OVERVIEW
Labman is an engineering consultency that designs custom laboratory automation and robotic equipment for industrial applications. Based in North Yorkshire, Labman has a custom-built office/factory with aproximately 140 employees who help to create the complex automation systems. Labmans website can be found here.
I started at Labman in July 2023 and, in the time since, have worked on several projects designing laboratory equipment including a device for MRNA vaccine development and manufacture. This has often involved working with customers to understand their system requirements and discuss the challenges and potential solutions to their engineering problems. Working alongside my colleages, I have helped to design (mechanical, electrical, software), manufacutre and assemble, test and ship several systems.
I have found the variation of work at Labman really enjoyable and a summary of the key aspects of my role are explained below.
I started at Labman in July 2023 and, in the time since, have worked on several projects designing laboratory equipment including a device for MRNA vaccine development and manufacture. This has often involved working with customers to understand their system requirements and discuss the challenges and potential solutions to their engineering problems. Working alongside my colleages, I have helped to design (mechanical, electrical, software), manufacutre and assemble, test and ship several systems.
I have found the variation of work at Labman really enjoyable and a summary of the key aspects of my role are explained below.
MECHANICAL DESIGN
The CAD package of choice, at Labman, is Solidworks and I have been developing my skills using the software. I had not used solidworks previousely but with lots of experience using other CAD packages, I was able to get up to speed quickly. I rapidly got used to adhering to the modelling and drawing standards of Labman and, since starting, I have designed a new system for MRNA vaccine production, comprising of 60+ parts, which is currently being manufactured (all within 4 months).
Labman has also provided "workshop" training on various manufacturing machine and tools including CNC machines and laithes. This training, with work shadowing and practice time, has helped me to understand manufacturing challenges faced when making parts. Using this knowledge, I now take a more considered approach with my designs so that parts are simpler and faster to manufacture reducing labour cost.
I have also enjoyed the rapid manufacturing and fast pased development at Labman which has been helpful when designing test rigs and other prototypes.
Labman has also provided "workshop" training on various manufacturing machine and tools including CNC machines and laithes. This training, with work shadowing and practice time, has helped me to understand manufacturing challenges faced when making parts. Using this knowledge, I now take a more considered approach with my designs so that parts are simpler and faster to manufacture reducing labour cost.
I have also enjoyed the rapid manufacturing and fast pased development at Labman which has been helpful when designing test rigs and other prototypes.
ELECTRICAL DESIGN
At my time so far at labman, I have had to test, wire and fix many electrical issues on a variety of systems which has involved getting hands on using electrical tools to find issues and implement solutions. When creating test rigs, I have also had to produce temporary circuits and systems to validate design concepts in short periods of time, without design drawings.
In terms of new design, I have created electrical drawings for an MRNA vaccine manufacturing system using the SEE electrical layout software. During the design development, I became familear with Labmans standard components and the product lines of several suppliers such as Beckhoff and Omron. Labman has provided lots of support with learning the software and reviewing and correcting my drawings so that they meet Labmans rigorous standards.
In terms of new design, I have created electrical drawings for an MRNA vaccine manufacturing system using the SEE electrical layout software. During the design development, I became familear with Labmans standard components and the product lines of several suppliers such as Beckhoff and Omron. Labman has provided lots of support with learning the software and reviewing and correcting my drawings so that they meet Labmans rigorous standards.
SOFTWARE DESIGN
Labmans systems are controlled using a combination of PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) hardware and windows-based C# applications that interface with each other. In the last several months, I have been trained to write code for both.
PLCs are coded in structured text language using Beckhoff branded development software, Twincat 3. I have learnt how to assemble, configure and program hardware within the software and have assisted writing PLC code for several systems/test rigs.
Recently, I have been developing a test rig for a continuous syringe pump which has required developing application-specific control algorithms.
Having designed PC software previousely (see Hovercraft Race Software here), I also asked that I have C# software training to learn about how Labman constructs their software. This was really insightfull as to the development and structure of industrial windows applications. The training is still ongoing but, since starting, I have made a .net application using Labmans application framework.
PLCs are coded in structured text language using Beckhoff branded development software, Twincat 3. I have learnt how to assemble, configure and program hardware within the software and have assisted writing PLC code for several systems/test rigs.
Recently, I have been developing a test rig for a continuous syringe pump which has required developing application-specific control algorithms.
Having designed PC software previousely (see Hovercraft Race Software here), I also asked that I have C# software training to learn about how Labman constructs their software. This was really insightfull as to the development and structure of industrial windows applications. The training is still ongoing but, since starting, I have made a .net application using Labmans application framework.
PHOTOS
More will be added in the future! Watch this space!