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SolidWorks Simulation: Benefits in Material Handling
Imagine saving 2 Tons on a 6 Ton structure without compromising on
Performance, Deflections/ Stresses and Safety. Weight savings in
material handling equipments has a cascading effect. Let us say a
scissor platform weight is reduced by 20%. The bearings,
structural elements, hydraulics, actuation systems, pumps , electricals
among others have a downward revision in specifications, resulting in
lesser cost. Above all the operating time gets reduced as
well. Primary influence in such cost reduction initiatives is
design. Bill of Materials used for Cost Estimation comes directly
from Design. Weight reduction in BOM directly results in Cost
savings. This is exactly what SolidWorks Simulation empowers
design engineers to do.Salient features of SolidWorks Simulation such as Welded Structure validation, Assembly level stress analysis, contact stress calculations in addition to load estimation in actuating systems, mechanisms among others, help designers arrive at high-performance low cost designs - a USP for any manufacturer faced with predatory pricing from competitors.
Why invest in SolidWorks Simulation when Standards and Codes
stipulate Design requirements?
Standards and Codes are guidelines used in Material Handling Equipment
Design. Imagine a scenario wherein two manufacturers are bidding
for a project using the same Standard/ Code calculations. One of
them has adopted conventional design practices and arrived at a BOM to
estimate cost. The other manufacturer, after arriving at a basic
design using procedures prescribed by codes/ standards, has done weight
optimization in terms of plate thickness, pitch and spacing of
diaphragms used (say in Gantry girders), reduced weld running length,
lower sized bearings for a lesser weight super structure among other
initiatives. Who would have the better chance of winning the
order, leaving other common cost parameters apart?Standards/ codes, of late, also recommend performing FEA ( Finite Element Analysis) when the construction becomes complex, safety is a superceding consideration or seismic certification is required. If a material hanling equipment manufacturer answers any of the questions given below in affirmative, then SolidWorks Simulation delivers on the challenges.
- Is Profitability under threat due to predatory pricing?
- Will next generation of growth come from existing products and technologies?
- Is Warranty an issue?
- Is an accurate BOM a requirement at the RFQ Stage to know
profitability up-front?
- Is Cost Reduction a requirement to stay profitable?
- Does our customer deserve the
best from us - in terms of product functionality, cost and
quality?
Capability Matrix of SolidWorks Simulation for Material Handling Design
| Functional
Capability |
SolidWorks
Premium |
SolidWorks
Simulation Professional |
SolidWorks
Simulation Premium |
SolidWorks
Flow Simulation |
| Assembly Stress & Deflection
for load bearing members, conveyors |
 |
|
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| Mechanism
Simulation for Scissor Platform, Actuation Systems |
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| Welded Structure Simulation for
Beams, Girders and Structures |
|
|
|
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| Failure
Prediction in Structures, Fasteners and Assemblies, conveyors, stackers |
|
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| Compare and Optimize Alternative
Designs for Weight Reduction |
|
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| Estimate
Natural Frequencies of Girders, Booms, Crushers, |
|
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| Estimate Buckling Loads on
diaphragms, girders, stiffeners |
|
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| Heating
and Cooling Simulation in Gearbox, Oil Tanks, Hoist Brakes and
Operating conditions |
|
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| Drop Test Simulation |
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| Repeated
Loading Simulation |
|
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| Forced Vibration Simulation and
Response to Earthquakes |
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| Non-linear
Dynamics of Elastomers, Seals, Advanced Tooth Contact Wear in Gears |
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| Simulate Plastic Parts |
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| Fluid
Flow Simulation for pumps |
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