Albacore Research (Victoria, Canada), the creator of the 3D product modeling software ShipConstructor, is putting the last touches on this year’s new software version scheduled for release towards the end of 2005. The new ShipConstructor 2006 version represents a quantum leap in CAD/CAM with the introduction of the Database Driven Relational Object Model (DDROM) technology, as well as an Application Programming Interface (API). While DDROM will provide ShipConstructor users with a ‘better-than-parametric’ technology, the API will make it easier for users and third-party developers to tie into the ShipConstructor product model database.

ShipConstructor’s Database Driven Relational Object Model (DDROM) is an exciting new technology that will transform how shipyards and offshore yards design and fabricate. DDROM is similar to parametric modeling, but does not come with all its ‘headaches’. In contrast to parametric technology, the powerful DDROM will be usable by designers without extensive training - in fact, relationships within the product model are created automatically. Furthermore, the technology works for even the most complex projects while still running on standard PCs. Thus, parametric-like features will be available on a much more comfortable and workable level.

DDROM’s secret lies in storing all geometry in the ShipConstructor database and linking their dependencies automatically. Storing geometry in the database means that all structural, pipe, HVAC and other ShipConstructor entities can be accessed and changed directly in the database. DDROM entities are not only represented in the database with their geometry, but also with their attributes such as materials, weights, revisions, and build strategies. Therefore, all product model entities such as plates, stiffeners, pipes, ducts, penetrations, etc. can be recreated in the CAD drawings from the database.

The time designers and drafters will spend for modeling structural plate parts will be reduced dramatically (up to ten-fold) due to the many automatic features that replace previously manual drafting operations. Furthermore, the steps involved in implementing late design changes will be significantly reduced due to the fact that the database is aware of the interrelation between parts and changes linked parts automatically. For example, moving a tanktop up will adjust the height of all frame plate parts under it as those were automatically linked to the tanktop during the design stage. Similarly, exchanging one frame hull trace for another automatically updates all related frame parts, may they be plates or stiffeners. For user comfort, the new DDROM feature can be initially turned off until a certain level of comfort has been reached. Yet, the user will still gain significant time-savings from the much faster modeling features.

DDROM and other new features will be presented at the SNAME Annual Meeting in Houston – at the booth as well as during the Innovation Sessions. Furthermore, ShipConstructor 2006 will be presented at NEVA Russia, Kormarine, Europort Rotterdam, Pacific Expo, Workboat Show and Marintec China later this year.