On-Site Machining for Space & Launch Infrastructure Launch infrastructure doesn’t always fit in a machine shop. Mactech provides on-site machining, laser metrology, and custom machining solutions for large-scale space and launch infrastructure—bringing the equipment, technicians, and measurement capabilities directly to the structure to be machined in place or closer to site. From launch mounts and tower assemblies to catch systems, quick-disconnect hardware, and other large fabricated structures, our teams are built for work where precision, adaptability, and schedule all matter. Need help with a launch infrastructure machining challenge? GET IN TOUCH Field Machining Built for Launch Infrastructure Large launch structures present a unique machining challenge. They’re fabricated in sections. They’re welded. They’re assembled in the field. Actual geometry can change during fabrication and installation. Critical bores and mating surfaces may need to be finished only after the structure is in its final configuration. That’s where field machining earns its keep. Instead of trying to bring the structure to the machine, Mactech brings the machine to the structure. Our field teams can establish actual geometry, align portable machining equipment to project datums, machine critical features in place, and verify the finished result. Space & Launch Machining Capabilities Precision line boring Portable milling Laser measurement and alignment Bore measurement and alignment Spot facing and precision facing Drilling, tapping, and reaming Match boring and pin-fit machining Base and mounting-surface machining Weld repair and corrective machining Custom portable machining solutions As-built inspection and final verification Multi-machine, multi-shift project execution Measure. Align. Machine. Verify. Integrated Laser Metrology + Field Machining When the final machining location depends on the actual position of a large fabricated structure, measurement and machining shouldn’t operate in two different worlds. Mactech combines laser metrology with field machining to create one integrated process: Our laser measurement team can establish reference points and datums, locate machining equipment relative to CAD or project geometry, verify boring-bar position before critical cuts, and perform final inspection after machining. That means fewer handoffs, less uncertainty, and one team working toward the finished geometry. The result: Faster machine alignment Reduced inspection time Fewer coordination points Accurate machining based on actual installed geometry Final dimensional verification Better information when field conditions don’t match the drawing Proven on Complex Launch Structures Mactech has supported precision field-machining projects at multiple U.S. launch facilities. Our teams have performed machining and metrology on large launch infrastructure including: Orbital Launch Mounts Large-scale match boring, precision line boring, facing, and laser-supported machining across multiple locations on assembled launch structures. Launch & Catch Tower Structures Precision boring and facing of tower lugs, pin connections, structural weldments, and other critical interfaces—including elevated work and machining based on laser-established datums. Catch & Handling Systems Multi-axis field-machining support on large fabricated catch-system structures involving dozens of precision bores, multiple simultaneous machine setups, spot faces, and final laser verification. Quick-Disconnect & Propellant Interface Structures Line boring, counterboring, spot facing, drilling, reaming, and precision machining of fabricated QD structures after installation and welding. Crew Arms & Mechanical Interfaces Line boring, drilling, reaming, spot facing, and match machining of pin bores, drive-system lugs, and structural connections. Corrective & As-Built Machining Sometimes the most important measurement happens before the first chip is cut. Our teams have identified field conditions that differed from supplied geometry, stopped work before creating a larger problem, and worked with the customer to develop corrective machining and weld-repair solutions. Because the goal isn’t simply to machine the part. It’s to solve the problem. And get rockets launching safely, efficiently, and effectively. Built to Move at Project Speed Launch construction doesn’t always happen one machine at a time. Mactech maintains an extensive fleet of portable machining equipment and experienced field technicians capable of scaling around demanding project schedules. Depending on the scope, that can mean: Multiple boring machines operating simultaneously Equipment staged ahead of active machining Day and night shifts Dedicated project management Integrated laser technicians Backup machines, drives, tooling, and support equipment Custom equipment designed for unique applications We manufacture portable machining equipment ourselves, which also gives our teams the ability to modify, adapt, or build tooling when an off-the-shelf solution isn’t enough. When the Drawing Meets Reality Big steel moves. Welding creates distortion. Assemblies stack tolerances. Field installation introduces variables. And sometimes the structure sitting in front of you isn’t exactly where the model says it should be. That’s why experience matters. Mactech field technicians are machinists and problem solvers. We plan the work, measure actual conditions, communicate what we find, and adapt the machining approach when necessary. We’ve spent more than 50 years machining equipment and structures that can’t simply be put on a truck and sent to a machine shop. Space infrastructure may be newer. The challenge of machining big, complicated things exactly where they sit isn’t. Why Mactech for Space & Launch Machining? Exceptional People & Equipment Experienced field technicians backed by an extensive fleet of portable machining equipment. Expertise From Experience Decades of field machining experience combined with successful work on complex launch infrastructure. Integrated Metrology + Machining Machinists who understand metrology. Metrologists who understand machining. One organization responsible for turning measurement into finished geometry. Custom Solutions As an OEM of portable machining equipment, Mactech can adapt tooling and develop specialized solutions when the project demands it. Ready to Scale Multiple machines. Multiple crews. Multiple shifts. One coordinated machining plan. Bring Us the Problem Whether you’re building a launch mount, installing a tower assembly, finishing a fabricated structure, correcting an out-of-tolerance condition, or trying to determine how you’re going to machine something that isn’t going anywhere—we’d like to take a look. Tell us what you’re building, what needs to be machined, and when you need it done.