ROBOTIC METHOD

TM 43-0139 4-4. CHOICE OF METHOD There are four CPP application methods: robotic, template, projection and manual. Robotic application is the most accurate and consistent, and where a number of like items must be camouflaged, this method merits serious consideration. Template application is the next most accurate and repeatable method, and where the robotic method is deemed impractical, the template method should then be considered. The projection method is less accurate and repeatable; however, where a limited number of like items are to be camouflaged, it may be more practical/cost-effective than the robotic and template methods. Manual application is the least accurate, least repeatable method, and for this reason its use is greatly discouraged. It should be used only when the other three methods, for whatever reason, have been ruled out. 4-5. ROBOTIC METHOD The robotic method of applying patterns uses an automated robotic program to establish the color boundary lines simultaneously as the paint is applied to the bands and patches. Each color is automatically applied to its respective color area by robotics preprogrammed to apply the designated pattern. No human participation is required. a. Degree of Accuracy/Consistency. It is considered to be the most accurate and repeatable method of CPP application. b. Inspection Requirements. The first pattern applied by a robotic program should be fully inspected (see Section III, CPP Inspection Procedures); however, once that pattern passes inspection, that robotic painting program is 'certified'. Subsequent patterns applied using certified programs need be inspected only on a random sample basis. 4-6. TEMPLATE METHOD The template method of pattern application uses either rigid or soft templates to locate and mark the pattern color boundary lines on an item that requires a CPP. Templates are fabricated from rigid material (wood, aluminum, etc.) or soft, flexible material (mylar, plastic sheets, etc.). The fabricated template is precisely positioned on the surface to be patterned, which must already be completely coated with the base color (#2 on the CPP design). The boundaries are then located and drawn with soapstone or chalk onto the surface. Finally, the painter fills in color areas #1 and #3 of the CPP with the colors designated on the design. a. Degree of Accuracy/Consistency. After the robotic method, it is the next most accurate and repeatable. b. Inspection Requirements. The first pattern applied using a template must be fully inspected in accordance with Section III, Inspection Procedures; however, once that pattern passes inspection, the template is 'certified'. Subsequent patterns applied with this template need be inspected only on a random-sample basis. 4-7. PROJECTION METHOD The projection technique utilizes transparent reductions of the CPP drawings which are transferred directly onto the item by illuminated projection. This technique permits the color boundary lines to be traced manually using chalk or soapstone. a. Degree of Accuracy/Consistency. It is an inaccurate, inconsistent method of CPP application, but it is slightly more desirable than the manual pattern application technique. Its use, however, may be necessitated by practicality and cost effectiveness constraints, especially when there are only a small or limited number of the same item requiring the CPP application (i.e., when the cost tradeoff may not justify the development of soft or hard templates or robotic programs). 4-4