Mechanical Workshop

The Mechanical Workshop supports in-house research and teaching as well as external services. We provide design, build and manufacture services on different materials for a wide range of purposes.

We work closely with our customers in the development of bespoke apparatus.

The workshop undertakes:

  • Production/manufacture of bespoke equipment to support research across the School.
  • Technical advice on the best options to support laboratories, facilities, and research regarding Mechanical Workshop capabilities.
  • Technical drawing for costing and manufacture of bespoke items to be manufactured by the workshop, or external manufacturers.

The Mechanical Workshop is located within the School of GeoSciences, at the University of Edinburgh.

Interior photograph of GeoSciences mechanical workshop showing machinery including a tooling lathe

Workshop equipment

We have a wide range of equipment available for use.

Some of our available equipment includes:

  • Hurco CNC Mill VM20
  • XYZ CNC RLX 555 CNC Lathe
  • Bayleigh Horizontal Bandsaw
  • Hardinge HLV-H High Speed Lathe
  • Colchester Student Manual Lathe
  • Bridgeport Manual Mill
  • Cylinder and Surface Grinders
  • Horizontal and Vertical Bandsaws
  • Micro Drill
  • Vixen Sand Blaster                                

We also have many other small tools from a variety of suppliers.

Contact and location

For further information about the workshop facilities, or to make a booking, please contact:

Andy Mullen Mechanical Workshop Manager

  • Telephone: +44 (0) 131 650 7861
  • Email: a.mullen@ed.ac.uk
  • Address: Grant Institute, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, James Hutton Road, EDINBURGH EH9 3FE

Location:

The Mechanical Workshop is located within the School of Geosciences, at the King's Buildings campus, University of Edinburgh.


 The Mechanical Workshop is available for use by:

  • Students and staff at the University of Edinburgh ​
  • Students and staff from other universities
  • Other external users such as research bodies or commercial organisations

Important information

Availability
  • Access is subject to availability.
Costs
  • Prices may vary depending on work involved. 
  • Material costs have to be fully covered.
  • Special tooling requirements will be charged as required.
  • Prospective users should contact the facility to discuss requirements and costs involved. 
  • Staff and students within the School of GeoSciences must complete a technical request form.

For the wider University and all external users: 

Please contact the facility to discuss availability, as well as requirements and charging information.  

For staff and students in the School of GeoSciences: 

Small Research Facility (SRF)

Our Mechanical Workshop is operated as a Small Research Facility (SRF).

A Small Research Facility (SRF) is a facility or service provided by the School and used for research and teaching.  They are also available for use by the wider community such as external academic or commercial use.  Our SRF's are available for hire or on a consultancy basis.  These charges are recognised by grant funders and can therefore form part of a grant submission.

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