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  4. 3D Printing Industrial Placement 2021
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Part of STFC, the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UKATC) is the UK's national laboratory for the design and development of astronomical instrumentation. The UKATC has a rich heritage of instrumentation development for ground-based observatories as well as space facilities. It employs a broad spectrum of engineers and scientists across the full range of disciplines required for contemporary astronomy (optical design, mechanical engineering, electronics, software, systems engineering, project management). It also has an extensive track record of successfully applying techniques and technologies developed for astronomy to other sectors (e.g. earth observation/remote sensing, environmental monitoring). The UKATC develops instruments for world leading organisations, such as the European Southern Observatory (ESO) the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA.

The Role

In this role, you will be working with the UKATC scientists and engineers to design and 3D print a 5-colour model of the Royal Observatory Edinburgh (ROE) site using the UKATC PRUSA printer. The goal of the ROE site model is to demonstrate both the advantages and challenges of 3D printing to a general audience at future public outreach events. To achieve this, the ROE site model will present a topographical view of the site/buildings and incorporate integrated functionality, such as rotating domes and screw mechanisms, which demonstrate capability of breadth 3D printing.

Duties include

  • Developing a computer aided design (CAD) of the ROE site from topographic and building dimensions.
  • Incorporating dynamic functionality within the model and ensuring operation via sub-component test prints.
  • Selecting the optimum 5-colours to represent the site and to split the model into the appropriate colour sub-components.
  • Documentation of the project highlighting the different steps required to go from concept to final deliverable.

Requirements

Essential

  • Are in full time education at university and returning to university following the placement.
  • The right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement which is 8-12 weeks
  • Knowledge of computer aided design (CAD) software, such as Autodesk Inventor 
  • Numerically literate; experience in converting numerical data into 3D models 
  • An interest in 3D printing 
  • Strong communication (written and spoken), organisational and presentational skills

Desirable

  • Experience in using 3D printing, either in design and/or via hands-on printing. 
  • An interest in public outreach, astronomy, or space science.