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Shipbuilding: quality control and measurements
With the advent of new optical and laser instruments, modern shipbuilding has reached a new level in quality control, accuracy and installation of hull structures.
For a long time, traditional measurement methods have been and are being applied in shipbuilding, such as:
- plumb bobs – for vertical leveling;
- spirit levels – for horizontal leveling;
- metal tapes – for linear measurements.
They were replaced by more modern instruments:
- level instrument – for horizontal leveling;
- theodolite.
However, the use of these instruments, although it increased the accuracy of measurements, did not simplify the verification work. The main problems in their use are as follows:
- it is difficult to use theodolites on an inclined longitudinal slipway;
- they do not have a projection channel;
- insufficient measurement accuracy.
Advances in science and technology resulted in optoelectronic measuring instruments – total stations. These instruments allow you to obtain angular and linear measurements, their accuracy is improved, and initial data processing can be performed in-situ. The use of such optoelectronic instruments improves the accuracy and quality of the structures and products manufactured, including during repair, operation and construction of ships and vessels, and as a result, it decreases labor intensity and increases quality.
One model of the total stations used is Leica MS60.
Its main characteristics are:
- Angular accuracy – 1’’;
- Automatic target aiming range onto reflector – 1.5 km (target locking range – 1 km);
- Compensator – dual-axis with accuracy of 0.5”, working range of 4’;
- Distance measurement range – 10,000 m (onto reflector);
- Telescope magnification – 30x;
- Wireless interface.
The use of optoelectronic instruments, in particular laser total stations, has a number of advantages:
- High-speed data transfer;
- Improved accuracy of ship hull construction (compared to traditional instruments);
- Better manufacturing process management, less fitting work and, as a result, lower labor input for hull assembly;
- Measurement results can be edited and saved for future use;
- The use of appropriate software makes it possible to integrate the total station with automated ship design and production planning systems.
Our professionals perform a number of activities in shipbuilding. These activities include:
- measurement of components, sections, blocks both during and after completion of manufacturing and construction;
- applying checkpoints for painting; marking the slipway and axes of the centerline, baseline and frames to create the coordinate system of a vessel or a ship during its construction;
- quality control of assembly jigs; Jig operations to position sections and blocks in the vessel’s coordinate system;
- Checking the shape and dimensions of a vessel’s hull under construction;
- Geometry inspection of supporting and mating surfaces of vessel foundations for main and auxiliary mechanisms, shafting, equipment and devices;
- Marking the position of main and auxiliary mechanisms, shafting, equipment and devices.
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