A new piece of equipment is making work performed by the EQMR Division more efficient and productive.

The Port Authority of Guam recently acquired a LaserMen machine which is a continuous fiber laser cleaning device mainly used for metal rust removal. It also can be used for the cleaning of large molds, weld seam pre-treatment, precoating surface preparation/contaminant removal, pre-treatment to enhance adhesive bonding, fast removal of rust/oxides, oil, grease & production residues.

The hand-held cleaning gun is flexible and convenient, with a long cord allowing for distance range cleaning. The machine can be used to clean various metallic materials, like carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, aluminum and brass. “Not only are we working toward modernizing our facility, we are also providing our employees with the tools and training needed to be more functional in their areas of work,” said General Manager Rory J. Respicio. “We recognize the importance of each employee and the contributions they make to the successful operations of the Port, from admistration to cargo handling to grounds maintenance - each employee is key to our daily operations.”

This machine has been a game changer for the Maintenance Division. It is currently being utilized to remove contaminants, paint and rust for corrosion control prior to any fabrication or painting of Port’s vehicles and equipment. A job that would usually take two weeks to remove rust and paint (not counting fabrication) is now only taking a week to complete, according to Acting Equipment Maintenance Superintendent Shine San Agustin. “I foresee that once we get through all Port equipment and stay ahead of the rust problem that week time frame could be cut in half as well,” he adds.

When asked of his thoughts about the new LaserMen machine, San Agustin explained that a project which used to take three personnel with a needle gun to complete now only requires one employee with the laser. Personnel can now be assigned to more than one project while still performing duties for corrosion control.

“We have an outstanding team here at EQMR, who for years have been doing everything they can to keep the gantries safe and serviceable to provide the island with all its needs before and during the pandemic. The goal now is to show how much we appreciate all the hard work in EQMR by providing them with the necessary tools to bring our processes and procedures into the 21st century. The team here are all very hard working with an initiative personality. This machine is the closest thing we can do to try and make their job just a little bit easier, as what they do is incomparable to any other type of maintenance that is conducted on the entire Island,” San Agustin added.

“At the Preventive Maintenance Department the laser machine has allowed us to be more efficient and productive,” said Acting Preventive Mechanic Leader Jason Castro. “It allows us to access areas we weren’t able to reach into and provides a highly effective, non-destructive method of rust removal leaving a quality finish. A job that requires several tools and equipment has been replaced with this single machine,” Castro added.

Preventive Maintenance Mechanic Jake Padrones said, “The LaserMen machine helps out a lot, especially in tight spaces where our needle guns can’t get to. It’s awesome having proper tools and up-to-date technology here at our shop making our jobs a little bit easier.”

To augment the full-sized machine, the Maintenance Division is looking at purchasing the new backpack version of the laser cleaner. With the more compact device, the team can be equipped with the same technology with more flexibility and range of distance, and allowing personnel to stay on top of the preventive and corrosion control programs on the Port’s most essential equipment. Recognizing the importance of the three gantry cranes for Guam and neighboring islands, the Maintenance Division has been working diligently to upkeep the assets until the arrival of new cranes for the Port. Thanks to the dedicated team at EQMR and all our Port employees, goods and supplies have been flowing into the community consistently. Keep up the good work team!