Photo By Tech. Sgt. Sy White | A VF-1 Hass milling machine starts its sequence June 6, 2021, at the 101st Air...... read more read more
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MAINE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Me. (June 6th, 2021) -- The 101st Air Refueling Wing Metals Technology shop in Bangor, has transformed itself into a one-stop-shop for 3-dimensional printing and parts replications. This was made possible with the implication of new tools such as the VF-1 Hass, an automated milling machine. What in the past may have taken weeks to create, can now be printed and cut within hours. The machine uses digitally scanned computer models to quickly cut and shape metal airframe parts and tools.
“We can do it all now, from beginning to end,” said Technical Sgt. Christopher Look, a machinist at the 101st ARW. “What might take large teams on the outside can be done quickly now in our small shop. We are well ahead of the curve in our capabilities compared to a lot of other bases. We are the only National Guard base and probably one of the few Air Force bases in general that have these printers.”
The acquisition of these new technologies is generated from the Air National Guard’s Innovation program. This program is a Guard-wide initiative meant to help airmen voice their ideas in order to bring about an innovative change on their base or possibly even the Air National Guard itself. This year over 219 proposals were submitted to the ANG Innovation office, competing for a portion of its 4 million dollar budget. Of that budget, the 101st was awarded $122,000 for two of its ongoing projects.
“We’ve done very well over the past 3 years since the program started,” said Lt. Col. Jack Decker, the Inspector General and Wing Innovation facilitator for the 101st. “With these 3D printers, we are now basically leading the Air National Guard in 3D printing and design. I think we do a very good job here at the 101st of supporting new ideas and getting them up the chain for the Wing Commanders' review.”
Innovation is the creation or development of a new product, process or service with the aim of improving efficiency or a competitive advantage. The 101st understands this and knows that great ideas can come from anywhere. They encourage all Airmen of any rank to submit their innovative ideas on how to improve their workplaces or procedures.
| Date Taken: | 06.06.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 10.13.2021 11:08 |
| Story ID: | 406429 |
| Location: | BANGOR, ME, US |
| Web Views: | 46 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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