| Copyright 2008 CONRAD YACHTS All Rights Reserved |
| DESIGN PROCESS |
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It all starts as a spark in somebody's mind. A conviction that there is a way of achieving something that has not
been yet achieved, or that it can be done in a more efficient or aesthetically pleasing manner.
2. Envelope Sketch.
At this stage, the idea takes shape, even if it is just a simple "cartoon". Major conceptual problems can be
usually identified at this stage. Modifications are quite easy.
3. Preliminary design.
Here, the modern technology comes into the picture. After the initial 3D hull model is created, certain operations,
like hydrostatic and stability calculations, that used to take enormous amounts of time during the days of paper
and pencil, are much easier to perform, and results of hull form adjustments can be evaluated instantly. We use
MULTISURF and SURFACEWORKS( partner to SOLIDWORKS) - the leading parametric marine design
software, based on relational geometry. A realistic looking rendering can be produced at this time to help
visualize and judge the mechanics and aesthetics of the future vessel.
4. Detailed Design.
By now, most of the options have been briefly considered, some accepted, some rejected, for various reasons -
cost, availability of materials, time constraints, etc.
Now is the time for adjusting and tweaking of the details. MULTISURF is based on relational geometry, which
means that changes can be easily done to the completed model.
After final adjustments are completed, appropriate data is extracted from the model, depending on the material
and method of construction.
5. Construction Data.
In case of metal boats, all the parts of the boat, have to be flattened out to enable a transfer onto a sheet of
material. There can easily be 50 to a 100 individual parts, in even a relatively simple 20ft.
At this point the software of choice is Microstation, a powerful 3D and 2D modelling and drafting tool, a functional
equivalent of popular AutoCAD. Microstation has its own drawing format called dgn, but it can read and write
AutoCAD dwg files.
All the parts are now "nested" onto a range of sheets of various alloy grades, sizes and thicknesses. There are
software packages capable of automatic nesting, however, we find that there is still no substitute for a human
eye, when it comes to utilizing the available material efficiently. Our nesting is done in Microstation - "by hand", to
get the most out of the available material.
At this point, after the nesting is complete, a list of material can be created, to be sent out for quotes from
suppliers and shops that will CNC cut the individual parts out, and form certain elements( like flanges),
depending on the particulars of the individual design.
6. CNC Cut and Formed Parts.
7. Documents.
2D assembly drawings are created, as one of the last stages, to incorporate all the necessary details, vital to
construction. Drawings are provided in pdf format, easy to print to scale at any reprographic store, or even at
some larger office supplies stores.
As an addition to technical drawings, we also provide a visual construction sequence, a series of 3D
renderings, showing, step by step, the boat being completed out of individual parts. We believe this goes a long
way in making the assembly process easier, and is much more readily understandable than "dry" technical 2D
drawings alone.
8. Construction.
If required, we can provide help arranging the material purchase and cutting, through a number of reputable
suppliers and fabricating shops in Western Canada and the U.S.
We can also recommend an experienced aluminum boat builder, if you prefer to have the metalwork completed
by a well equipped, dedicated metal fabricator.
If at all possible we will be happy to participate in the sea trials of the new vessel.
been yet achieved, or that it can be done in a more efficient or aesthetically pleasing manner.
2. Envelope Sketch.
At this stage, the idea takes shape, even if it is just a simple "cartoon". Major conceptual problems can be
usually identified at this stage. Modifications are quite easy.
3. Preliminary design.
Here, the modern technology comes into the picture. After the initial 3D hull model is created, certain operations,
like hydrostatic and stability calculations, that used to take enormous amounts of time during the days of paper
and pencil, are much easier to perform, and results of hull form adjustments can be evaluated instantly. We use
MULTISURF and SURFACEWORKS( partner to SOLIDWORKS) - the leading parametric marine design
software, based on relational geometry. A realistic looking rendering can be produced at this time to help
visualize and judge the mechanics and aesthetics of the future vessel.
4. Detailed Design.
By now, most of the options have been briefly considered, some accepted, some rejected, for various reasons -
cost, availability of materials, time constraints, etc.
Now is the time for adjusting and tweaking of the details. MULTISURF is based on relational geometry, which
means that changes can be easily done to the completed model.
After final adjustments are completed, appropriate data is extracted from the model, depending on the material
and method of construction.
5. Construction Data.
In case of metal boats, all the parts of the boat, have to be flattened out to enable a transfer onto a sheet of
material. There can easily be 50 to a 100 individual parts, in even a relatively simple 20ft.
At this point the software of choice is Microstation, a powerful 3D and 2D modelling and drafting tool, a functional
equivalent of popular AutoCAD. Microstation has its own drawing format called dgn, but it can read and write
AutoCAD dwg files.
All the parts are now "nested" onto a range of sheets of various alloy grades, sizes and thicknesses. There are
software packages capable of automatic nesting, however, we find that there is still no substitute for a human
eye, when it comes to utilizing the available material efficiently. Our nesting is done in Microstation - "by hand", to
get the most out of the available material.
At this point, after the nesting is complete, a list of material can be created, to be sent out for quotes from
suppliers and shops that will CNC cut the individual parts out, and form certain elements( like flanges),
depending on the particulars of the individual design.
6. CNC Cut and Formed Parts.
- Each individual part has its own number, etched onto it, to eliminate the possibility of a mix up. These
numbers are referenced in the assembly drawings. - Intersections and lines along which parts meet, in a complete boat, are etched onto the parts, to facilitate
construction. - In case of parts designed to be break press formed( flanges, etc.), the break lines and break details are
etched onto the parts.
7. Documents.
2D assembly drawings are created, as one of the last stages, to incorporate all the necessary details, vital to
construction. Drawings are provided in pdf format, easy to print to scale at any reprographic store, or even at
some larger office supplies stores.
As an addition to technical drawings, we also provide a visual construction sequence, a series of 3D
renderings, showing, step by step, the boat being completed out of individual parts. We believe this goes a long
way in making the assembly process easier, and is much more readily understandable than "dry" technical 2D
drawings alone.
8. Construction.
If required, we can provide help arranging the material purchase and cutting, through a number of reputable
suppliers and fabricating shops in Western Canada and the U.S.
We can also recommend an experienced aluminum boat builder, if you prefer to have the metalwork completed
by a well equipped, dedicated metal fabricator.
If at all possible we will be happy to participate in the sea trials of the new vessel.
