Sussex contractor Pilbeam Construction has started work to refurbish a building at the University of Sussex to upgrade the mechanical workshop capabilities, including installing the South east's only state-of-the-art 3D metal printer.

The printer will soon be moved into the newly named Firle building on the Falmer campus, which was once used as the IMRA Europe UK Research Centre by the Japanese firm Aisin Corporation. The works will create a technical facility designed for advanced machining in both teaching and research.

The makeover started in April, with Pilbeam stripping out the wall, ceiling and floor coverings and replacing them, as well as installing new fire doors, to make way for the printer.

The building will house new automated Computer Numerical Control (CNC) teaching machines, CNC lathes, milling and turning machinery, a new coordinate measuring machine and video inspection equipment.

Laser cutters and 3D printers will also be repositioned in the building, with a predicted completion date of August 2026.

Alan Corbett, managing director at chartered building company Pilbeam Construction, based in Southwick, West Sussex, said: "This is an exciting and complex project which will bring huge benefits for the University and its students.

"The main challenge for us is working within a tight timeframe and with a tight budget, but we've worked closely with our subcontractors and the University of Sussex to control the costs and ensure we can deliver our work on schedule.

"We're really pleased to have been involved in such a significant project, involving the region's only 3D metal printer and we look forward to seeing the finished results."

Guillotines, grinders, bandsaws and shot blasters, which are surface preparation machines, will also be installed by Pilbeam, which has significant experience working in live environments in the education sector.

To accommodate the new equipment, windows and doors are being removed and structural openings are being increased.

Rob Fowler, associate director of technical operations at the University of Sussex, said: "This refurbishment, together with the introduction of state-of-the-art equipment, will significantly strengthen the University's mechanical engineering teaching provision, bringing considerable benefits to our students.

"The inclusion of an on-site 3D metal printer marks a major step forward in our technical capabilites. It will also provide advanced machining support for novel funded research such as Quantum computing and Thermofluids.

"We are delighted to work with Pilbeam, a trusted local contractor, on such an important project."

This is not the first time Pilbeam has linked up with the University. The team also worked on a project at the JMS Building, creating new teaching spaces and on a roof renewal at Bramber House.

For more information please visit: https://www.pilbeamconstruction.co.uk/