Simulation-Based Ship Production Using Three-Dimensional CAD
The application of three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) is becoming more popular for design and production in many industrial fields, and digital manufacturing is spreading. With preconstruction simulation of the production process using a three-dimensional digital model, which is a core of a computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) system, the efficiency and safety of production can be improved at each stage of work and optimization of manufacturing can be achieved. This paper first describes the concept of simulation-based production in shipbuilding and digital manufacturing. The three-dimensional CAD system is indispensable for effective simulation because the ship structure is three-dimensionally complex, and threedimensional viewer software enables workers to examine structures on a computer display. With simulation, computer-optimized manufacturing is possible. Simulation is most effective for jobs in which many parties must cooperate to handle structures or equipment of complex shape. Two-dimensional drawings are inadequate for imaging whole figures in such cases. Some examples of the successful applications in IHI Marine United, Inc., are shown: erection of a complex hull block, scaffolding planning, and installation of a rudder.