CAD-CAM

Precast Consulting Service
Finance, Marketing & Operations

CAD-CAM Developments
Background on new 3D Modeling technology

CAD (Computer Aided Design) We usually think of this as drafting programs such as AUTOCAD. With emerging 3-D modeling, it is now very much more.

The metal working industry advanced 3-D modeling capabilities. 3-D modeling was then married with standard details . That representation, is carried on a "platform" (computer program.)
The 3-D representation can be linked to analysis programs and engineering analysis can be performed directly and automatically.
When linked to a drafting program, two-dimensional plan views, elevations, and sections can be provided; that is, erection drawings. These are ready for submittal, together with the analysis.
The 3-D representation can be linked to additional standard details and a drafting program to produce shop tickets, and a bill of materials. It is now is ready to go to the plant for production.
The 3-D representation can be linked to estimating and other management programs.

So What's New? The 3-D Modeling technology above is now being developed for the precast concrete industry. Two organizations with credentials and stature are in the completion stage of development. Both are seeking development partners to help specify the details.

PCSC The Prestressed Concrete Software Consortium is a partnership of 23 precast producers formed with the purpose of developing 3D modeling software for the North American precast concrete industry, and develop a data model for exchange of engineering information. After considerable evaluation, they have chosen the Xengineer^R program (developed by Tekla) as the basis of this development. Leap Software has linked Xengineer^Rto their proprietary software that is already widely used.
StructureWorks Finfrock Industries, Rocky Mountain Prestress, and PTAC Engineers have formed a joint venture and are just concluding development of automated 3-D modeling software. It is based on the SolidWorks^R platform. Click on their website www.structureworks.net.
Article of interest Charles Eastman and the PCSC team have written an excellent article in the May-June, 2003, edition of the PCI Journal. It explains how the system works and tells how the system will sharply reduce drafting errors and consequent rework. Interestingly, it concludes that rework reduction is probably one of the most significant payoffs.

So what's CAM? CAM stands for computer aided machines. It first started years ago with computer aided metal cutting machines, and then advanced to metal fabrication machines. In Europe it is now widely used in the precast industry assist bed set up. The location of all siderails, headers, bulkheads, blockouts, embeds and the like are projected by laser onto the bed. The forming and inserts are then set to these lines. Think reduction in bed setup cost and greatly improved quality.

Automated cutting control is available for hollowcore.
Dukane Precast has imported European technology to control setup of the moveable bed system that they use in their highly automated manufacture of residential housing.

Most important, this capability should not be given away as a complimentary improvement in service. It will command a premium price on jobs. We have some ways to achieve that.
We can identify successful application by others that have direct benefit to your operations.
We can work with your staff to develop a cost-effective implementation plan.

An implementation plan should include a marketing plan.
An implementation plan should should contain a QC plan to prevent design & drafting errors.
An implementation plan should include staffing implications.

We are unbiased. Precast Consulting has no proprietary interest in any 3-D technology or group.

Management professionalism for the Precast Industry