Skip to main content
WHY EXCESSIVE ITERATIONS SLOW YOUR DESIGN PROCESS
Heavy equipment attachments are versatile tools that can be added to construction machinery, like excavators, skid steer loaders, or backhoes, to expand their functionality. This versatility allows a single machine to perform multiple tasks, reducing the need for a variety of specialised equipment on site.
Common construction equipment attachments include buckets for digging and scooping, hydraulic hammers for breaking concrete or rock, augers for drilling, grapples for moving debris, forks for lifting pallets, blades for levelling materials, rippers for breaking hard ground, and compactors for soil compaction.
According to Global Market Insights, the construction equipment attachments market was valued at USD 6 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 4% from 2023 to 2032, this growth is driven by the increasing number and scale of construction projects.
Compatibility Issues: A Barrier to Investment
In the heavy industry, different manufacturers often produce equipment attachments. While construction equipment manufacturers could potentially create these attachments themselves, specialised manufacturers bring unique expertise in meeting specific needs. However, ensuring compatibility between attachments and equipment remains a complex challenge. This can deter contractors from investing in attachments due to concerns about compatibility with their existing machinery.
The Challenge of Endless Prototyping
Creating a custom attachment typically involves an extensive prototyping process with numerous iterations. Manufacturers may spend weeks on a prototype, only to discover it doesn’t fit properly. This lengthy process is exacerbated by limited access to the machinery, the growing complexity of equipment, and insufficient data for reverse engineering.
Limited Access to Operating Machinery
Specialised attachment manufacturers often do not own the machinery they design for, making it difficult to obtain the necessary measurements. Machines are usually in constant use, making them unavailable for extended periods. Even when access is granted, conditions such as outdoor exposure and surrounding activity can complicate data collection.
Increased Complexity of Modern Machines
Modern heavy equipment includes advanced hydraulics, sophisticated control systems, and automation technologies, adding layers of complexity to attachment design. Designers need a detailed understanding of the machine environment to ensure proper attachment.
Lack of Accurate Data
The first step in designing an attachment is to assess the equipment’s environment, which often involves comparing CAD data to the actual machine. However, CAD data may not always match the physical equipment, making it crucial for design teams to take their own measurements. Limited measurement accuracy can lead to repeated trips for data collection, further delaying the design process.
The Inefficient Design Process: A Drain on Time and Money
These challenges can significantly slow down the design process. Insufficient data leads to prototypes that don’t fit, requiring additional measurements and corrections. This iterative process not only consumes time but also diverts resources from more profitable activities.
Achieving the Right Fit with a Single Prototype
Is it possible to get a perfect fit with the first prototype? Yes, if the initial data is collected using 3D scanning technology. A 3D scanner captures the complete dimensions of a surface in a single session, providing highly accurate data. This precision allows designers to create a detailed and accurate model of the attachment environment, eliminating the need for repeated measurements and prototypes.
Because 3D scanners are easy to operate and quick to set up, technicians can gather comprehensive data efficiently, ensuring a more accurate 3D model.
Reduced Design Time: Increased Efficiency and Business Opportunities
By reducing the need for multiple measurement trips and prototype iterations, design time is significantly shortened. This efficiency translates to better customer satisfaction, increased profitability, and the ability to meet more demand. Delivering products faster and with the right fit can lead to higher customer satisfaction and potentially more contracts. Additionally, producing fewer prototypes reduces waste, lowering costs and increasing profit margins.
The Seamless Integration of 3D Scanning Technology
Despite the benefits, some manufacturers might find 3D scanning technology daunting, thinking it requires a complete overhaul of their existing infrastructure. However, integrating 3D scanning into the design process can be straightforward and highly beneficial.
To learn more about transitioning to 3D scanning, check out Creaform’s recent article: “How 3D Scanning Helps with the Design of Engine Block Mounts.”
