Fabrication and Assembly at NSCL
Having a machine shop capable of producing and modifying complicated parts is essential to operation and experimental programs at NSCL. In 1985 the first CNC ( computer numerical control) milling machine was purchased when technology was available to transfer CAD (computer-aided design) files directly to our machine shop for fabrication. Since then our machine shop now utilizes six CNC milling centers and three CNC lathes—one with live tooling—which are equipped with PC based controllers. CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) software is used to generate tool paths from 2D and 3D solid modeled parts designed in our mechanical design department. Designs are then electronically transferred to our machine shop for fabrication.
Training programs have been developed and designed to enhance machinist skills in CAD/CAM technology. Keeping a machine shop equipped with up-to-date technology complements the design capabilities of our mechanical design department and outside users at NSCL.
Operation of NSCL as a national user facility is supported by the Experimental Nuclear Physics Program of the U.S. National Science Foundation.