Military and defense applications are among the most demanding that the manufacturing sector serves. When lives are on the line, there is practically no room for error: superior reliability and efficiency are minimum requirements. Every component must be made exactly to specific standards. This includes the many precision mechanical components found in countless defense systems. Today, we’ll take a look at several examples.
Targeting Systems – are used to identify, track, and engage targets with extreme precision, while minimizing collateral damage. They are found on aircraft, ships, tanks, missile systems, and elsewhere. These systems require very responsive and accurate control with precise yet smooth motion, especially for start/stop. Anti-backlash gears are often used to help facilitate tight control. Precision bearings are commonly found reducing friction in targeting systems, allowing components to move quickly and smoothly.
Optical Components – assist in strategic tasks such as targeting, surveillance, and navigation. Tools such as periscopes, binoculars, and viewfinders are heavily used throughout the military. Components can range from simple to complex. Bearings are found in rotating mirrors and gimbal mounts to reduce friction and improve accuracy. Miniature pulleys and fine-pitch belts are used to facilitate precision targeting and optical control. Couplings are used in laser systems to facilitate optical path alignment. All types of gears may be found in optical components as well, including spur, helical, bevel, and worm.
Control Systems – control boxes are found in military positioning systems to manage and coordinate various mechanical, optical, and tactical components. In addition to targeting systems, they are found in navigation, fire control, and logistics systems. Couplings, pulley systems, belts, and bearings are just a few of the many mechanical components found in military control systems.
Specialty Requirements for the Military Sector
Military/defense applications often demand additional considerations when compared to commercial or retail ones. For instance, many military systems are subject to extreme factors such as intense humidity, high/low temperatures, and salinity. These conditions may require that components be made from specialty materials. Often, they need tougher coatings, such as dry-film, passivation, or other military-approved finish options.
Packaging requirements are stringent as well, requiring specific markings for lot traceability. This is needed to help identify the source of a problem should a failure occur.
Another key consideration for defense manufacturers is DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement). These regulations are designed to make sure that the Department of Defense gets high-quality products and services.
Military/defense applications demand exceptional reliability and efficiency. Every component must meet or exceed exacting standards to help ensure superior and reliable performance. From backlash gears and bearings to pulleys, couplings, set screws, and much more, the list of mechanical components is extensive. When developing and sourcing them, it is important to work with suppliers that understand the unique demands of the military and defense sector. This is needed to help ensure system reliability and successful tactical missions.
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