NCMS is seeking participants for a new forming NMRPP project, Catapult Alignment Position Measurement Automation.

The current aircraft carrier catapult alignment method is marginally reliable due to multiple degrees of error and limited data.  Over the 100 meter length of the catapult trough, mechanics repeatedly align a fixture to reference lasers and manually conduct gap and alignment measurements of catapult trough components at fixed points.  Trough components, as well as reference points, significantly shift over the data collection period as a result of thermal effects. Accuracy also suffers from laser instability, difficult fixture centering, mechanical measurement error and recording errors.  A more comprehensive, accurate and reliable representation of component position is needed to determine position corrections in a shorter time.  More accurate data and increased data points would result in better alignment, fewer position correction iterations, fewer alignment checks, and less overhaul schedule risk. 

This project anticipates development of an automated measurement system to increase the speed, accuracy and quantity of component position measurements.  Possibilities would include:

• Automated distance measuring and data acquisition devices, providing increased accuracy over cross-sectional distance
• Photogrammetry
• Laser alignment technologies
• Various other applicable technologies used in metrology, independent or in conjunction as a suite to acquire data points over 100 meters
• The above real-time data acquisition systems to be transmitted to a portable laptop or storage device.

The objectives of the NMRPP Catapult Alignment Position Measurement Automation project are:

• perform detailed requirements analysis and validation of current catapult alignment procedures
• identify cost effective automated metrology technologies
• define the tools, standards and processes to support proper alignment of catapult components.

Additionally, this project seeks to enagage metrology experts, laser and optics technologies, and software developers to achieve the necessary collaborations to develop the optimum technology solution to achieve improved catapult alignment position measurement. This project currently seeks commercial and Department of Defense participants with an interest in metrology, laser alignment, or other technologies related to an extended-length measurement process.  NCMS is a non-profit membership organization.  Project Participants must become NCMS members for those collaborative teams who are asked to submit a larger proposal.

Heidi Hottinger heidih@ncms.org (360) 782-1370.

Photo credit U.S. Navy.

NCMS is seeking participants for a new forming NMRPP project, New Technology Metal Deposition Repair for Navy Ship/Submarine Components.

Current methods of Metal Deposition Repair (MDR) for worn and corroded components are primarily limited to electroplating/conventional welding processes, which have significant limitations for component repair.  New MDRs are needed for valve bodies, valve balls, pump housings, compressors, impellers, shaft components/seals, and many other general wear and sealing areas on ships and submarines.

A number of existing metal deposition capabilities are available which could be applied to Navy component repair, building on existing, proven capabilities.
This project anticipates development of a wider range of repair options for problematic applications.  Significant ROI potential is possible by salvaging components previously scrapped, increased repair longevity, increasing operational availabilities and reducing repair costs of current repair processes (a previous aluminum laser deposition resulted in a cost savings of $35K per torpedo/target shell).  The objectives of the NMRPP New Technology MDR project are:

• perform component selection/ROI analysis
• develop repair process applicable to selected components, including performing metallurgical analyses
• obtain NAVSEA certification for up to three Fleet components.

Additionally, this project seeks to engage machinery OEMs, materials and software developers to achieve the necessary collaborations to develop the potential of these technologies for DoD and industrial applications.  This project currently seeks commercial and Department of Defense participants with an interest in electron beam deposition-welding, direct metal deposition, friction stir processing, metallurgical analysis, laser deposition, kinetic-spray, high velocity oxygenated fuel, and similar technologies related to component repair processes.  NCMS is a non-profit membership organization.  Project Participants must become NCMS members for those collaborative teams who are asked to submit a larger proposal. 

For more information please contact:

Heidi Hottinger heidih@ncms.org (360) 782-1370.

Photo credit U.S. Navy.

NCMS is seeking participants for a new forming NMRPP project, Environmentally Friendly Cutting Solutions. 

The current method employed for large-scale cutting and ship disposal (Oxy-Fuel) creates large quantities of visible emissions, metal fumes and debris.  Federal and State Clean Air Acts prohibit visible emissions greater than 20% opacity.  Attempts to control emissions to comply with these requirements have results in increased project costs and longer schedule duration.  This project will:

1. Develop and implement process improvements to control emissions associated with current cutting methods
2. Investigate steel cutting technologies with productivity comparable to standard flame cutting while meeting environmental requirements
3. Demonstrate effectiveness of these technologies on multiple cutting applications, where opacity levels, dry dock discharges and hazard waste reduction levels meet requirements of local, state and federal laws.

This project currently seeks commercial and Department of Defense participants with an interest in diamond rope cutting, plasma-arc welding, waterjet cutting, laser cutting, or other technology related to large equipment cut-up with minimized opacity generation.   NCMS is a non-profit membership organization.  Project Participants must become NCMS members for those collaborative teams who are asked to submit a larger proposal.

For more information please contact:

Heidi Hottinger heidih@ncms.org (360) 782-1370.

Photo credit U.S. Navy.

NCMS announces the formation of a new collaboration- Navy Maintenance and Repair Partnership Program (NMRPP).  Launching in the Pacific Northwest, with Project Managers assigned to NCMS West, in Bremerton, WA., NMRPP supports Naval shipyard and other maintenance and repair operations essential to sustain the most critical ships and undersea weapon systems in the Navy and assure maximum availability to warfighters. 

NCMS collaborative projects for research, development, evaluation and technology insertion highly leverage combined resources, knowledge and capabilities of participants to yield results and benefits faster and at lower cost than typical individual efforts.  NMRPP has been developed by NCMS to demonstrate, through selected technology deployments involving the Navy Maintenance and Logistics Community, that a wide range of commercial manufacturing technologies and best business practices currently unavailable to the Navy can have a substantial impact upon operating and sustainment costs and the readiness of major weapon systems.

Three projects are forming and are currently seeking potential industry and DoD partners:  Environmentally Friendly Cutting Solutions, New Technology Metal Deposition Repair for Navy Ship/Submarine Components, and Catapult Alignment Position Measurement Automation.