The Laser Ablation Subcommittee (LASC), as part of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard Technology and Innovation Laboratory (NNSY TNI Lab), made huge strides this year with the acquirement of the first laser ablation machine at America’s Shipyard.

“Laser ablation is a process we’ve worked to bring to NNSY for more than ten years and utilizes a laser beam to remove coatings and rust from metal surfaces,” said LASC Lead Dale Berkley. “This year we were able to rent a laser ablation machine which could be handled by a single user with the proper eyewear to remove paint and such from tools and other materials. This technology also virtually eliminates by-product contaminants caused by traditional coating removal methods such as grinding, sanding, and scraping which presents significant improvements in environmental safety. The laser ablation process makes for a faster and more accurate job, reducing the cost of materials, and time. I think it’s a revolutionary process that could do a lot of good here at the shipyard.”

Getting the machine into the shipyard was a dual effort with Berkley securing funding and Lifting and Handling Department (Code 700) Management Analyst Jennifer Freeman leading the charge in contract execution, bringing the machine into the department to be tested out and used by the shop.

"When I was younger, I grew up near the Kodak headquarters and many of our friends were from Kodak. It was devastating when Kodak filed for bankruptcy and many believed it was due to competition. However, it was because the company could not embrace the change that did not fit their way of doing things. The company was not willing to innovate and that eventually led to their closure,” said Lifting and Handling Director Cam Harper. “This story resonates both personally and professionally for me. I believe there is always room to innovate and improve.”

Harper added that he takes the lessons learned from that story and shares them with his department. “I feel invigorated when I hear or see of technologies that could improve what we do at America’s Shipyard,” he said. “When I see my folks getting excited to test out what’s new or create something that could help them on the job, it is exciting to see. So when the NNSY T&I COP shares what new innovations are out there, if it’s something that can help us in what we do every single day, I say we give it a shot.”

Code 700 began training, collecting data, and using the machine as it best fit the needs of the department. Industrial Systems Engineer Christopher Curtis conducted the research and estimated the cost of materials and use. Welders Devonte Evans and Eli Ward III, and Christopher Leonard, a fabricator, trained and operated the laser ablation machine. Auxiliary Equipment and Structural Supervisor Tia Hudgins Reid and Supervisory Engineer Marcel Lane located and maintained the work environment to best use the machine to its potential.

“This process is not only reducing the cost associated with labor and materials, but it’s also a safer alternative,” said Curtis. “It reduces noise hazards and environmental hazards and provides us a one-stop shop for our ablation needs. Quicker, faster, safer, and cleaner! And I think it can really make a huge difference for not only our department but the shipyard as a whole.”

The laser ablation machine is currently off-yard until the next fiscal year; however, Berkley and his team are ready to bring it back to be used by the many codes who could benefit from the technology.

Harper stated the technology is welcome in his department once again and welcomes others to see it firsthand and determine how it could benefit them. “Innovation starts with the idea for change,” said Harper. “I urge us all to champion innovation. Dream big and work with those around you to make your ideas a reality.”

Berkley added, “The NNSY TNI Lab is here to serve the workforce. Bringing this technology to the shipyard and seeing folks excited and energized to innovate is huge for us. I look forward to working with Code 700 again and inviting other codes to test out this great technology. We’re here to help bring the shipyard into a brighter future.”

For more information regarding laser ablation and other innovative technologies, contact the NNSY TNI Lab at 757-396-7180 or send an email to the REAL Ideas program at NNSY_REALIdeas@navy.mil.

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