Machined aluminium and stainless components for subsea detection equipment
Boyang Hardware machines marine / underwater technology parts to customer drawings in Zhongshan, China. The photographs below are from production archives; the route, material and finish listed are typical for this part family and are confirmed at quotation.
What the part does
These parts are used on subsea cameras, sonar heads, water-quality sensors and underwater robotic platforms. The ring acts as a mounting collar, while the cylindrical housing carries the sensor window and provides sealed cable entry.
Why this geometry is demanding
- Salt water attacks most metals quickly, so material choice and surface protection dominate the design.
- Sealing surfaces must be free of tooling marks and burrs; an imperfect O-ring groove is a leak path at depth.
- The rectangular window in the ring is a through-feature that must remain straight and burr-free so a transparent port can seal against it.
Typical material and finish
AL6061-T6 with black anodising for collars and light housings; SS316L for parts that are immersed directly or require extra corrosion resistance. O-rings and sealing ports are specified by the customer.
Process route
- Turning of the cylindrical profile and bores
- Milling of windows, cable entry slots and mounting flats
- Finishing of O-ring grooves and sealing faces
- Deburring and passivation (for stainless) or black anodising (for aluminium)
- Dimensional and visual inspection against the drawing
Inspection and quality control
Sealing diameters and O-ring grooves are measured with verniers and CMM. Surface finish on the seal lands is checked visually and by touch against a documented sample; 100% inspection is performed before shipment.
Quality approach for this part family
Sealing diameters and O-ring grooves are measured with verniers and CMM. Surface finish on the seal lands is checked visually and by touch against a documented sample; 100% inspection is performed before shipment.
Common questions about marine / underwater technology machining at Boyang
Which material is better for fully immersed subsea parts: aluminium or stainless steel?
SS316L is the safer choice for long-term immersion because it resists chloride attack. Anodised AL6061 works well for collars, housings above the waterline and parts that are regularly rinsed. The final decision depends on depth, exposure time and galvanic compatibility with neighbouring parts.
How are O-ring grooves controlled?
Groove width and depth are machined to the drawing and checked on the CMM or with calibrated gauges. Burrs are removed manually; a scratch-free sealing face is more important than a tight dimensional tolerance on the groove itself.
Can Boyang add cable glands or connector threads?
Yes. Threads and threaded ports are cut or formed to the customer specification, including UN, metric and NPT standards. Thread gauging is part of standard inspection.