Workshop
James King (Workshop Manager) and Mark Honey (Workshop Technician)
The Department of Earth Sciences Workshop designs and produces bespoke laboratory and field equipment to help research groups to perform groundbreaking research. Our LEAF Gold Award-winning facility manufactures specialist equipment for lab groups in Oxford and around the world.
What We Offer
Our workshop is supported by a team of highly skilled engineers with extensive experience in design, machining, and fabrication. They work closely with researchers, providing practical expertise and ensuring high-quality results and reliable delivery.
The workshop team handle the design and production process from start to finish. An initial consultation is followed by computer-aided design (CAD), machining and manufacturing, and delivery of your high-quality product.
Contact Information
In need of custom equipment to support your research goals? To discuss your requirements, please contact James King at james.king@earth.ox.ac.uk.
Capabilities
- CNC milling and CNC turning
- 3D printing
- 3D CAD/CAM facilities, including offline programming, CAD modelling, creation of working drawings, and reverse engineering
- Plastic fabrication, including acrylic and polycarbonate
- Biological enclosures and tanks
- Welding and fabrication
- Sheet metal work
- Electronics and electrical repairs
- Material hardening
- Honing
- Hydraulics/pneumatics
- Surface grinding
3D Printing
Welding and Fabrication
Machining
Example Projects
Piston Cylinder Apparatus
The Workshop has constructed piston cylinder apparatuses for over 15 years. Designed by Professor Bernie Wood and Fred Wheeler, the Piston Cylinder can reach pressures of 3 GPa and temperatures of 1700 °C routinely. With care this range can be extended to 4 GPa and 2300 °C.
Accompanying consumables, parts, salt die sets, and carbide capsules are also available to purchase at competitive rates. Using CNC manufacturing means all of parts are machined to a precise size and will not vary allowing experiments to run smoothly. The Workshop produces consumables and accessories in sizes used for the 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch and 1-inch experiments.
Fly Cage
Following an initial consultation with a research team in the Department of Biology, the workshop team designed a bespoke fly cage, capable of housing populations within a contamination-free environment. By creating this equipment in-house, the researchers were able to feed directly into the process, and the project was delivered in a cost-effective manner.
FAQs
Who do you produce equipment for?
Our workshop supports researchers from other departments across Oxford and externally. Current customers include the Department of Biology, IT Services, Estate Services, Pitt Rivers Museum, Department of Geography, TU Delft and Norris Scientific.
How do I get started with a project?
Please contact James King to discuss your requirements. An initial consultation will help define the scope, feasibility, and next steps for your project.
Do I need to provide CAD drawings?
No, projects can begin from a simple idea, sketch, or discussion. The workshop team can support the design process, including creating CAD models and technical drawings where required.
What types of projects can the workshop support?
We specialise in bespoke scientific equipment, prototypes, and modifications to existing apparatus. This includes laboratory equipment, field instruments, and precision components.
How long will my project take?
Timescales vary depending on the complexity and current workload. The team will provide an estimated timeline following the initial consultation.
What are the associated costs?
Costs depend on the scope of the project, materials, and time required. A quotation can be provided once project details have been discussed.
Can you produce one-off items as well as batches?
The workshop has the capabilities for production and one-off bespoke projects. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.
What materials can you work with?
We work with a wide range of materials including metals, plastics, and specialist materials suited to scientific applications. Please contact us to discuss specific requirements.
Can the workshop repair or modify existing equipment?
Yes, we regularly carry out repairs, upgrades, and modifications to existing laboratory and field equipment including upgrading safety and fault-finding.
