Linear actuators power the Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity’s (MCTSSA) XFAB, a portable expeditionary fabrication lab for additive manufacturing, supporting maintenance, fabrication, prototypes, supply, and equipment modification. MCTSSA, which aids the Marine Corps and Joint Service C4I architecture through communications exercises, cyber testing, and tactical networking, recently hosted design experts to test XFAB’s network connectivity. XFAB is a transportable and self-contained, additive manufacturing lab that can be deployed with battalion-level Marine maintenance units.

The lab features a 3D Platform 300 Series Workbench Pro large-format printer, enhanced by PBC Linear industrial-strength linear actuators. These actuators ensure superior performance and reliability, enabling precise, robust motion control for demanding field operations. The lab is 20-by-20 feet and is collapsible for easier transport. Inside there are five 3D printers including two desktop printers, two industrial carbon fiber printers, and the 3D Platform 300 Series Workbench large format printer. In addition, the lab includes laser scanners and cutters, and a corresponding computer design software system.

The XFAB container is powered by a generator or shore power and can be set up or torn down by a team of four Marines in roughly two-to-three hours. Its weight, when fully equipped, tops the scales at about 10,500 pounds and can be transported via the Logistics Vehicle System Replacement or a typical commercial flatbed truck. XFAB has been in development for over five years and will eventually provide Marines with an opportunity to fabricate their own manufacturing tools, parts, and signage. This capability will offer support in forward-deployed expeditionary environments where specialty and hard-to-find parts are not readily available.

UG (SIMO) Series Linear Actuators

The 300 Series large format printer from 3D Platform offers the highest print volume dimensions of the group, with a robust 1000 mm x 1000 mm x 700 mm (0.7 m³, 1.4×). It is built with linear motion hardware that includes five UG (SIMO) Series actuators from PBC Linear. Each actuator that moves along the X-Y-Z gantry is customized and incorporates Constant Force™ anti-backlash lead screws and nuts for high precision and strength.

SIMO is an acronym for Simultaneous Integral Milling Operation. It is a process developed and patented by PBC Linear that has revolutionized traditional machining. The SIMO process uses synchronized cutters, eliminating built-in extrusion variances by machining all critical edges concurrently in one pass. This ensures tight tolerances, limited variance, and a remarkably straight and repeatable surface at minimal additional cost. This process is used on both our plain bearing Gliding Surface Technology and related actuators, as well as cam roller V-guide bearings.

The SIMO process offers many advantages to the standard aluminum extrusion process. The twist and flatness are generally two times better than standard aluminum extrusions, with the straightness (camber) reaching six-times that of standard extrusions.

The testing event at MCTSSA included senior leaders and Marines from 1st Marine Logistics Group, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Regiment, 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The demo offered them a first-hand look at the equipment and how they can manufacture parts and products. The ultimate objective was to reach final operational capability and then begin delivering labs to the Fleet Marine Forces.

For information: 

PBC Linear 

UG (SIMO) Series Actuators

XFAB 

3D Platform

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