982nd MXS reduces cost of materials

Senior Master Sgt. Walter Purevich, 982nd Maintenance Squadron flight chief, demonstrates the 3D layer process from start to finish July 22 at the 982 MSX facility. The 3D Fused Deposition Modeler (FDM) creates 3D solid models directly from 3D CAD files, or similar software, using polycarbonate, ABS plastic to build strong and durable, fully functional prototypes within hours. This process reduces the cost of materials through use of ABS plastic and reduction of wasted alloys. (U.S. Air Force photo/Danny Webb)

982nd MXS reduces cost of materials

Senior Master Sgt. Walter Purevich of the 982d Maintenance Squadron shows the different types of training devices that the 3D Fused Deposition Modeling makes July 22.The machine creates Explosive Ordinance Disposal training devices, safe for instructional training, Aircraft Models for the F-16, MQ-1, MQ-9, satellite and medical training aids. (U.S. Air Force photo/Danny Webb)

982nd MXS reduces cost of materials

982 MXS reduces cost of trainer production

Published July 22, 2011
By Danny Webb
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Senior Master Sgt. Walter Purevich, 982d Maintenance Squadron flight chief, said the Trainer Development Flight team, consists of a highly diversified group of civilians that work in different sections such as design, fabrication, assembly, quality, material, workload control and office support sections.

"Our mission is to provide top quality trainers in support of war fighting capability for the Air Force and DOD across the United States," he said. "It's a team effort and everybody here works well together."

The Fuse Deposition Modeler creates 3D solid models directly from 3D CAD files, or similar software, using polycarbonate ABS plastic to build strong durable, fully functional prototypes within hours. The machine reduces cost of materials through use of ABS plastic and reduction of wasted alloys.

Sergeant Purevich demonstrated the 3D layer process from start to finish. Once the final product is complete the employees at the metal shop will cut the metal to the exact tolerance and add the metal for realism so that Airmen will know what the real product not only looks like, but can feel the actual physical weight of it.

Carl Cummings, 982d MXS engineer technician, explains that they provide many training aids such as hand tool trainers, electrical trainers and EOD training aids just to name a few.

"The Training aids are so realistic that it provides Airmen with a much better understanding of what their actual equipment will be like when they begin working in the operational Air Force," he said.