Ishitoshi Machining has developed a structure for the CubeSat technology: the “MBF-Mono Base Frame” The MBF is machined from a single aluminum block, creating a fully integrated, jointless structure. There are a number of reasons we machine from a single block.
Does it make it lighter?
Is it more rigid?
Is it easier to customize?
Yes to all, but none of them is the biggest reason.
If you were hand-building a single CubeSat and encountered a problem, of course you could rectify it. But could you assure consistent quality where the same modification had to be made in dozens of CubeSats?
The MBF’s external dimensions comply with the specifications defined in all existing Satellite Orbital Deployers. There is no need to make adjustments during installation, and similarly accurate results will be obtained regardless of the individual carrying out the installation.
In addition, the structure of the MBF is simple, minimizing concerns about interference between the mission device and the structure during design. As the MBF gains wider acceptance, mission devices and their components will be more and more subject to modularization, enabling an increase in the use of common parts and the associated efficiency.
The greatest advantage of the “MBF” being machined from a single block of aluminum is that accuracy is maintained regardless of who assembles it, allowing greater focus to be devoted to the design of the device rather than be consumed by the task of designing the structure, enhancing the likelihood of mission success.
