Ingalls Shipbuilding acquires intelligent PEMA welding automation as part of its “Shipyard of the Future” initiative
Pemamek Ltd. is delivering hi-tech PEMA welding automation to Mississippi-based Ingalls Shipbuilding’s Pascagoula shipyard. The extensive and technologically advanced automation solutions provide Ingalls improved panel production and enhanced work flow.
Shipyard of the Future
To signal its decisiveness to maintain the position as the world’s leading and 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.
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 modernization 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 robotized 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 robotized welding of entire panel stiffening. The solution includes multiple robots utilizing 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 customized 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.
About Huntington Ingalls Industries
Huntington Ingalls Industries is America’s largest military shipbuilding company and a provider of professional services to partners in government and industry. For more than a century, HII’s Newport News and Ingalls shipbuilding divisions in Virginia and Mississippi have built more ships in more ship classes than any other U.S. naval shipbuilder. HII’s Technical Solutions division provides a wide range of professional services through its Fleet Support, Integrated Missions Solutions, Nuclear and Environmental, and Oil and Gas groups. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, HII employs nearly 37,000 people operating both domestically and internationally.
About Pemamek Ltd.
Pemamek is a forerunner in welding and production industry and specialized in designing and manufacturing automated welding and production systems, as well as work-piece handling equipment for heavy and thick materials. Today Pemamek employs 190 personnel at its headquarters in Loimaa. All the business functions from manufacturing to design are implemented in Pemamek’s modern and technically advanced premises in Finland. PEMA Sales offices are located also in the USA, Russia, Brazil and Poland.
For more information, please contact:
Jukka Rantala, Vice President, Key Accounts, Pemamek Ltd., jukka.rantala@pemamek.com, +358 40 703 6176
Emilia Vuorela, Communications & Marketing, Pemamek Ltd., emilia.vuorela@pemamek.com, +358 50 5211 309
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