CTMA Project #: 140892
Problem: Metal frames that are critical for the structural support of fleet equipment such as ships, airplanes, trucks, and buses need to be scrupulously maintained. Repairs and upgrades to these frameworks are primarily done by welders who are trained in all specifications and safety requirements. But as with all work, some routine duties could be completed by an automated system that would equalize the quality of work, and release talented welders to be productive on other crucial areas.
Benefit: A reliable weld cut is a safer operation and once programmed the automated system can work continuously saving the organization time and money. Automated routine weld cuts would not eliminate jobs, but reassign the complex work to welders who can use their skills in other, more creative and complex work, thereby giving them more job satisfaction.
Solution/Approach: Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) will demonstrate and evaluate a Gantry Hull Welding System, prove it out in their full-size mock-up, develop shipboard procedures, and develop and implementation plan for its use shipboard.
Impact on Warfighter:
- Reduce labor and maintenance costs
- Reduce injuries
- Reduce defects
- Improve readiness
DOD Participation:
- NAVSEA
- U.S. Navy (Norfolk)
Industry Participation:
- Encompass Machines Incorporated
- NCMS
Benefit Area(s):
- Cost savings
- Repair turn-around time
- Maintenance avoidance and reliability
Focus Area:
- Business processes/partnerships
