Complete Vessel Structure Modeling and Part Nesting by Autoship
Autoship Systems Corporation (ASC) has developed a complete CAD/CAM suite to meet the CAD/CAM needs in marine vessel design and construction, including two key programs in the CAD/CAM suite: Autostructure 3.0 and Production Manager 3.0. Autostructure and Production Manager are key components in the Autoship CAD/CAM suite, offering shipyards complete solutions in structural design, pre-construction drawing preparation and part nesting.
Autostructure is used to create a 3D model of a vessel structure and to output the parts of that model in CAD format. The CAD representation can be used either to prepare construction drawings or for input to NC cutting processors. Autostructure utilizes an Autoship-generated hull and/or superstructure and can also include the shell plate information created in Autoplate. (Autoship and Autoplate are programs in the Autoship Systems CAD/CAM suite.
Autostructure was designed to allow parts to be created quickly and with minimal input. While there is a general workflow, no set ways or sequences are forced upon the user. And since parts can be generated rapidly, mistakes can be quickly and easily remedied. Also, if a part is changed or moved, Autostructure can update the surrounding structure.
Autostructure has an interface with the piping design system "AutoPLANT" by Bentley Systems Inc. Data exchange between the two programs allows for coordination of design between piping designers and structure designers, hence avoiding costly rework on the vessel construction site.
All parts designed in Autostructure can be imported into Production Manager for nesting and related processing.
Production Manager provides sheet and linear (extrusion, flat bar) nesting, part subdivision, weld shrinkage compensation, stock definition, stock inventory and stock remnant management.
Together, Autostructure and Production Manager provide complete control over vessel structure design and nesting, plus integration with third party piping. These components have completed the ASC CAD/CAM suite.
Albacore Research Ltd (ARL) released ShipConstructor2005, the latest version of its AutoCAD-based 3-D product modeling software for the design and fabrication of complete ships and offshore structures. ShipConstructor2005 was developed under AutoCAD2005 with backwards compatibility to AutoCAD2004, providing many new functions that are designed to improve productivity, not only while operating the software, but also downstream in production and through integration of ShipConstructor with other business processes. "The last development cycle had been a very short one, with ShipConstructor2004 released in October 2003. We decided to move our 2005 release date to June in order to take advantage of functional enhancements in Autodesk's spring release of AutoCAD2005," said Rolf G. Oetter, Founder and President of ARL.
With the introduction of the Hull module, ARL brings much of the functionality of the proven but so far stand-alone ShipCAM solution into ShipConstructor, thus running inside of AutoCAD. Users will be able to open ShipCAM files, import 3DM (Rhino) and IGES (most hull design programs) files.
The Hull module's functionality provides trim-able surfaces, stringer layouts, pin-jigs and inverse bending. Plate expansion, including forming templates, accuracy control data and strain maps are also included.
Established ShipConstructor modules (Manager, Structure, Pipe, Penetrations, Equipment, HVAC) are boosted by numerous performance improvements to offer users more flexibility, fine-grain control and quicker functionality. Notable features of ShipConstructor2005 include: Smart Bill of Materials; Improved Database Integration; and Pipe Module Enhancements.
The following CAD/CAM directory is the result of an e-mail survey conducted in June 2004. Please e-mail any additions or corrections to [email protected]
ARL Albacore Research
#304-3960 Quadra Street
Victoria, BC V8X 4A3
Canada
www.ShipConstructor.com
Larry Varga
tel: +1-888-210-7420, +1-250-479-3638
fax: +1-250-479-0868
email:[email protected]
Descr: Albacore Research Ltd. (ARL) is the creator of ShipConstructor, the easy-to-use, AutoCAD based Product-Modeling software for the design and fabrication of ships and offshore structures.
Products: ShipConstructor provides functions for curved plates, structure, pipe, HVAC, equipment, and NC-processing and also generates sophisticated production documentation.
