Aircraft Paint Cart Automated Cleaning and Solvent Recycling

The Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex (ALC) conducts programmed depot maintenance, PDM, and repairs on F-15, C-130, C-5 and C-17 aircraft. The group is responsible for the repair, modification, reclamation, and rework of over 200 aircraft worldwide. Technology insertion related to Smart Manufacturing is a strategic objective of the 402nd Aircraft Maintenance Group (AMXG) and the Component Maintenance Group (CMXG) who have been striving to implement automated technologies as part of the LSE2040, Efficient Depot objective for Technology Enabled Reconfigurable Facilities.  Operationally, paint application using unclean aircraft paint cart equipment affects aircraft surface paint application which degrades durability, corrosion resistance, cosmetics and airframe weight and balance. Or, if identified, requires removal and reapplication affecting depot resource scheduling and slowing the return of aircraft to the warfighter. (Paint removal takes multiple people 14 days and repainting takes 18 painters 10 days plus the work of management and support personnel). Recycling of solvents will improve compliance with Federal and State Environmental Regulations. Beyond the prototype automated paint cart cleaning system and solvent recycling target, identified in our self-funded feasibility study, our engineers expect to pave the way for other systems as there are multiple machines and other items requiring paint where automation is needed and they can be considered a prime market for this technology in a Phase III transition. Our technology and the government objective to enable smart manufacturing provide a clear path for commercialization