Development engineering
AgResearch has a well equipped, versatile Lincoln-based team that can provide you with a complete engineering service.
Innovation, development, commercialisation
The Development Engineering team is geared to custom build equipment including measurement and control systems in support of R & D. We are also able to modify and improve existing products and processes. From an initial concept, products and processes can be taken through to various stages including basic prototypes, commercial prototypes and full commercial products.
Measurement and control
Many of today’s machines require an electronic control system in order to function. Our team can develop software for data acquisition and machine control, then build and commission the hardware.
L to R: PC interface, ZigBee wireless technology, gas measurement
CAD design
Our design engineer operates with the latest CAD software (Autodesk Inventor). Designs are parametrically modelled in 3D. Detail drawings and engineering parts lists are then generated from the intelligent 3D model. Concepts can be quickly modelled in 3D.
L to R: lab prototype, 3D CAD model, CAD detail drawing, completed vessel
Manufacture, maintenance and repair
The workshop includes experienced toolmakers and a registered electrician. Services include bench top development, fabrication, machining, maintenance and repair. The large, fully equipped engineering workshop (including a vertical CNC machining centre) is flexible enough to handle anything from small, intricate components through to complex industrial machinery. Short production runs are handled in-house. For development of major industrial plant, or where large production runs or heavy engineering is involved, external partners are utilised.
L to R: engineering workshop, precision machining, control cabinet
Engineering projects
The following are further examples of projects that have been undertaken by the Development Engineering team.
Environmental
L to R: plant canopy, methanogens, nitrous oxide
Instruments and laboratory equipment
L to R: pile height gauge, shaker, tube opener, anaerobic chambers
Dryers and controlled environment chambers
L to R: sample dryer, bonding oven, humidity chamber, environmental chamber
Soil coring
L to R: 3D model of quad bike soil corer, quad bike soil corer. manual coring tubes
Process Engineering
L to R: mini flash evaporator, pyrolysis, composting
Upgrades, maintenance and repairs, animal trials
L to R: irrigation equipment, harvester, lamb saliva collection