Hallberg-Rassy Covers its Entire Process with CATIA V5 for Yachting

One of several advantages is that we can now design every detail in context with everything else" says Eric Segerlind, in- house designer and engineer. Eric continues: "With CATIA V5 we can work with both the design surfaces and the technical design in the same context. We can freely combine solids and surfaces, depending on what input we have, what modelling technique we want to use, and what output we seek."

METHODOLOGY ALREADY EXISTS
The Yacht Design Methodology includes three steps, where the first step is to generate the base surfaces of deck, hull, keel and rudder. This step also includes the creation of coordinates describing the main functions. In CATIA V5 these coordinates are described using points, lines and planes, making a so-called skeleton. For example, a set of planes can be used to describe bulkhead placement.

In the second step, all the functions are described. The geometry is simple and connected to the skeleton. This is where overall development takes place. The thickness and outline shape of the bulkheads are decided, with positioning connected to the planes in the first step. It is not until the third step that detailed bulkhead design is carried out. The rigging is put in place in the same way.

All space reservation, such as how much space the galley will need, for instance, is also part of the second step. Here all the 3D models from the suppliers help a great deal, especially when functions are included. The total space required to open a window, for example.

In the third and final step, the detailed design work is carried out; every cutout in the bulkheads, every metal mounting, and so on. The output of this step comprises the manufacturing data.

"This methodology makes it easy to make overall changes with consideration for how each function interacts with the others. Not until this is determined and confirmed do we start with the detail design. This helps us to see more and see it earlier," Eric explains.

DIRECT FROM CAD TO MILLING
Eric elaborates: "Now we can go directly from the CAD model to milling the templates and moulds for the hull, deck, keel and rudder. This saves us time. The goal is to not make any prototypes or pre-production runs." According to the methodology, the surfaces are made in the second step. The base surfaces are trimmed together with surfaces describing functions like hatches and skylights. The output provides the basis for mould milling and context surfaces for the final design.