The SIO Marine Science Development Center (MSDC) has recently moved to new quarters in the SIO Service Yard. Their new space is much larger and their capabilities have been augmented with new equipment. Come hear about what they offer and see examples of completed work. The discussion will include tips on submitting drawings for fabrication.
MSDC specializes in the design, development, and fabrication of oceanographic and space equipment that range in scale from minute laser components to large-scale integrated systems. They are capable of quantitative instrument and assembly production, or custom engineering design and fabrication to suit any need. They have been serving the scientific community here at SIO, UCSD, and various other institutions, as well as the private sector, since 1945.
MSDC has continued to meet the demands of modern science and engineering technologies by adding five CNC machines to it's facilities. Computer Numerically Controlled machining (CNC Machining) contain machine tools that are called machining centers, turning centers, Wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining), screw machines, etc. CNC machines are programmed by converting part geometry in Cartesian coordinates (X,Y, Z) and formatting those coordinates into a programming language such that the CNC controller can interpret them by moving the axes of the machine tool to automatically remove the required material from the work piece to form the finished machined component. CNC machining produces parts in a very consistent manner and is ideal for large quantity part runs and parts with complex geometry.
MSDC automates the programming of CNC machines by utilizing CAD\CAM (Computer Aided Design \ Computer Aided Manufacturing) software, so that designs on paper can be transformed in digital geometric drawings. The part drawing is transferred from SolidWorks to FeatureCam, allowing the machinist to apply and visualize various machining strategies in a virtual on-screen environment. Once the machinist is satisfied with a particular machining strategy, FeatureCam will output the CNC code, commonly referred to as G-code post processed, which is now ready to load into the controller of the machine tool that will be used to actually perform the machining operations.