ON A (EDM) MISSION TO MARS

The Pathfinder landed on Mars July 4th, thanks in part to Mitsubishi EDM and the Maroney Company.  The six-wheeled cart roams the surface of the red planet in search of rocks for scientific examination by NASA and JPL.

"This is a very exciting time for Maroney," said company President John Cameron.  "We crossed our fingers with JPL, NASA and the world on July 4th to see what information we receive from Mars.  It is an exceptional quest to be a part of after years of involvement with JPL.  This is a project everyone can appreciate; we're waiting in anticipation for the final outcome."

About 65% of the parts completed for the six-month trip to Mars required both wire and sinker EDM machining.  Maroney used the Mitsubishi V25FS and other Mitsubishi EDMs, including an EX8, SX20 and DWC110SA, for the Pathfinder project.

Of the 155 pieces Maroney machined for the Pathfinder was hardware for the airbag retraction housing used during landing and the high gain antenna used to communicate with Earth throughout the robotic expedition.  The Pathfinder mission would not be possible without the critical parts supplied by Maroney.

The reason for machining with EDM was its ability for infinite adjustment of gear tooth form and shape without the need of custom hobs and shapers or new master gears for each new tooth form.

Maraging Vascomax C300 steel was used for the air bag retraction actuator, a material known for its high yield strength and good toughness properties.  Almost all of the parts that make up the high gain antenna were machined from titanium or aluminum, because of their lightweight, high-strength characteristics.

Maroney Company specializes in ultra-precision machining for the most difficult and demanding requirements.  Users of the internet can find photos documenting the building of the Pathfinder and artist conceptual drawings of the project at the NASA government web site.