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Ship Repair & Conversion - Focus on Coatings New Surface Cleaning Process Saves Navy On Maintenance The paint department at Pascagoula, Miss.-based Ingalls Shipbuilding has developed an innovative method of accomplishing business in surface preparation and painting process — sav- ing the U.S. Navy on ship upkeep and maintenance. The main premise here is reaching a goal of improving the life cycle of all Ingalls-constructed destroy- ers. "We have started a new process of cleaning and painting the assemblies before we stack them on top of one another," said paint foreman Tommy Vick. "Now we can reach almost all sur- faces, even those we cannot see or reach with hand tools. By bringing the assem- blies down to the bare metal and with our new technique, the paint will adhere better and last longer, keeping corrosion down on the interior and exterior sur- faces." The extension of a ship's life cycle involves a new procedure consisting of a new abrasive medium. "We replace Black Beauty with Bar Shot in the process of cleaning assemblies," said paint foreman Jon Evans. "The contract specification allows us to power tool clean any damaged painted areas. With this new abrasive material, we can exceed the contract specifications with a better surface preparation. The charac- teristics of this surface preparation enhances the coating that is applied and gives a longer life cycle to the ship," don't underestimate importance this. ^ Today's most profitable shipyards use state-of-the-art software programs for estimating, planning, purchasing, scheduling and forecasting. Now, the most powerful software is also the most readily available. SPAR's renown PERCEPTION® is affordable, user friendly and equally effective for large or small yards. Visit our website, www.sparusa.com for more information or send for our brochure and CD sampler. To make the most money in shipbuilding, you need the best tools. Start by contacting SPAR today. SPAR Associates, Inc. • 927 West Street • Annapolis, MD 21401 410-263-8593 • fax: 410-267-0503 • e-mail: info@sparusa.com www.sparusa.com SPAR ASSOCIATES. INC Software Solutions For The Shipbuilding Industry Evans continued. This new surface preparation process provides an upgrade for a quality prod- uct, with upper assemblies cleaned before being stacked on the lower half. Following the stacking of the units - the lower assembly is then cleaned - and the abrasive material is recovered and recy- cled onsite. Ultimately, this method allows for a more productive working environment, which significantly reduces waste. "We have come up with a great way of achieving almost 100 percent in cover- age. I can see so much better what I am doing, and this provides for a more effective way of doing my job," said painter John Collins. "We went from cleaning 50-60 percent of the surface to 95 percent of the assemblies," said general paint superin- tendent Terry Hayes. The first ship to receive this premiere procedure was Lassen, where about 25 percent of the assemblies were cleaned with this method. All of the assemblies of Bulkeley, as well as future destroyers will receive this new process resulting in improved protection of the interior sur- face of the ship. Circle 19 on Reader Service Card The preceding was excerpted from Ingalls Shipbuilding's August 1999 edi- tion of The Shipbuilder. March, 2000 Circle 276 on Reader Service Card Circle 237 on Reader Service Card 65 As you estimate cost building CRANKSHAFT GRINDING While Installed in Engine • CRANKPIN AND MAIN JOURNAL REFURBISHING While crankshaft is in engine • ALL TYPES OF 0N-B0ARD MACHINING Cylinder boring, engine top decks, horizontal joints, couplings, journals LINE BORING OF MAIN BEARING POCKETS Laser and Optical Alignment • METALSTITCH® Repair of cracked or broken cast iron engine blocks IN-PUCE MACHINING COMPANY USA: International: FAX: 800-833-3575 414-562-2000 414-265-1000 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE...day or night, 365 days a year email: help@inplace.com Website: www.inplace.com
