3-D Approach Aids Ship Production

Genoa Design International has completed the structural production work pack for an aluminum-built Canadian Coast Guard Buoy-tending vessel. Genoa Design's 3-D modeling approach used in the structural production phase of the project led to significant efficiencies for the vessel's builder, C&W Industrial Fabrication and Marine Equipment Ltd., located in Bay Bulls, Newfoundland. After initial team planning, the detail designers and drafters at Genoa Design used ShipConstructor production software to create a 3-D model of the Coast Guard vessel. The combination of C&W's engineering staff along with Genoa's off-site professional expertise and sophisticated software resulted in several benefits and overall, the process integrated well with C&W's progressive approach to lean manufacturing. The ShipConstructor software database aided in the creation of an efficient parts numbering system, whereby any part cut from aluminum plate could be traced to the nest drawings, and the mill certificate could be sited. Since the vessel was built in panel assemblies, C&W maximized the use of its shop floor in conjunction with other projects. C&W's project leader said, "We were pleased with the results of the 3-D modeling process. Using ShipConstructor, Genoa delivered drawings for panel assemblies that fit together exactly to create the final hull assembly. The resultant precision of building a vessel from drawings and information based on a 3D- model enabled us to reduce assembly time. There was virtually no rework and no experimental 'fit-up' time required."