DMTC Limited is working with BAE Systems Maritime Australia, ANSTO and the University of Wollongong to develop advanced welding technologies for use on naval shipbuilding programs such as the Hunter Class Frigate Program.
Collaboration will take place over two years and is expected to result in production efficiencies in the construction of complex warships by incorporating artificial intelligence to reduce weld rejection rates, increase throughput and improve workforce skills in shipbuilding.
These capabilities will support BAE Systems Maritime Australia's work in designing and building nine next-generation anti-submarine warfare frigates for the Royal Australian Navy.
While the highly automated Osborne Naval Shipyard's production facilities already incorporate robotic welding, the organisations believe this phase of research and development could identify opportunities to 'further automate and optimise weld sequencing', which they say is critical in ensuring the stability and life of welded structures such as steel bulkheads and panels.
Weld sequencing for ship construction is considered a complex, manual and time-consuming process and the research will focus on an optimal model that improves structural analysis to reduce “distortion” in the welding of units and the 22 blocks that make up each Hunter frigate.
Initial work will take place at ANSTO and the University of Wollongong before moving into trials at Osborne. To optimise the weld sequencing in panel/unit/block fabrication and consolidation, the organisations say a streamlined process will be developed to ensure the accuracy of weld modelling inputs, robotic programming outputs and weld control programming.
"The project will establish a sovereign capability in optimising weld sequencing and builds on DMTC’s long history in working on industrial projects to reduce weld-induced distortion on various defence platforms," DMTC said.
The research forms part of broader work to deliver Australian Industry Capability outcomes under DMTC’s Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Program, an industrial innovation partnership with Defence’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group.
“One of the hallmarks of DMTC’s approach, and it’s really the essence of innovation, is to constantly look to facilitate the rapid adoption and application of technology, including in new areas of endeavour," Mark Hodge, Chief Executive Officer DMTC said. "This project is a good example, with its blend of fine-tuning existing technologies and developing novel optimisation methods that are unique to the shipyard.”
“This project will be transformative for block production across our shipyard by ensuring our manufacturing is smarter and includes efficiencies at every step of the welding process," Jim Cuthill, Operations Director & Shipyard General Manager, BAE Systems Maritime Australia added. "We’re excited by the opportunities this will enable as we move towards full production for the Hunter frigate program and establish a continuous naval shipbuilding capability in Australia.”