Collaboration to Innovation with the Additive Manufacturing Team
In discovering a direct need for safety improvements, Chief Ryan Roberts, chief petty officer electrician mate, approached the AM team to see if they could create a tool to increase safety. Together, Ship’s Force partnered with the AM team to find a solution. Through identifying the specific need and possible solutions, the two groups were able to demonstrate that safety is not isolated to one ship, or shop alone, it requires a seamless collaboration across the entire workforce.
“I feel the teamwork needed for a project like this has to be a priority, while maintaining focus on the safety of the crew,” said Manley Irish, AM technician. “All parties did a great job in communicating, which resulted in a part that was printed quickly and done right the first time. This simple idea is not only going to make a crew member’s job a little easier but will also make it safer.”
Washington’s crew knew there must be a better way to navigate the task of replacing indication lightbulbs within the ship. The AM team took the ideas discussed and brought them to life, creating a series of protypes using a 3D printer that creates models out of plastic material. This led to a working prototype that could securely grasp the lightbulb as it was being used, eliminating the risk of direct contact with surrounding electrical components.
The teamwork and development of this working prototype not only benefits crew members currently working on the ships, but it will also serve many shipyard employees to come.
“Multiple areas within the electrical shop will be able to use this tool in daily work, improving safety and efficiency in execution,” said Noah Lemire, electrical zone manager. “The final design has been programmed allowing for future tool sharing and rapid response to emergent issues where the tool is needed."
“This effort showcases the exact deckplate-led innovation our shipyard continuously pursues,” said Kevin Belisle, Washington project superintendent, who applauds the collaboration between production and crew to make this crucial measure of safety possible. “Our zone managers, additive manufacturing team, and the Washington chief 's mess united to solve this problem creatively and collaboratively. This teamwork improves efficiency and safety and drives our momentum as we march toward undocking and end game execution. Great job!”
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