles. These steps are fundamental in this fabrication, as accurate tolerances directly influence weld quality and vessel integrity.

Welding and Assembly

Welding represents the core, requiring both technical expertise and certified procedures. Welders that are ASME Code certified undergo regular training to uphold the highest standards. Welding sequences follow prequalified procedures to control heat input and minimize distortion. 

Throughout assembly, individual sections are tack‑welded and inspected before completing full fillet or butt welds, ensuring structural continuity in the finished product. 

Machining and Finishing

After welding, precision machining prepares attachment points such as flanges, nozzles, and manways. CNC lathes and milling centers ensure flatness and concentricity, critical for leak‑free joints. Surface treatments like passivation or shot blasting may follow to enhance corrosion resistance and surface finish. 

These machining and finishing operations are integral to delivering components that align precisely with design requirements.

Pressure Vessel Fabrication: Inspection and Testing

Non-destructive testing (NDT) verifies weld integrity and structural soundness in pressure vessel fabrication. Techniques such as radiography, ultrasonic testing, and dye penetrant inspections detect subsurface flaws or surface cracks. 

Hydrostatic or pneumatic pressure tests confirm that the vessel can withstand specified operating pressures without leakage. By conducting thorough NDT and pressure testing, fabricators validate that each vessel meets safety margins dictated by engineering calculations.

Quality Assurance and Documentation

Effective fabrication concludes with meticulous quality assurance and documentation. Each vessel receives a unique tag, complete with material test reports, NDT records, and welding procedure specifications. ISO 9001:2015 certification underscores its commitment to process control and continuous improvement. 

Comprehensive documentation supports regulatory audits and provides traceability throughout the vessel’s operational life.

Installation and Support

Beyond fabrication, professional installation and commissioning ensure seamless integration of pressure vessels into their intended systems. Field support services include lifting rigging, piping connections, and control system calibration. Training sessions familiarize operators with safety procedures and maintenance protocols. By offering end‑to‑end solutions, this can extend the value including reliable, long‑term performance.

Conclusion

Pressure vessel fabrication is a multifaceted endeavor that blends engineering precision, skilled craftsmanship, and stringent testing to deliver safe and durable equipment. From initial design through installation, attention to each phase ensures compliance with ASME codes and client expectations. 

By partnering with an experienced fabricator, organizations can achieve peace of mind and optimal operational efficiency. Whether for cryogenic applications, high‑pressure reactors, or industrial storage, a structured approach remains the cornerstone of engineering success.

At Ability Engineering, we deliver tailored cryogenic and process equipment, precision vessels, and piping assemblies engineered to exact specifications. With over 70 years of experience and ASME Code Section VIII Division 1 certification, our company combines technical expertise with an unwavering commitment to quality. 

Whether addressing extreme temperature or high-pressure requirements, a multidisciplinary team manages every stage from design through documentation. Reach out to leverage our proven track record and innovative solutions to optimize performance, reliability, and productivity of your systems. Contact us today.

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