The University of NSW has opened its new Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Precinct, which includes a range of exciting and high-tech additions.

The newly-opened Ainsworth Building complex features “state-of-the-art refrigeration, laser and mechatronics labs, as well as wind tunnels, a flight simulator, and machines for tensile and compression testing” the university says.

The $67 million building was named after businessman and philanthropist Len Ainsworth, who was a major donor to its construction.

“The facilities enhance students’ experiences, increase industry interaction, help us attract the best researchers and academics and, of course, pave the way for significant research advancement,” said Professor Mark Hoffman, the university’s Dean of Engineering.

Hoffman said the new precinct would accommodate 1,600 mechanical engineering undergraduates, 200 postgraduate coursework students and 130 post-doctoral researchers.