Focus On Marshall 47

From the creator

From the tip of the external tank that reaches orbit first, to a tool with an unlimited range of motion, learn about unique manufacturing capabilities on the September episode of "Focus on Marshall," the Marshall Space Flight Center's video program. Viewers will go inside the Multipurpose Machining Center in Building 4705, to see the world's largest seven-axis milling tool, used to cut and shape massive and complex developmental hardware. Most machines of this type only move in three- or five-axis. Viewers will learn how this state-of-the-art, high-performance tool moves in seven-axis -- allowing an almost unlimited range of motion for drilling precise holes, cutting designs and smoothing or finishing metal parts of all shapes and sizes. Also spotlighted is a tried-and-true Marshall capability -- space shuttle external tank nose cone manufacturing. At Marshall's National Center for Advanced Manufacturing, or NCAM, in Building 4707, Lockheed Martin workers have been producing the external tank structural components since 1997. Viewers will learn more about this unique process, including how patterns are precisely cut and cured in a 9-foot-diameter oven, or autoclave which applies heat and pressure in a controlled environment. "Focus on Marshall" airs on Marshall TV Sept. 16, 28 and 30 at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. The series also is available each month on NASA TV, Inside Marshall and on the NASA Portal.

Published 2010-09-15 · Watch on YouTube ↗
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