SSI ShipConstructor
ShipConstructor is an AutoCAD based software product line created for design, engineering and construction in the shipbuilding industry. ShipConstructor’s AutoCAD foundation provides a user environment that is a globally recognized standard. This results in an existing labor pool of expertise, a common DWG format for sharing information with other applications, and a portfolio of complementary Autodesk products.
ShipConstructor’s use of COTS technologies such as AutoCAD and Microsoft SQL Server allows it to be integrated with other business processes and applications. This enables it to address the requirements of all clients and projects. The Associative DWG capability of ShipConstructor’s Marine Information Model provides true Concurrent Engineering for the first time in shipbuilding CAD/CAM; all engineering disciplines can work within a single integrated environment with associativity that extends to the production drawing level. These differentiators are combined in an industry specific product that incorporates shipbuilding standards, concepts and terminology.
The ShipConstructor software product line consists of several task-based applications. These core products can be licensed in a modular fashion or as a complete package as part of a Universal License.
Hull / Structure Products
Outfitting Products
General Products
WorkShare Products
Hull / Structure Products
Hull
Hull combines purpose-built shipbuilding specific surfacing technology and the simplicity of working inside of AutoCAD. This brings together the best of two worlds. It allows for easy and intuitive creation and manipulation of complex surface models while also allowing the freedom to use standard AutoCAD drafting techniques.
Hull provides powerful features such as surface-surface intersection, surface trimming, plate expansion, structural section definition, shell expansion, shell stringer definition, offset book printing, and pin jig drawing generation. The data designed in the external hull production model flows freely into the Structure product.
Structure offers rapid 3D production detailing of internal hull structure. It combines aspects of both associative and parametric 3D modeling but is tailored specifically to the design of ships and offshore structures. Accurate and intelligent 3D project models can be created very quickly utilizing a cross section of shipbuilding specific capability and native AutoCAD tools.
In a world of 3D design and manufacturing, many activities still need to be supported with 2D drawings during design and throughout the shipyard. Using shipyard standards, MarineDrafting allows the creation of 2D approval and workshop drawings directly from the 3D model. These drawings are created in AutoCAD DWG format and remain associatively linked to the 3D model as changes happen.
WeldManagement
WeldMangement is a production and management system for structural welds in ShipConstructor. This product provides the ability to fully customize weld symbols and standards. It also provides the ability to develop a weld schedule for each particular project. Once welds have been defined in the project (including automatic identification and weld path generation) configurable weld reports can be generated for any assembly, or for the entire project.
Nest
Nest is tightly integrated into the central project database, providing features to nest by assembly, stock, material, surface treatment, port/starboard, like/mirror cut, and full remnant control. Nest provides standard tools to align parts and insert bridges. As of ShipConstructor 2019, the ManualNest, AutomaticNest and ProfileNest capabilities are included with Nest.
NC-Pyros
NC-Pyros reliably creates NC-Code for any type of NC-cutting machine: oxy-fuel, plasma, laser, water-jet, or router. The integration with the product model automatically feeds back important information such as estimated cutting time, processing date, and operator name. This completes report data and simplifies any recalls. NC-Pyros-Bevel allows for adding variable angle cut and multi-torch weld preparation to NC-Pyros.
Outfitting Products
Pipe
Pipe is a complete production design package for pipe systems. Its pipe modeling capability is spec-driven based on a user-defined parametric catalog of pipe stocks and standards with logical connections between parts in the model. It features a powerful constraint based modeling system which allows intuitive changes to existing piping systems. Pipe spools can be defined which are carried over into production for the creation of spool drawings and inclusion in the build strategy for pre-outfitting. As of ShipConstructor 2019, the former PipeLink, P&ID Design Validation and PipeSupports products are included as capabilities within Pipe.
HVAC
HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) integrates with all of the other ShipConstructor modules and encourages collaboration between departments. HVAC can be based on a parametric catalog of stocks or can be driven by on-the-fly item creation depending on the client’s needs. The software employs the same constraint based modeling engine used in Pipe.
Electrical
Electrical is a 3D modeling and production system for wireways, cable trays, supports, cables and transits. It features an associative 3D model connecting allocated space to individual wireways, cable trays, supports and subsequent cables. Associative production documentation can be generated from the model including cable pull schedules and reports. The cables within the model are automatically routed within the ShipConstructor environment according to EMC ratings, minimum bend radius and more.
Equipment
Equipment provides the ability to insert any type of equipment item into a ShipConstructor model. The equipment items can be modeled in almost any modeling software, including directly in AutoCAD, and then incorporated into the ShipConstructor database. At this point, HVAC and Pipe connections are added as well as production specific attribute information. Once standards have been defined they are ready to be placed in the model.
Penetrations
Penetrations allow the creation of intelligent penetrations through structural members. The parametric spec-based penetration standards support features such as multi-pipe (and HVAC) penetrations and penetration accessory items.