Autoship Systems Corporation
Suite 312 - 611 Alexander Street
Vancouver, BC V6A 1E1
Canada
www.autoship.com
Brig Henry
tel: 604-254-4171 fax: 604-254-5171
email:[email protected]
Descr: Market Leader in Marine CAD/CAM and Customized Load Planning Software.
Products: Autoship Pro, Autohydro Pro, Autostructure, Production Manager, Autoplate, Autopower, Autoload
CADMATIC
Itäinen Rantakatu 72
Turku, - 20810
Finland
www.cadmatic.com
Matti Juntunen
tel: .+358-2-412 411
fax: +358-2-412 4495
email:[email protected]
Descr: Ship Design Software
Products: Ship Design Software
Creative Systems
PO Box 1910
Pt. Townsend, WA 98638 USA
www.ghsport.com
Mike Roth
tel: 360-385-6212 fax: 360-385-6213
email:[email protected]
Descr: CAD/CAM Supplier
Products: CAD/CAM Supplier
Formation Design Systems
P O Box 1293
Fremantle, WA 6959 Australia
www.formsys.com
Philip Christensen
tel: +61-8-93351522
fax: +61-8-93351526
email:[email protected]
Descr: CAD software for ship design and construction
Products: Maxsurf, Hydromax, Workshop, Seakeeper, Hullspeed, Prefit
Hawaii Marine Company, Computer Aided Engineering
45-302 Makalani St.
Kaneohe, HI 96744 USA
www.hawaii-marine.com
Brian E Trenhaile
tel: 808 247-6443 fax: 808 247-6443
email:[email protected]
Descr: Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering & Drafting, Yacht Designing, Maritime Digital Photography
Products: CAD Drawings, Calculations, Submittals to USCG & ABS, Expert Witness
HydroComp, Inc.
13 Jenkins Court
Durham, NH 03824` USA
www.hydrocompinc.com
Stephanie McArdle
tel: (603)868-3344 fax: (603)868-3366
email:[email protected]
Descr: The premier source for propulsion and powering software, consulting and knowledge.
Products: NavCad, PropExpert, PropCad, SwiftCraft, SwiftTrial
Napa Ltd
PO Box 322
Helsinki, - FI-00151 Finland
www.napa.fi
Mr C J Schauman
tel: +358 9 22 813 1
fax: +358 9 22 813 800
email:[email protected]
Descr: software developer
Products: NAPA system for initial and basic ship design
Proteus Engineering
345 Pier One Road, Suite 200
Stevensville, MD 21666 USA
www.proteusengineering.com
Bruce Hays
tel: 410-643-7496, ext 3006
fax: 410-643-7535
email:[email protected]
Descr: Proteus provides the FlagShip line of ship design software, as well as specialized naval architectural services.
Products: FlagShip is a complete line of design software, including ship structures, hull fairing, stability, powering, seakeeping, maneuvering, weight estimating, and detail design.
PTC
140 Kendrick Street
Needham, MA 02494 USA
www.ptc.com/appserver/it/icm/cda/ic...
Berry Gibson
tel: 770-751-6607 x224
fax: 781-707-0417
email:[email protected]
Descr: PTC provides a complete range of software solutions for product lifecycle management. PTC`s CADDS 5i CAD/CAM software is the dominant design tool in the global naval shipbuildiing industry.
Products: CADDS 5i, Pro/ENGINEER
SPAR Associates, Inc.
927 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401 USA
www.sparusa.com
Laurent Deschamps
tel: 410-263-8593
fax: 410-267-0503
email:[email protected]
Descr: software & consulting; cost estimating services
Products: PERCEPTION: integrated shipyard management system
Yacht Design School
P.O. Box 190
Eastport, ME 04631 USA
www.macnaughtongroup.com
Thomas A. MacNaughton
tel: 207-853-6678
email:[email protected]
Descr: A school of yacht and small craft naval architecture
Products: Rhino & Flamingo CAD & rendering software and training for the marine industry.