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70 Ton Gantry Crane – Design Update and Assembly Completion
Overview
This project involved taking over the design and detailing of a 70 ton gantry crane mid-way through development. My scope included managing and updating a 1000+ part SolidWorks assembly, refining design, fabrication drawings, and improving overall drawing clarity and buildability under the direction of the Named Engineer.
Issue & Engineering Approach
The project transition required rapid familiarization with a large and partially developed model, along with identifying areas requiring clarification or improvement for fabrication.
The work focused on:
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Reviewing and managing a complex multi-body SolidWorks assembly (>1000 parts)
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Updating and correcting fabrication drawings for consistency and completeness
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Improving clarity of detailing to reduce ambiguity in manufacturing and assembly
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Ensuring alignment with design intent under the supervision of the Named Engineer
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A key challenge was maintaining design continuity while improving documentation quality across a large and highly interconnected structure.
Despite broader project schedule pressures and prior delays, the role also focused on ensuring updated fabrication prints were delivered in a timely manner to support deadlines
Design & Detailing Updates
Efforts were concentrated on improving manufacturability and reducing potential interpretation issues in the field:
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Refined fabrication drawings for structural components and assemblies
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Improved part-level detailing for clearer shop interpretation
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Standardized drawing presentation and annotation where inconsistencies existed
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Examined and correct assembly relationships to ensure SolidWorks model performance
The goal was to make the design more “build-ready” and reduce reliance on assumptions during fabrication and installation.
Outcome
The updated model and drawing package provided a more coherent and fabrication-ready representation of the crane system.
Improvements in clarity and consistency reduced ambiguity in interpretation across a large-scale assembly and supported smoother communication between design and fabrication teams.
Timely release of updated prints helped maintain fabrication progress despite earlier project schedule disruptions.
Have a worn or obsolete component that needs to be rebuilt?
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FACTOR ENGINEERING
Southern California
908-319-5692
