NEW images of the proposals for The Island Quarter have been released as part of an event to mark the progress of works on Canal Turn, the opening phase of the development. Nottingham South MP Lilian Greenwood, Nottingham City Council leader David Mellen, chief executive Mel Barrett, and other guests were shown
A new building to house teams of staff from across Imperial War Museums in a collaborative and creative space has been completed on Austral Street in Southwark, London; The scheme was constructed by Reds10 off-site using modular construction and was designed by Jestico + Whiles; The three-storey building consists of
Operator training can save on costs, increase productivity and maximise site safety, all for less than one per cent of the cost of the equipment. So, how do you find out what training is available so that you can choose the right course? Here Ian Barnes, Head of Business at
Planning Submitted For Phase 1 Renovations At Three Graces Building Acting on behalf of Amtrak Real Estate, CBRE’s Planning and Development team has submitted a planning application to Liverpool City Council for the first phase of renovations to reposition Liverpool’s Grade II* Listed Port of Liverpool Building into a 21st
Work is ‘progressing well’ on the new £53m Poynton Relief Road scheme – with the first two beams for the new bridge now in place. The design and build contract for the 3km road was awarded in autumn 2019 to construction and civil engineering specialist contractor Graham, which carried out
The City of Edinburgh Council’s affordable housebuilding programme continues apace with construction starting this week (Tuesday 25 May) on a further 49 new affordable and energy efficient homes for Dumbryden Gardens in Wester Hailes. Following completion of the Dumbryden Gardens phase one development in November 2019, phase two has commenced on the former Dumbryden primary school site. Led by construction partner Robertson Partnership Homes, procured through SCAPE Construction, the site combines 35 homes for social rent and 14 homes for mid-market rent and includes a
Prospective homebuyers house hunting and homeowners looking to optimise living spaces can look to top reasons from property experts as to why the kitchen should be a top consideration, as the heart of every home. It is fair to say that every house would be incomplete without the presence of
Technology is evolving at an incredible pace, with extraordinary new innovations and developments occurring all the time and improving the operations of businesses across many different industries, and one of the most amazing innovations of recent years is the evolution of 3D design and modeling. With the help of 3D
There are all kinds of industries that use electrical equipment. Shipping and the music industry are a couple of examples, but there are many more. That electrical equipment has to work exactly as it’s supposed to, or significant problems can arise. Any industry that uses electronics needs to watch out
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
NEW images of the proposals for The Island Quarter have been released as part of an event to mark the progress of works on Canal Turn, the opening phase of the development. Nottingham South MP Lilian Greenwood, Nottingham City Council leader David Mellen, chief executive Mel Barrett, and other guests were shown around the 36-acre site by Robert Ware, chief executive of The Conygar Investment Company PLC. The dignitaries were joined by children from Sneinton C of E Primary, who planted a time capsule as part of the ongoing work on Canal Turn, which is due for completion in early 2022. The images released at the event included an updated masterplan for the site, showing increased amounts of green space and the positioning of the currently active phases in the wider context of the site. The event was the first chance to welcome guests onto the site since work started in November 2020, with lockdown restrictions limiting outdoor social gatherings. Robert Ware, chief executive at Conygar, said: “We’re thrilled to have been able to welcome people down to The Island Quarter to see both the progress that is being made at Canal Turn and the wider plans for the site. “Canal Turn will be a true entertainment spot for the city, with event spaces, restaurants and panoramic views across the waterfront. When completed, it will open up the canal basin area, enhancing one of the city’s most under-utilised assets.” Plans for the opening phase also feature a bandstand and a substantial area of new, attractive public space, which will link with a network of public realm and access routes for pedestrians and cyclists. The Island Quarter masterplan, which received outline planning approval in April 2019, has been designed with a full lifecycle of uses – including hotels and hospitality, office space and community living – and green spaces at the heart of the plans. Ware said: “The Island Quarter is one of the biggest projects of its kind in the UK and is a huge part of the regeneration of Nottingham’s Southside. The masterplan images released today reiterate the scale of what we are trying to achieve with the development, as we look to create something that will make the city stand out on a national and international stage.” As part of the development of the site, Conygar has applied for Homes England funding and is in the process of exploring the Levelling Up Fund, which is designed to support investment in places where it can make the biggest difference to everyday life. Cllr David Mellen, leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “It was great to see progress on The Island Quarter site and to get a sense of the scale and potential for the area. Conygar has some really exciting ideas for what is a huge site, which will become a significant new destination as it develops. “The mixture of proposed developments for The Island Quarter will really complement what’s going on elsewhere in the Southside area, reanimating this part of the city as a place to live, work and play. It’s transformative developments like these that put Nottingham in a strong position to bounce back from the pandemic and forge a bright future.” Julie Doyle, partnership and enrichment lead at Sneinton C of E Primary School, said: “We have been very appreciative of the support that Conygar has given to our school over the past 12 months. “The children were very excited to be involved in this special event today and have enjoyed deciding what should go into the time capsule. We are delighted to have an ongoing partnership with Conygar and look forward to the opportunities that this will bring to our children in the future.”
