Machine Shop

A man in an orange safety jacket and black beanie operating a CNC machine in a workshop.

Precision, expertise and speed

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Precision machining and rapid prototyping to keep your projects moving. Our expert team delivers high-quality CNC milling, turning, and 3D printing with fine tolerances and superior finishes. Using advanced CAD software and state-of-the-art machinery, we produce custom parts, prototypes, and large-scale runs with quick turnarounds and reliable results.

Machine shop

Overview: Machine shop services involve the precise machining of metal and alloy components using manual and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) equipment. These services are essential for creating or restoring parts to exact specifications, ensuring proper fit, performance, and durability.

How we deliver: Kernohan Engineering operates a fully equipped machine shop in Nelson, staffed by highly experienced machinists. Our workshop supports both one-off jobs and high-volume production, with a focus on quality, precision, and fast turnaround times.

Our workshop capabilities include:

Manual and CNC turning, milling, drilling, and boring
Machining of shafts, bushings, flanges, and mechanical parts
Surface grinding and key-way cutting
Repair and re-machining of worn or damaged components
Tolerance-critical work from client drawings or in-house design

Value to your business:

Rapid manufacturing of replacement parts to reduce downtime
Tight tolerances and high-quality surface finishes
Customised solutions for legacy or hard-to-source parts
Integration with Kernohan’s fabrication and design services for full project support

Industries we serve: Marine, forestry, timber processing, agriculture, manufacturing, and energy — particularly where performance and dimensional accuracy are essential.

3D printing & design innovation

Overview: 3D printing and design innovation involve using advanced CAD tools and additive manufacturing (3D printing) to rapidly prototype, test, and refine components and systems. This modern approach allows clients to visualise and iterate on ideas before committing to full-scale production.

How we deliver: Kernohan’s in-house design and engineering team combines traditional mechanical design expertise with modern digital tools to support innovation and problem-solving. Using platforms like SolidWorks, they produce detailed 3D models, technical drawings, and finite element analysis (FEA) reports. For early-stage development, 3D printing is used to create tangible prototypes for evaluation and testing.

We specialise in:

3D CAD modeling and simulation
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for stress/load testing
3D printed models for design validation or fit testing
Reverse engineering of parts or systems
Custom-designed mechanical solutions tailored to client needs

Value to your business:

Accelerated development and problem-solving
Improved design accuracy before fabrication begins
Cost-effective testing and prototyping
Full design documentation for compliance or capex applications

Industries we serve: All sectors — including manufacturing, marine, energy, and food processing — particularly where innovation, design validation, or prototype testing are required before full-scale implementation.