Project Description:

Motorised translation stages that have been rated for use in vacuum can cost £1,000s whereas their manually actuated equivalents cost only £100s. We have shown it is possible to actuate a manual translation stage with a low-cost stepper motor. Developing this idea into a tested, optimised and packaged piece of equipment will allow its use in experiments and testing of Magdrive devices.

Find out more about SPIN and explore FAQs here.

In this project the applicant will: 

• Design and build a motorised translation stage using off-the-shelf low cost components including the control electronics.

• Design and build a robust control box for the translation stage including connectors for cabling.

• Design and build a graphical user interface to control the translation stage.

• Test the translation stage in vacuum.

• Investigate ways to increase the speed and load capacity of the translation stage

• Write a report detailing the design process, testing and the steps required to duplicate the translation stage

• Present their work to the Magdrive team

Applicant specification

We are looking for a motivated undergraduate student to undertake this development project at Magdrive. While you will be supported through the project, it is important you are able to work independently.

Minimum requirements:

• Passion and enthusiasm

• On track for a 2:1 degree in a STEM subject

Desirable requirements

• Experience with arduinos

• Experience with mechanical workshop tools e.g. pillar drills

• Soldering experience

• Experience making graphical-user-interfaces

Process details:

• 8 weeks minimum fixed term contract to be agreed with successful candidate

• In-person Induction Event to be held on [date], and an in-person/hybrid Showcase Event to be held at the [place/date]

• 5 days holiday to be taken during the placement