Flexible Manufacturing Among the many advanced systems at the facility are two flexible manufacturing cells and an 11-machine flexible manufacturing system. These systems provide the arsenal with the capability to handle a wide mix of parts and the capacity to meet surges in workload without decreasing production efficiency. Many unique technologies exist for specialized machining of long cylindrical and shaft configurations. This advanced manufacturing capability involves the use of many sophisticated technologies, several of which were developed at Watervliet Arsenal. Personnel are certified to Level 3 for Radiographic, Magnetic Particle, Liquid Penetrant, and Ultrasonic Inspection.
Equipment includes stationary and portable magnetic particle units.
Bore scopes are utilized in the manufacture of all tubes. These tubes vary in size from a bore diameter of 40mm to 8 inches. Radiologic examinations are performed on castings andforgings received at the arsenal. A 1 MEV unit is capable of examining steel up to 5 inches in thickness. This is a ceiling mounted stationary unit.