Manufacturing Technology facilities in FL
2 facilities
Prototype Fabrication Facility
Panama City, FL
The Mechanical Engineering and Prototype Fabrication Division maintains and operates the Prototype Fabrication Facility for the benefit of DOD customers. The facility is primarily used by mechanical engineers within the division developing proof-of-concept prototypes in support of all Station programs. It consolidates several shop functions into one modern, efficient building, providing climate control for high-tech and high-precision fabrication equipment as well as access to waterfront project assembly areas and Gulf testing platforms.
Rapid Prototyping Facility
Panama City, FL
The Rapid Prototyping Facility utilizes a 3-D Systems Model SLA 3500 stereolithography machine for rapid prototyping of mechanical models. The process takes CAD files and creates high quality plastic parts using a laser to "draw" the cross-sections on the surface of a photo-curable resin. Maximum model size is 14-inch x 14-inch x 16-inch, but portions of models may be bonded together to create larger versions. The facility is operated by two mechanical engineering technicians who provide expertise in preparing CAD databases for prototyping and finishing the final products.