"How It's Made" Science Channel - Oceanic Regulator

[KathyV]

This morning I watched an old rerun of an episode of "How It's Made" on the Science Channel and they showed the manufacturing process for an Oceanic Regulator; I thought that it was very interesting.

Season 7 Episode 22
How It's Made | Watch Full Episodes & More! - Science

 

[Kevin Floyd]

Lol, I was watching the same thing this morning. It was very cool.

 

[АлександрД]

do not know, what I did wrong, but was unable to find there.. If somebody like me - here it is

But there is some other, even more interesting, I think...

 

[wnissen]

Neat! Does anyone know why these are machined, not cast? Seems like it would be easier to make the bulk features.

 

[tursiops]

I believe machined is stronger, and getting the fine details right is easier.

 

[rsingler]

Some of the newer lightweight diaphragms are both. Some new stronger alloy is cast, with minimum bulk for weight savings. Then the casting is bored and threaded.
Here's Hollis FDXi for example:

Most of that middle section is a rubber bumper.
The casting is even thinner than that!

 

[Akimbo]

Some of the newer lightweight diaphragms are both.

Are you sure they are cast and not forged? Forgings are stronger with less risk of porosity. Heck, 5-axis CNC machining centers can make these parts out of wrought material.

 

[rsingler]

You're probably right. That's what you get when a non-engineer butts in.