NIR Spectrometer, from theory to assembly

In this unique course, we’ll guide you step by step through the process of constructing a Near-Infrared (NIR) spectrometer, a powerful tool used to analyze the composition of materials. All parts will be sourced and provided, and you’ll learn not just how to assemble the device, but also the theory behind how it works.

Throughout the course you will:

• Explore the principles of spectroscopy and its real-world applications

• Understand the key components of an NIR spectrometer and how they interact

• Assemble your own spectrometer under expert guidance

• Learn how to use it for analyzing materials in a practical context

This course also connects directly with our Recycled Plastics Workshop, where we’ll shred, press, mill, and finish plastic waste into functional pieces of furniture. By linking the two, you’ll see how a spectrometer can be used to identify and sort plastics before transforming them into something new.

No prior experience with optics or electronics is required, just curiosity and a willingness to explore both science and making.