Cummins Engine Unit “Lifestudy”: U.S. Department of the Army / Melton Industries Joint Initiative

Cummins Engine Lifestudies

Columbus, NJ – The U.S. Department of the Army, has teamed with Melton Industries for a new project referred to as a “Lifestudy” on Cummins diesel power units. The program was jointly developed between the U.S. DA (Department of the Army) and Melton Industries as a new and unique method to increase vehicle/unit reliability and expected lifespan, while saving the U.S. Military remanufacture or replacement costs.

Well used units, primarily used within military armament vehicles, are brought in to the Melton Industries facilities at a strategic point in their unit lifecycle. Each unit is first inspected for initial verification of reliability in continued use. Next, each unit receives replacement of certain critical components. This step serves to dramatically increase vehicle reliability and lifespan by replacing those components most effected by wear and degradation in regular use. Lastly, each unit receives a stringent dynamometer test for quality assurance and final verification of eligibility for continued field service.

Cummins Engine Lifestudies

Cummins ISL lifestudy subject unit

First concepted by the U.S. DA, Melton Industries was able to collaborate with the department on the program in a consulting relationship; lending our expertise to the operation to further optimize processes which resulted in improved achievement of the desired result.
One of the challenges which the program faced early on was unexpected component mortality due to unit inactivity and dramatic climate change. Through a careful and detailed quality control process, these unexpected, high-mortality components were able to be identified with predictability and were subsequently added to the replacement schedule for the program. This greatly contributed to further reduced unit failure; post program modification.

Due in-part to Melton Industries critical input, the program has proven to be greatly successful, resulting in tremendous cost savings for the U.S. military.

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