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Marine Science Development Center

The Scripps Institution of Oceanography operates the Marine Science Development Center (MSDC), a full-service facility dedicated to design, development, manufacturing, and assembly of advanced scientific instrumentation. The precision instruments and systems produced by MSDC play a critical role in supporting the research mission of the University of California San Diego.
Located on the Scripps campus, the center is a professionally managed, 15,000-square-foot facility with a long-standing reputation for excellence. It specializes in the design, fabrication, machining, welding, testing, and assembly of complex components and fully integrated systems for scientific instruments. With advanced capabilities in precision machining and fabrication, MSDC supports researchers in developing innovative tools that advance our understanding of the ocean, Earth, atmosphere, and even outer space. Beyond scientific instrumentation, MSDC also produces medical devices and a wide range of specialized components, reflecting the breadth of its expertise.
Precision machining has a long history at Scripps, dating back to the early 1900s, with documented Department of Defense-related projects as early as the 1930s. MSDC was formally established in the early 1980s as a self-supporting unit, and its current facility—built in 2006—was designed to meet the demands of advanced research, including requirements for electrical capacity, vibration-free foundations, enhanced security, and expanded workspace. The three-building complex is centrally located on the Scripps campus, fostering close collaboration with researchers, engineers, and students who rely on MSDC to bring their instruments to life.
MSDC is equipped to handle a diverse array of materials, ranging from traditional metals to modern composites and polymers. With state-of-the-art CNC equipment, manual machining capabilities, and specialized tooling, we support prototyping, one-off components, and full-scale production runs. Our machine shop is equipped to work from a variety of design sources, including detailed engineering prints, hand-drawn sketches, paper drawings, and solid 3D models. Whether you're providing legacy documentation or modern CAD files, our team can interpret and adapt to your preferred format.
- Metals: Stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, brass, copper, Inconel, and tool steel
- Plastics & Polymers: Delrin, nylon, PTFE (Teflon), UHMW, acrylic, polycarbonate
- Composites: Carbon fiber, G10, fiberglass
- Specialty Materials: Ceramics, exotic alloys, and cast materials upon request