Photo By Staff Sgt. Derek Seifert | The Computer Numeric Control machine sprays coolant during an operation to prevent...... read more read more
Subscribe
The 558th Transportation Company at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia utilizes advanced technology to repair, fabricate and modify parts and equipment for the U.S. Army units across the installation.
In 2015, the U.S. Army began training Soldiers in Advanced Individual Training on the Computer Numeric Control machine to speed up the process of developing parts that require specific modifications such as compound angles, tapers, profiles, threading and tapping.
The CNC technology allows allied trade specialists like U.S. Army Pfc. Alondra Vazquez, 558th Trans. Co., 10th Trans. Battalion, 7th Trans. Brigade (Expeditionary), to quickly and accurately manufacture parts that manual machines are not capable of.
“When I was working on my last project, it took me around 30 attempts to get the program correct, but once I figured out what was wrong with the program, it took about two days to finish one part,” said Vazquez. “If I tried to do complete the part on the manual machine, it would take a month or more to finish.”
When Vazquez receives a work order for hard-to-find parts such as a hydraulic fitting or cannon extractors, she develops the schematics and lets the machine do its job.
The first thing Vazquez does in this situation is measure all the angles, height and width then put those numbers in the computer system.
After the measurements are accurate, she will begin drawing the part within the program that, once completed and correct, will be plugged into the CNC systems. Vazquez’s only remaining task is to continue finessing the numbers if the part needs adjustments.
Vazquez became interested in machining and welding because her father and brother do it at home. However, coming into the Army, Vazquez wanted a medical career but soon found a passion for machining and the CNC machine.
Her interest in drawing sparked her interest in machining and is now a future goal.
“I’m planning on creating my own business,” said Vazquez. “I want my own company to manufacture parts and weapons once I retire from the Army.”
The CNC technology allows the 558th Trans. Co., Soldiers to quickly and effectively fabricate or repair parts for equipment or vehicles at home or in a deployed location in an efficient time to keep the mission going forward.
| Date Taken: | 02.15.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 02.15.2019 09:31 |
| Story ID: | 310886 |
| Location: | VA, US |
| Web Views: | 52 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Fabrication, modification: 558th Trans. Co. uses advanced technology, by SSgt Derek Seifert, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT