| ShipConstructor2005
Updates Introduce More Time and Cost Saving Features:
Victoria,
BC – March 14, 2005
Since releasing the 2005 version of ShipConstructor, the AutoCAD-based
3D product modeling software-of-choice for shipyards and designers,
Albacore Research Ltd. (ARL) has been working closely together
with customers worldwide to introduce even more time- and
cost-saving features. In close collaboration with Japanese
and Australian shipbuilders, two new features, Accuracy Control
Marks and Automatic Straking, among others, will raise the
bar of what can be done with a CAD system.
Precise Fabrication with Accuracy Control Marks
Small inaccuracies easily add up to significant deviations
during multiple steps of assembly. Precise fabrication is
a means of reducing rework, delays, and waste – and
who is better known to focus on Continuous Improvement than
the Japanese. In Japan, Accuracy Control Marks are used for
two tasks: aligning stiffeners with high accuracy on plates
as well as the accurate joining of plates for welding. This
feature is now available worldwide through the latest update
of ShipConstructor2005. For aligning stiffeners, a mark is
made on the plate and on the stiffener so they can be easily
aligned during assembly. ShipConstructor scribes accuracy
control marks onto plates during NC-cutting. For stiffeners,
ShipConstructor automatically generates stiffener plots with
dimensioned locations of the accuracy control marks, or the
data can be fed directly to an automated stiffener cutting
system.
Picture 1
Caption: Japanese best practices implemented
into ShipConstructor: Accuracy Control Marks ensure proper
alignment of stiffeners on plates
For joining plates, a line is made on each of two plates to
be welded together such that the line runs parallel to the
plate’s edge and is offset a certain distance from the
edge. Before welding, yard workers measure the distance between
these lines at various points to ensure perfect alignment.
Without these lines it can be difficult to maintain the correct
spacing between plates, especially for plates with beveled
edges and weld gaps. As usual, ShipConstructor’s product
model database automatically provides a list of shipyard standards
based on plate thickness and weld type to ensure that the
project standard is followed by all designers. These standards,
loaded into the project database by production managers, are
an effective way of transferring knowledge to less-experienced
users.
Picture 2
Caption: Accuracy Control Marks also ensure
accurate joining of plates for welding.
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Previously,
Japanese shipyards created the accuracy control marks manually
within AutoCAD, a time-consuming process. Now, they can easily
create these marks in a few seconds. Not only does this feature
accelerate Japanese customers’ existing workflow, it
also makes these Japanese best practices available to ShipConstructor
customers worldwide.
Fumiyoshi Kato, president of Yakushiji Kougyo Ltd., said “ARL’s
efforts to develop features based on Japanese shipbuilding
practices is making ShipConstructor increasingly attractive
to Japanese shipyards. At the same time, proprietary shipbuilding
software that has been used in Japan for many years is becoming
more and more difficult to maintain. It is therefore especially
important for Japanese second-tier shipyards to have an alternative
like ShipConstructor that is continually being improved in
close collaboration with Japanese customers.” Mr. Kato
worked closely with Japanese shipyards and ARL to ensure that
customer needs and ShipConstructor feature development were
perfectly aligned.
Saving
Time with Automatic Straking
ShipConstructor users in Australia, who rely heavily on aluminum
construction, have brought forward the issue of ‘Automatic
Straking’. Automatic straking is used for automatically
dividing predefined areas, such as decks and bulkheads, into
planks based on the parameters of available stock, then generating
a BOM automatically. Previously, straking had to be done manually,
so an automatic method of straking represents a significant
saving of time. Automatic straking also works with state-of-the-art
prefabricated aluminum extrusions and sandwich panels, which
are increasingly being used outside of Australia as well.
Picture 3
Caption: With Automatic Straking of a predefined
area within the ship, ShipConstructor provides another great
time saving tool
ShipConstructor’s features will be demonstrated at the
Offshore Technology Conference in Houston in May as well as
other shows worldwide. Please visit www.ShipConstructor.com
for more information.
About ShipConstructor
For shipyards and designers who want to achieve new levels
of efficiency, ShipConstructor is the 3D product modeling
and Product Data Management (PDM) system that easily scales
from a one-man shop to the largest operation. Unlike traditional
systems, ShipConstructor is easy to use and maintains the
high level of flexibility AutoCAD users are accustomed to.
ShipConstructor is proving its capabilities on a wide range
of new construction, conversion and repair projects, including
the US Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship, the US Coast Guard’s
Deepwater Project and the Devils Tower Spar. More than 150
yards and designers worldwide, among which you find well-known
names such as Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Gibbs & Cox,
and Dubai Drydocks, trust ShipConstructor with their projects.
ShipConstructor provides functions for curved plates, structure,
pipe, HVAC, equipment, and NC-processing and also generates
sophisticated production documentation, including assembly
drawings, pipe spools, and production reports.
For further information regarding ARL and its ShipConstructor
software please visit www.ShipConstructor.com.
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