The observation and analysis of the Earth system requires specially designed measurement technology and analysis tools. In order to make reliable measurements for scientific research new, innovative instruments are needed. In our section scientific equipment is manufactured by three collaborating technical labs : mechanical engineering, electronics and manufacturing.

The focus of mechanical engineering is product development numerical construction in 3D as well as stability simulations of components and flow and heat transport analyses. Here we develop designs of technically optimized solutions, which are implemented in the next step in the in-house production.

Electronic controllers and software development are key requirements for sensor technology and for the operation of automated systems, e.g. weather stations. We develop such systems in our electronics lab using microcomputers, e.g. Raspberry Pi® and Arduino®. In addition we also develop setups to transmit observation data from remote places around the world to the GFZ in near real time.

Our in-house production processes in the central workshop include computer-controlled milling and turning, but also conventional methods such as drilling, sawing, welding, bending, etc. It can include materials such as high-strength aluminum, high-alloy steels, stainless steels, non-ferrous metals such as bronze, copper, nickel silver and brass and the most advanced engineering plastics such as PTFE, POM, PEEK, polycarbonate and acrylic, PVC and various others.