Albuquerque, NM, February 14, 2003. Optomec is part of the NCMS CTMA LENS Phase 1 Project Team that has been awarded the 2002 Defense Manufacturing Excellence Award. The award was presented at the Defense Manufacturing Conference in December. The LENS Phase 1 Project was sponsored and managed by the National Center for Manufacturing Services (NCMS) for the DoD Commercial Technologies for Maintenance Activities (CTMA) Program.
Through this award, the Multi Association Industry Task Force sought to recognize the contribution of those whose dedication makes possible the technical superiority of our Nation. The National Coalition for Advanced Manufacturing (NACFAM) acted as the lead association for this year's award, evaluating all nominations.
The LENS (Laser Engineered Net Shaping) technology employs a high-powered laser system focused on a part or substrate in which metallic powder is injected under computer guidance to build three-dimensional layers until the repair is complete.
In Phase I, LENS was used for the repair of gas turbine engine components from the Abrams M1 Tank. LENS was found to be a rapid and cost-effective long-term solution, and has generated annual projected cost avoidance of more than $6 million for the Anniston Army Depot (ANAD). This translates into a payback period of less than 6 months. Based on the project findings, the US Army Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command (TACOM) has approved military use of LENS for several components of the gas turbine engine for the Abrams M1 tank. ANAD plans to expand the usage of LENS to other critical component parts for further cost avoidance and minimization of production line stoppages due to unavailability of parts.
For more information, visit www.optomec.com .
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