Supporting Antarctic Research at Scott Base with SlotPro
2 minute read
Published 15 October 2025
SlotPro aluminium extrusion has been used in one of the most remote and challenging environments on earth: Antarctica.
At Scott Base, the University of Canterbury used SlotPro extrusion to build a modular frame that supports a laser instrument measuring cloud height as part of ongoing atmospheric research.
Durability, rigidity, and protection from vibration were essential to ensure accurate and repeatable data collection. The SlotPro system allowed the team at the University of Canterbury to design, transport, and assemble a stable structure that could adapt to the unpredictable Antarctic terrain.
SlotPro aluminium extrusion used for atmospheric research support structures.
Adapting to Extreme Conditions
Building at Scott Base required flexibility and careful planning. The team needed a lightweight frame that could be shipped easily from New Zealand and assembled quickly without specialised tools. As ground conditions were unknown before arrival, the design also needed to accommodate uneven and icy surfaces.
SlotPro aluminium extrusion provided the right combination of strength, adaptability, and corrosion resistance. The team could make precise adjustments on site to achieve a level platform, even on sloping ground. One of the project leads commented, “T-slot was great for this as the ground is very uneven and we weren’t really sure what we were dealing with until we arrived on site.”
Reliable in the Harshest Environments
SlotPro aluminium extrusion made it possible to pack, transport, and assemble the frame using only basic hand tools. This adaptability was a crucial advantage in Antarctica’s remote and unforgiving conditions.
The completed frame, built using SlotPro extrusion, now supports vital atmospheric research equipment that helps scientists measure and understand cloud behaviour and climate patterns. SlotPro continues to prove its reliability and versatility wherever strength and adaptability are required, from industrial workshops to Antarctic research stations.
Completed laser measurement frame built using SlotPro aluminium extrusion.
If your next project needs a structure that can handle demanding or unpredictable conditions, our team can design and supply a solution built with the same strength and adaptability shown in this project. Read the full case study here to learn more.