Photo By Danielle Lofton | A new 3D printed motor removal tool invented by Southeast Regional Maintenance Center...... read more read more
NORFOLK, Va. - Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC), in collaboration with Southeast Regional Maintenance Center (SERMC), successfully tested a 3D-printed motor removal tool for the Electro-Optical Stabilization Subsystem (EOSS) on its close-in weapon system (CIWS) earlier this year, marking a major step toward on-demand manufacturing of critical components for the fleet.
SERMC created an easy-to-use, 3D-printed motor removal tool that prevented binding and reduced the overall maintenance time needed for the removal and installation of these precision pieces of machinery. The newly printed EOSS motor removal tool provides positive control and maintains perfect alignment of the DC motor during removal and reinstallation, turning a job with a high failure rate for the motors into a straightforward effort.
“We received the design files from SERMC in the afternoon and were able to 3D print all ten pieces that make up the tools overnight,” said Steven Peterson, Technology and Innovation Lab manager. “We were then able to post-process, QA, and assemble them the next day, having them ready for delivery by close of business the day after.”
For over 40 years, the CIWS system has served as the last line of defense against aerial and maritime threats that penetrate other safeguards. Installed on allied naval vessels worldwide, this versatile system has shielded fleets from anti-ship missiles, aircraft, and coastal attacks. Modern CIWS bolsters protection by neutralizing emerging dangers such as small swift surface vessels and weaponized drones. Its state-of-the-art, electro-optical sensor enables precision targeting and takedowns, cementing CIWS as the ultimate shield against intensifying challenges.
Prior to the invention of the tool, Sailors and engineers relied on wire straps anchored to the motor, which could damage the motor during removal and replacement. Physical control of the new motor during reassembly was challenging, and heavily technique dependent.
MARMC’s 3D printer produced a device that is easy to use and lightweight. The removal tool was then tested by the Self-Defense Branch, Code 293.
“Having the capability and capacity both afloat or ashore to dynamically turn inexpensive generic feedstock into complex functional tools and parts in just over a 24-hour period speaks loudly to the utility of what can be accomplished with 3D printing.” Stevenson added. “3D printing, or ‘additive manufacturing,’ enables us to come up with solutions much more rapidly and typically at a lower cost than by traditional means.”
These newly printed tools have a production cost of $30 to $40, and save approximately four hours of labor per job. Through its thoughtful design, the motor removal tool has transformed a once anxiety-inducing chore into a simple job that even newcomers can handle with ease.
By collaborating to address a critical issue, SERMC and MARMC pioneered an innovative solution with the potential to significantly extend system lifespan and decrease expenses fleet-wide, ushering in a new era of increased efficiency and cost savings across the entire Navy.
MARMC, a field activity under Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), provides surface ship maintenance, management and oversight of private sector maintenance and fleet technical assistance to ships in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.
| Date Taken: | 09.21.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 09.21.2023 12:33 |
| Story ID: | 453963 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 128 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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