Original Date: 08/08/1994
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

CSTA maintains a local fabrication job shop to support test operations. The organization, known as the Experimental Fabrication Branch, consists of two sections which contain 45 skilled tradesmen in Machine Shop and Welding/Sheetmetal to accomplish the fabrication mission. The Experimental Fabrication Branch maintains a full capability throughout its over 100,000 square-foot facility. The complex contains a 75/15 ton craneway which runs the length of the facility, providing the capability to handle the largest of test vehicles and fixtures.

The Machine Shop Section consists of a large number of machine tools boasting digital and NC/CNC capabilities. The CNC machine tools are locally programmed through a DNC network. This allows CSTA to perform most cutting and turning operations with the speed and accuracy necessary to support the often precision requirements of the customer.

The Welding section maintains the ability to cut and weld standard structural materials, armor plate, and even titanium and stainless. This is accomplished through the use of oxyacetylene, water jet, and plasma cutting machines. Assembly of components is performed through a full range of welding capabilities that includes a pulse arc welding machine and a submerged arc welding machine. The Experimental Fabrication Branch redesigned a nose cup to use on the plasma cutting machine. There was a short life on the factory bronze cups, and by modifying the bronze cup to accept a stainless nose, the shop has seen a six-fold increase in the useful life of the cup.

The Sheetmetal area maintains a full metalforming capability in forming, shearing, and cutting.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.