Heavy vehicle CAD modelling and Analysis
Computer Aided Design (CAD) modelling is a technique that enables a design concept to be modelled, assessed and modified as necessary to optimise a design prior to manufacturing a prototype or final build. This improves efficiency for customers as the cost of building and testing a series of prototypes is avoided, with the 3D modelling and analysis providing data as to what design changes are required without needing to begin manufacture.
Heavy vehicle CAD modelling services offered
BTT Engineering can provide CAD and FEA assistance for a wide range of applications across vehicle engineering and heavy equipment, with some particular areas of expertise listed below:
Vehicle and trailer design
Our team has the skills to generate a design to suit your required application. These design capabilities include individual components right through to full assemblies such as a complete semi-trailer! Each design will be provided with manufacturing drawings to the level of complexity required for your project along with any necessary AutoCAD .dwg or .dxf files to enable importation into manufacturing software. For manufacturers, this means that you can focus on the build while we take care of the design.
Simulation tools & testing
A major benefit of using 3D CAD software is the ability to test out different configurations via analysis without wasting materials. As part of our standard design process a number of simulations will be completed to validate the safety of the design. Our simulation capabilities are also available for any existing prototype or product on the market, with options available for reverse engineering of a structure already manufactured or analysis of a CAD file exported from programs such as Solid Edge, Fusion 360 or Catia and provided directly to BTT in a CAD neutral format such as STEP, IGES and STL.
Customisation & vehicle modification
Access to 3D CAD modelling and analysis enables modification of fleet or individual vehicles to be carried out with maximum efficiency without needing to risk damage to the base vehicle through completing testing. Existing components and assemblies along with their proposed modifications can be analysed to determine a suitable rating while designs for various items such as truck and ute bodies can be completed to identify assembly weights, axle loads and final payloads to ensure that all requirements can be met.
Key features of our CAD modelling technology
3D Modelling
BTT Engineering has access to multiple 3D modelling software, with licenses for both Autodesk Inventor and Solidworks. Having access to multiple software provides additional functionality for clients who may also use the same software and therefore be able to use the final designs provided for their own design and manufacturing applications once a project is completed. This also allows for BTT Engineering to receive files native to these programs when completing analysis and efficiently alter the model as required.
Structural analysis
The software we utilise at BTT Engineering is capable of conducting a wide range of simulation types and applications, including linear static analysis, non-linear analysis for products designed to deform under load, fatigue analysis for parts subjected to repeated cycles and model analysis to understand the natural frequencies of an assembly. These simulation options ensure that the design is assessed for its intended operation.
Integration with other systems
3D CAD models can be used to determine whether a part will fit into an assembly without needing to find out the hard way later on that the dimensions don't line up. 3D models can also be used to aid in additive manufacturing with .dxf files able to be taken to a laser or waterjet cutter to generate the commands for plates to be manufactured without scope for any error.
Real time modifications
Completing a design or analysis via 3D CAD software allows for designs to be updated without delay and assessed again, with no downtime waiting for a tradesperson and material to become available to make the change. These modifications can be quickly communicated back to the sales, design or manufacturing teams to get feedback and sign off.
How we approach CAD modelling for heavy vehicles
BTT Engineering will work closely with you/your company to define your requirements for a design or analysis and determine any factors to consider, such as material or manufacturing capability restrictions. We will begin by generating a conceptual design for customer sign-off to make sure that the design has the general features and function required. We will then move to a detailed design stage where analysis is completed and the design is finalised before moving on to generation of manufacturing drawings and exporting files as necessary.
Common challenges we help overcome with CAD modelling
Communication - When a product or assembly is designed many disciplines within a company such as sales and manufacturing can be involved which can lead to miscommunication as to what the design intent is. Engaging BTT Engineering to complete modelling and analysis of a design results in clear communication regarding the final design through professional manufacturing drawings being generated which can be read and understood by anyone involved in the design of a project to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Efficiency - without using 3D modelling and analysis, a design may require the manufacture of several unsuccessful prototypes before coming across an appropriate design. This increases the time and cost associated with designing a new product and also poses a safety risk if the prototype is immediately required for use without any analysis to support the design. Completing the iterative design process through BTT Engineering via 3D modelling and analysis negates the requirement for several prototypes and ensures that any design that is put to field testing or even straight to use has the backing of engineering assessment and calculations.