The goal of our instrumentation development service is to create new instruments that let you push the boundary of what is possible in your research field. We are excited by ambitious projects that will enable one-of-a-kind experimental capabilities in the life sciences.

We specialize in instrumentation development, and provides the following services

• Consulting about suitable instruments for your experiment or workflow
• Consulting on system design, manufacturing and equipment setup
• New instrument research & development services including:
  • Mechanical and electronics design 
  • Instrumentation integration services
• Coordination across the Mechanical Workshop, Electronics Workshop and SIM group to prototype, test, improve and ultimately produce your instruments.

We are happy to work with you from very early stage concepts through prototyping to deployment of new instrumentation. We can leverage the broad technical backgrounds across our team, spanning both scientific and engineering expertise, to develop solutions to your instrumentation challenges.

To get started with a new project, reach out to Thanasi, submit a ticket, or just visit us in 1D-404B to chat!

The Mechanical Workshop specializes in the development and integration of mechanical systems for biological research and imaging systems. Our team possesses extensive expertise in solving complex mechanical problems, and in designing and manufacturing custom devices across a wide range of areas including measurement automation, optical measurement technologies, and system integration.

Machining Services

To turn your needs into a real system, we operate a full precision machine shop where we can leverage a range of modern manufacturing tools and techniques. We are well equipped to produce parts from a range of metals and plastics using methods including:

• CNC Milling and Turning
• Manual Machining and Hand Tools
• Laser cutting, 3D Printing
• Welding

For parts (e.g. very large parts) or processes (e.g anodizing) that we cannot produce in-house, we can coordinate external manufacturing via one of our local partners.

Repairs and Modifications

We’re happy to help repair or modify mechanical components using our tools and expertise. Please submit a ticket and come by!

Common Components

We also maintain a stock of common fasteners, materials, and mechanical components for certain instruments. For access, come and visit us in 1D-404B and we’ll be happy to help.

User Workshop

We operate a small user workshop for internal EMBL research groups to be able to perform basic modifications to plastic and metal parts. For training and access, please submit a ticket to the mechanical workshop.

CAD Software

The Mechanical workshop manages the CAD licenses (Solidworks) across EMBL. If you or your group have questions or want access to CAD software then get in touch with us by submitting a ticket.

The Electronics Workshop is specialized in electronic systems design and covers a wide spectrum of areas, such as automation, control, measurement and data acquisition. It has extensive expertise troubleshooting electronic problems as well as designing new equipment to meet specialized requirements.

The Electronic Workshop provides the following services:

• Design of custom Electronic Equipment for particular scientific requirements.
• Advice on a variety of electronic issues, including design, interfacing and implementation of systems setting-up, operating and purchasing equipment.
• Loan of basic Laboratory Electronic Equipment.
• Stock of Electronic Components and limited types of frequently used Cables/Adaptors.

Additionally, the electronics workshop and its tools may be accessed, under request, during working hours to perform specific tasks (i.e. soldering, specific measurements…). The user must keep the working area clean and the tools back in their place once the work is finished.

For access or other questions, contact us or visit us in 1D-404B and we’ll be happy to help.

The Scientific Instruments Maintenance (SIM) team is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the scientific equipment in EMBL Heidelberg Laboratories. We offer in-house repair services as well as coordinate external service for your instruments. Our goal is to keep the scientific equipment in good condition so that it runs for you and you can focus on your research.

We offer the following services:

Service

• Instrument setup
• Company support for external repairs (appointments, delivery)
• Freezer rental (-80°C and -20°C)
• Computer hardware support
• Routine inspection and maintenance (FPLC, HPLC, Ultracentrifuge)
• Interface with supplier to ensure warranty period and maintenance contracts

Repair

• Electrical
• Mechanical
• Computer (access for internal users only)

Pipette repair and calibration

• Check for precision and correctness
  According to ISO DIN 8655 incl. measurement protocol
• Pipettes database (Calibra – Mettler)
• Since January 2017 we’ve been working with the New Mettler Toledo System

Electrical safety

• Electrical safety (VDE 0701/0702, DGUV A3)
• Database containing more than 12,000 devices
• UVV / BGV (Unfallverhütungsvorschriften)

Specially trained and authorised

• EPPENDORF (Centrifuge, Thermomixer/cycler)
• BIORAD (PCR)
• Vacuubrad (Pump)
• Rainin (Pipettes service)
• General Electric (HPLC,FPLC)
• Apple

Hardware repairs typically take place in our workshop, 1D-407. If you need help getting your hardware to us, please let us know. For very urgent request, please also drop by to discuss with us.