NSWCDD Engineering Prototype Shops personnel pictured (l. to r.) Steve Siler, Jeff Allen, Gary Burcham, Brian Selph, Robert Lam, Wayne Hannick, Brandon Miller, Jonathan Henley, Roger Leonard, Tom Hannick, Wes Bradshaw, Henry Goerlitz, Darryl Matthews, Allen Gentry and Mike Miller.

Mock just calls or stops by Building 113 to see the technicians – skilled in precision machining, welding, composite work and other manufacturing services – at the NSWCDD’s Engineering Prototype Shops.

‘‘They are the best machine shop in the Navy,” said Mock. ‘‘They can make one or two parts for you or 20 parts and turn it around fast. I have walked in with a rough hand sketch detailing what I need and the results are superb.”

Although the machine shop is part of the Engagement Systems Department, it services all facets of NSWCDD’s mission and supports any and all command departments and programs.

‘‘NSWC Dahlgren engineers come to us with their designs and ideas and rely on us to create the hardware needed to bring them into reality,” said Jeff Allen, Engineering Prototype Shops Supervisor. ‘‘Our goal is to produce the highest quality products to support the integration, development and testing of weapons systems.”

The Engineering Prototype Shops also support projects and commands requiring hardware in other localities and all around the world.

‘‘Many times the work that is brought to us is 'last minute' and of a critical nature,” said Allen. ‘‘We must quickly prioritize products outbound directly to the fleet and warfighter and keep critical test processes on schedule. Countless times, the fact that we can turn a job around quickly and correctly and on the first time is the greatest benefit to the programs.”

What’s more, the Engineering Prototype Shops are constantly investigating new technologies and have an implementation plan for bringing those technologies to Dahlgren.

For example, they have doubled their capacity for high tech computer numerical control (CNC) Machining and computer-aided design⁄computer-aided manufacturing (CAD⁄CAM) over the past few years.

CNC refers specifically to a computer 'controller' that reads G-code instructions and drives a machine tool, a powered mechanical device typically used to fabricate components by the selective removal of material. CNC does numerically directed interpolation of a cutting tool in the work envelope of a machine. The operating parameters of the CNC can be altered via a software load program.

CAD⁄CAM refers to integration of CAD and CAM systems during product development CAD refers to the use of computer tools to assist engineers, architects and other design professionals in their design activities. CAM refers to the use of computer systems for the control of robotics and tools during the product manufacture. Integrating CAM with CAD systems provides quicker and more efficient manufacturing processes.

The NSWCDD Machine shops have also added a state of the art mobile welding truck that can support the requirements for high tech welding in the field.

‘‘Very often transporting equipment to us is extremely expensive or just not feasible,” said Allen. ‘‘We identified this problem with several systems being built and were able to deploy the new welding truck last spring.”

One of the things that make the facility different than most others is the personal involvement that the model makers and technicians have with the product. Each person understands that his involvement is in the critical path of the project.

‘‘The Engineering Prototype Shops have some of the most highly skilled craftsmen in the industry,” said Mock. ‘‘There isn’t a job out there that they can’t do. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the services offered at the machine shop. They are always friendly and are there to help.”