ANU Joint Workshop supporting research in the RSC
Thursday, 30 Apr 2020
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Renewing our world-famous Laser and Optical Spectroscopy Laboratory at the RSC

The RSC workshop undertook on a complex project in the design and construction of a facility to house an updated RSC Laser and Optical Spectroscopy laboratory in our (new) RSC Chemistry (Building 137). This facility is indeed a very substantial modernisation and upgrade of the spectroscopy laboratory previously housed in the old RSC (Building 35).

This new purpose built-laboratory consists of six complex spectroscopic zones, each having different logistical, space, power and service requirements. The workshop team rose to this challenge with gusto, continuously liaising with researchers, particularly with postdoctoral fellow Robin Purchase, so as to ensure optimal usability of the laboratory spaces.

The dedication of the team and their eye for detail has resulted in a laboratory that is both flexible and safe. The workshop team have also promoted a forward-thinking approach, taking in to consideration potential upgrades and changes to the spectrometer systems. This effectively ‘future-proofs’ the facility. The unique and high quality research that the facility is world-famous for will, as a consequence, continue well into the future

Joint Workshop (JW) Overview

Located across two locations on the ANU campus, the JW provides a wide range of specialised support and services for ANU Research and Teaching programs that include:

Electronics and Electrical - Precision electronic circuit design, circuit board production, maintenance and calibration, instrument design and modification, consultation, research and development, Laser and optics design and repair, purchase and supply of electronic components and materials. The group specialises in the development of innovative solutions to the technical challenges posed by research activities, and endeavours to provide professionally engineered products and solutions built to industry standards.To underpin these capabilities the group maintains a range of engineering and technical facilities, including electronic CAD workstations, production equipment and test and measurement instrumentation all within a neat workshop facility.

 
Mechanical Engineering, Design and Construction - The team provide a wide range of technical support for mechanical design and manufacture, assembly and installation of experimental laboratory apparatus and supporting infrastructure to aid the schools in their pursuit of academic research and teaching goals. Technical challenges are the Joint workshops specialty. The group has a proven track record in providing high quality solutions to the difficult problems faced in the research and development fields. Ongoing development of staff skills and expansion of equipment has empowered the facility to carry out a broad range of mechanical engineering processes with both common and exotic materials.  To underpin these capabilities the group maintains a range of engineering and technical facilities, including mechanical CAD workstations, 3D FDM printing, test and measurement instrumentation, precision metal working machines, heavy fabrication and welding facilities.  Some services include; high tolerance manufacturing of components for scientific instrumentation and experimentation, scientific equipment maintenance, instrument fault diagnosis repair and modification, consultation, instrumentation design, research and development. Purchase and supply of unique mechanical components and exotic materials.

To request the services of the Joint Workshop please use the ANU Technical Workshop Work Management System (WMS) or contact the JW manager Mr Michael Hill Email | michael.hill@anu.edu.au