Overview
Lightweight Fillet Weld Tack-Gun for Precision Structure Fabrication (2013-425)
Project Team:
- Edison Welding Institute
- Ingalls Shipbuilding
- Newport News Shipbuilding
- Bollinger Shipyards
- General Dynamics Electric Boat
- General Dynamics Bath Iron Works
2013
NSRP ASE Investment: $150K
Objective:
This project developed a prototype lightweight, precision tack welding device capable of reliably depositing tack welds as small as 3.2 mm (1/8 in.) for building thin steel ship structures. The device is compact and rugged enough for use in a shipyard environment. Travel speed and repeatable tack weld size are consistent with operation requirements voiced by shipyard partners and will enable smaller fillet welds and, by extension, reduce distortion. Both manual, track-mounted, and mechanized versions of the device have been developed to meet shipyard needs for varying degrees of functionality.
Key Deliverables:
Request Final Report from NSRP – Limited distribution authorized to the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry and NSRP ASE Program representatives