The National Shipbuilding Research Program. Automated Process Application in Steel Fabrication and Subassembly Facilities; Phase II (Process Comparison)
Abstract
In an effort to produce cost competitive ships in a time of reduced Defense spending and dominance of the world commercial market by foreign yards. the American shipbuilding industry is investigating methods that will streamline production and reduce fabrication and assembly times. One such methods is the introduction of automation into steel fabrication and subassembly processes. Many of the processes in these areas are both labor intensive and repetitive. characteristics that are ideally suited to be handled by automation. The drawback, however, is the capital cost associated with automation especially when it is not known whether the automation will produce a positive return on the investment dollar. Computer simulation is being used in other manufacturing industries worldwide to gain insight into how the introduction of new resources affects the company's current manufacturing capabilities and whether or not the new resources will produce a positive return on investment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA445869
Entities
People
- Jeffrey Schaedig
- John Horvath
Organizations
- National Steel and Shipbuilding Company