Customer's Challenge
Our client required in-situ machining on a cargo elevator structure used within a patented load transfer system on wind turbine installation vessels. Due to the massive size of the structure and limited access to the machining surfaces, conventional methods were unfeasible, creating a need for a customized solution.
Solution
Faced with tight tolerances, restricted access, and strict deadlines, our engineering team developed a tailored approach. We designed two sets of custom fixtures capable of holding four portable boring machines each, reducing installation time. Only two lifts were needed to transport the portable machines into each cargo elevator structure.
To ensure precise alignment and maintain parallelism of the eight bore sets within the cargo elevator, our engineering team constructed additional boring machines. These ensured accurate alignment before machining commenced.
- Custom fixtures for portable boring machines
- Installation of portable boring machines into the cargo elevator structure
Given the limited overhead clearance, we also developed a low-profile XY milling machine to machine the bearing pad seating faces. This milling machine, equipped with a Direct Readout Console (DRO), ensured optimal performance and precision.
- Machining of bearing pad seating faces with DRO assistance
- Setup of the “low-profile” XY milling machine
Benefits
Our innovative solutions significantly reduced downtime and streamlined the machining process, delivering precision results under complex conditions. This efficient approach ensured that our client’s project met stringent deadlines while surpassing the highest quality standards.
By leveraging our expertise and commitment to engineering excellence, we successfully overcame challenges and delivered outcomes that exceeded expectations. Our tailored solutions ensured that the project was a resounding success.
