8.20 well below their capacity. This implies that with the addition of more light machine tools, the output of the manufacturing complex could be increased by as much as a factor of ten. The manufacturing facilities outlined are clearly very versatile and would form the basis of the space manufacturing facility eventually intended to accompany the colony at LS. VIII.S: FABRICATION VIII.S.l: Outline of Fabrication Technique: The next task in the construction of the colony is the fabrication of the main colony subsections out of stock parts. These subsections are the 20m x 20m hull sections and the Sm x 20m bulkhead sections described in Section VII.3.4. At the end of the fabrication procedure described in this section, these subsections are taken to the colony site for assembly. The rationale behind this subassembly procedure is presented in Section VIII.7.3.1. The fabrication of the sections and bulkheads itself takes place in one of the cylindrical work shacks (see Section VIII.6). However, unlike the refining and manufacturing shacks, this fabrication shack is not pressurized. This is so that electron beam (EB) welding, which requires a complete vacuum, can take place. The fact that this welding and fabrication must happen in vacuum requires that it be a completely automated process. As they are finished, stock parts are moved through a small air lock from the last raanufacturing (machine shop) shack to the fabrication (welding) shack. The parts are taken by manipulator arms and moved into place on a 2Sm x 2Sm "lay-up bed". When in the proper location over the bed, the piece of stock is clamped in position by automatic hold down arms and welded in place by the electron beam welding heat. This process is continued until the entire section or bulkhead is complete. Although the fabrication is not normally pressurized, it can be in the event major repairs must be done on the work bed. Thus, one end of the work cylinder is normally open so finished section can be moved but can be closed and sealed when repairs must be made.
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