Materials, Components & Suppliers
When reading the notes below, don't forget sources of funding for your project may be available from here.
Raw Materials
For the supply of raw materials, there are four main options open to you:
- Dyson Centre scrap material (free of charge)
There is often scrap material that has been left over from past projects in the Dyso Centre. For laser cutting there are offcuts of MDF, Plywood and sometimes even Perspex. Sheet metals such as Steel, Aluminium and Stainless Steel are usually available as well, but please ask a technician first. - Department of Engineering Main Stores
The main stores, entrance currently located in the central roadway, is open to all students and staff alike. They have a large stock of metals, plastics, fasteners, electrical supplies, stationary and even tools. There is a catalogue that can be viewed here: Stores Catalogue Link
Materials can be purchased any time of day when using a job number, but card sales are strictly between the hours of 1:30pm and 4pm. - Dyson Centre Materials
The Dyson Centre has a stock of materials for use on the Laser Cutters (MDF, Plywood and Acrylic) that you can purchase directly from us. Usually the largest size sheets that we stock are 600x300mm, but larger sheets can be ordered if required. The materials on the 3D printers, PLA, are also stored here but only get changed when the previous reel runs out. - Sourcing your own
If there are any materials that you can't get hold of through either the main stores or us, then you may need to supply your own materials.If you need any assistance in doing so, come and talk to us in person or send an email and we will do what we can to assist you. If you are working on a project and have a supervisor, they will have access to the departments EDRS purchasing system. If they are not familiar with the system then please get in contact with the Purchasing Office for further assistance.
External Suppliers (click here for a list of suggestions)
Components
For obtaining finished or part finished components, if you don't wish to make them for yourself you could do one of the following:
- Department of Engineering Main Stores
The main stores have a large stock of fasteners including, but not limited to, bolts, nuts and screws amongs other handy items such as electrical cables and wires, chain and even string. Once again, their catalogue can be found here: Stores Catalogue Link - Design and Technical Services (Main Workshops)
The main workshops within the department are always on hand to make and produce bespoke parts that may be very costly to buy in or have produced at an external company. Their website can be found here: Design and Technical Services Website - Electronics Development Group (EDG)
The Electronics Development Groupare located above the Dyson Centre. They can be accessed through the door near the dyson desk and going up one flight of stairs. They are the go to people for all things electrical. Their web page can be found here: Electronics Workshop - Sourcing your own
If the above options do not serve your needs, then you may need to look externally to buy in the components that you require. If you need any assistance in doing so, come and talk to us in person or send an email and we will do what we can to assist you. If you are working on a project and have a supervisor, they will have access to the departments EDRS purchasing system. If they are not familiar with the system then please get in contact with the Purchasing Office for further assistance.
Seek an external supplier to make the parts (click here for list of suggestions).
DRP39, 3 December 2021