Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40APRIL 2017 • FOGHORN 15 FOGHORNFOCUS: SHIPBUILDING manual finishing works are necessary. The edge preparation by means of milling is also suitable for thicker plates and – in contrast to the more conven- tional processes – the chips generated by the milling process can be recycled making the milling technology an en- vironmentally friendly process, espe- cially since the formation of gases and hazardous dust is eliminated. With regard to the laser-hybrid welding process, milling is the only seam preparation that meets the high requirements of the TWP technology. Only this way, the high precision and reproducible plate edge preparation of the defined edge type as well as an almost burr-free processing is ensured thanks to a special arrangement of the milling tips in the milling head. In order to achieve a continu- ous weld seam, the TWP concept by Graebener uses a two-side simulta- neous milling process for the seam preparation. Prior to the welding, both plates are processed simultaneously. The gap between the two edges is less than 0.1 mm. Pre-condition for the exact welding is an accurate and automated positioning of the individual plates. The positioning gantries are controlled by a master computer and can position the plates highly accurately in the correct sequence with the aid of special cameras. The tolerance range is +- 0.2 mm. Some European shipyards already benefit from the TWP technology. The largest TWP system is able to produce ship deck sections with a surface of 750 m² fully automatically. For smaller ship deck sections and retrofitting solutions for existing production lines as well, the TWP technology represents the most promising innovation of the shipbuild- ing industry. Current projects in the U.S. give proof to this trend. This technology outlook may well mean a positive signal for shipbuilders. Innovative production solutions do not need to be developed but are already available and can be adapted into existing facilities. Increasing demands of new ship designs and new materials are driving shipbuilders to recognize and meet these challenges. Through a close working relationship between shipbuilders and processing equipment suppliers, cost savings and efficiency can be achieved. n by TWP -Systems ® for the Modern Shipbuilding Industry Mr. Steve Tesanovich +1 281 850 3903 s.tesanovich@graebener-group.com Plate edge preparation and hybrid laser in one setting highest accuracy efficient material usage reduce straightening works no hardening in the welding zone Combination of plates of different sizes Reduction of processing time Joining of shipbuilding materials by laser hybrid welding www.graebener.us To apply, go to www.goldengate.org/jobs OPERATIONS MANAGER POSITION OPEN NOW Excellent Salary and Benefits Through a close working relationship between shipbuilders and processing equipment suppliers, cost savings and efficiency can be achieved.