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How does GE pack all the power of a heavyweight gear into a lightweight gear for the U.S. Navy? "We surface harden it in America's only fully-automated nitride facility." Paul Briere Nitride Facility Operator Lynn, Massachusetts America's fightingships. Space and weight are precious aboard them. The less that's devoted to propulsion systems —and the huge low speed gears that drive them—the more there is for weapons systems. GE understands this. That's why hardened and ground gears that drive Arleigh Burke destroyers pack as much power, and endure as much stress, as conventional units twice their size and weight. Reducing gear size and weight by 50% requires a special surface hardening process. The One And Only "There's only one fully auto- mated gas nitride facility in the free world," Paul explains. "And it's here in Lynn. GE invested a million dollars to get it. Since it went into operation last April, we have already nitride-hardened a number of 'bull' gears for destroyers and submarines. It's amazing how huge the tank is... it will hold the largest Navy gear with room to spare." Saves Time, Cost "We used to send our bull gears out for surface-hardening," Paul continues. "But that took over eight weeks. In-plant nitriding takes a little over two weeks, gives us better control throughout the entire process and saves thousands of dollars in shipping costs. And our nitride facility is only the beginning. We're installing a state-of-the-art carburizing facility. When it goes on-line, we'll be able to batch run pin- ions and gears for the same propulsion system simultan- eously, which will save the Navy even more time and money." A Proud Tradition For 75 years, GE has served the Navy with unmatched engi- neering and manufacturing expertise, advanced technol- ogy and proven performance. This Proud Tradition of leadership continues today. Our new nitride facility isjust one example of how GE has in- vested more than 25 million dollars to be sure Navy gearing for the 90's will be designed, manufactured and tested by the most advanced equipment in the world. With these facilities, committed GE people like Paul can carry-on the Company's commitment to be the principal supplier of Navy propulsion and ships service generator systems. GE People: Qualified, Committed, Proud GE Naval & Drive Turbine Systems <• Circle 325 on Reader Service Card
