Ingalls Shipbuilding acquires intelligent PEMA welding automation as part of its “Shipyard of the Future” initiative
To signal its decisiveness to maintain the position as the most modern shipyard, in 2014 the Mississippi-based Ingalls Shipbuilding kicked off the extensive “Shipyard of the Future” initiative.
Ingalls Shipbuilding is a subsidiary of the Huntington Ingalls Industries, which is America’s largest military shipbuilding company and provider of professional services to partners in government and industry.
Shipyard of the Future
The multiyear initiative includes significant investments in modern infrastructure and manufacturing equipment, as well as technologically advanced procedure and processes. The planned investments will result in raised level of automation, enhanced production quality and improved work flow.
Now in its third year of the modernisation implementations, Ingalls Shipbuilding has agreed with Pemamek to acquire large-scale PEMA welding automation solutions to its Pascagoula shipyard. The agreed large-scale automation solutions are described as the most advanced not only in America, but in the entire world.
Innovative processes and integrated milling
The extensive delivery encompasses a state-of-art plate lengthening line, enable to feed two complete modern flat panel lines simultaneously, and several other highly advanced solutions like robotised welding and integrated milling and welding applications.
One of the plate joining stations uses laser-hybrid arc welding (LHAW) process combined with tandem MAG and is capable of welding plates up to 60 ft in length from one side and starting from thicknesses as low as 4 mm. The advanced welding processes together with integrated milling will provide precise seam preparation and efficient welding for the entire length of plates.
In the LHAW panel line, one of the advanced features is a fully automated robotised welding of entire panel stiffening. The solution includes multiple robots utilising the hi-tech programming and control software, PEMA WeldControl 200. The software guarantees effortless management and communication between material, machinery and operator.
Each of the solutions is fully customised and they are outcome from the close two-year collaboration including detailed discussions and careful planning between the teams of Ingalls and Pemamek.
The delivery overseas is entirely a turn-key project, so in addition to all-round installation and training services, also technical and production support services are included.
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