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Bulkhead Straightener (PAS-BH)   
Native American Technologies is developing additional flexible automated systems for use in shipyard production facilities. Using the recently launched product PAS-D (deckplate straightener) as a base system, we are designing with Northrop Grumman Ship Systems and Bender Shipbuilding a machine that will enable shipyards to feasibly straighten bulkheads as well. Currently, acetylene torches ( < 3KW heat source) are used together with a sprayer to heat and then quench bulkhead plates with a water and air mixture. This manual process is costly and time consuming and causes delays in schedules and reduces the availability of craftsmen needed for other jobs. The automated process proposed in this project will utilize a 25 KW induction head, which will straighten the plates twice as fast. This includes setup and takedown time assuming a large section needs straightening in the area. It will also remove the worker from the heat source, free craftsmen to do other needed jobs, and reduce Total Ownership Cost (TOC) of the Navy ships. Shipyard craftsmen will be included early in the development process to ensure acceptance and implementation of the new process. The Portable Automated Bulkhead Straightener (PAS-BH) will be an application of flexible automation in the shipbuilding industry. It will be able to straighten the work piece in real time requiring only minimal operator intervention – similar to the operation of the PAS-D System.
design concepts and current process
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