Overview
Project Number: S3008
Project Title: Optimized Layout Process
Period of Performance: AUG23 – AUG26
Objective
At Ingalls Shipbuilding (Ingalls), outfitting currently consists of a series of very labor-intensive process steps required to accurately install components in accordance with ship specifications. The process begins with manually measuring from reference points, marking the location, installing the component, and finally welding. Adding to the complexity of the process, early-stage construction is performed with the products inverted, whereas computer-aided design (CAD) drawings are generated in the “upright” position. Translating the drawing information to match the physical layout can be challenging. In addition to time and labor, inconsistency and inaccuracy can drive rework at later construction phases and may cause outfitting to be pushed to later stages creating environmental issues and other obstacles, leading to further rework.
The Naval Shipbuilding and Advanced Manufacturing (NSAM) Center project is developing a digital location mapping layout process to improve the legacy process that historically depends on manual, hands-on measurements to arrangecomponents layouts. This will be achieved through the development and validation of an integrated technology solution that enables creation and utilization of digital layout data, digitizes the layout process through data capture and visualization, and accommodates various environmental challenges such as plate distortion and lighting variations.
Benefits/Payoff
This project is expected to result in combined five-year savings of approximately $3.0M.
Implementation
The Optimized Layout Process is expected to be implemented at Ingalls during the 4Q FY2026.
*Prepared under ONR Contract N00014-24-D-7001 as part of the Navy ManTech Program.
*DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release: distribution unlimited. DCN# 2024-10-17-189