A new building to house teams of staff from across Imperial War Museums in a collaborative and creative space has been completed on Austral Street in Southwark, London; The scheme was constructed by Reds10 off-site using modular construction and was designed by Jestico + Whiles; The three-storey building consists of flexible workspace for 180 of the museum’s staff. Off-site construction specialists Reds10, working with architect Jestico + Whiles, have completed new staff offices for Imperial War Museums (IWM) in Southwark, London. The new building, called Parkside, will provide the principal workspace for Imperial War Museums’ staff in London, acting as a central hub for over 180 of its employees from a number of different directorates. Parkside is nestled behind the All Saints Building, which historically provided office and archive space for IWM. The purpose-built Parkside offers a creative hub for innovative thinking and collaboration between the museums’ teams, supporting IWM to fulfil its vital mission to improve public understanding of war and conflict through its exhibitions, events and programming. The new space will also support IWM’s commitment to develop smarter working practices across the whole organization. Jestico + Whiles was appointed to translate and develop IWM’s vision into a striking, flexible building of modest scale. The building was delivered using the latest off-site construction techniques, enabling the highest architectural standards and integrity to be achieved, even given the constraints of a Central London location. The building’s exterior consists of a light grey tone brickwork arranged to form a regular grid of recessed bays, within which vertical paired windows echo the local Georgian townhouse vernacular. The outermost masonry planes are vertically coursed to reinforce the openings, and the deep recesses are accentuated with angled brick cills and vertical corduroy panels. Dark, bronze-framed windows and cladding contrast with the masonry and reference the tone of the existing All Saints Building beyond. The historic boundary wall to Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park was reconstructed with deep notches forming windows to the ground floor welfare spaces behind, and the main entrance gate from the park. The unrivalled design of the building, with its brick slip façade, multi-angle splays and double-height windows, relied heavily on striking the fine balance between work on-site and in the Reds10 factory. Techniques including 3D laser scanning of the building’s units, production of multiple building prototypes and meticulous attention to detail in selecting materials in the factory, meant the required tight tolerances, while minimising risk and reaching the highest levels of quality were achieved. The successful coordination of detail on and off-site and project team collaboration, has not only meant complete architectural integrity, but also a truly beautiful building; its flawless finish marrying the best of modern methods of construction, with the latest techniques in architectural design in a way that has not been seen before. On the inside, Parkside is arranged simply, with the ground floor providing shared facilities such as a café and breakout spaces. The two upper floors provide a combination of open workspace and formal and informal meeting areas. Raised access floors with the ability to fully reconfigure both the first and second floor shared spaces in layout, offer complete flexibility to suit a multitude of long-term of needs for the space. The floor plates are column-free, providing 14 m clean spans, despite having to support 100 tn of material to carry an extensive brown roof and photovoltaic panel array. Coupled with unique double-height windows spanning multiple modules, the internal spaces benefit from breathtaking natural light and unobstructed views of the neighbouring park. The project team was digitally connected through the use of Reds10’s common data environment ‘Autodesk Construction Cloud’, which allowed a singular place of input for all parties, from client to architect, factory to site staff. The single system, with its ability to generate Virtual Reality walkthroughs in real time, allowed the collaboration between numerous specialist parties to run flawlessly throughout the project lifecycle. The project team also carried out extensive stakeholder engagement throughout the design and development stages, working with IWM’s teams to understand how the workspace would be used whilst developing the scheme to address feedback from IWM’s neighbours. Working collaboratively, the project team have delivered an impressive building that marries the best of modern methods of construction, with the latest techniques in architectural design. Reds10 achieved a Considerate Constructors score of ‘exceptional’ in relation to community engagement. The team went above the minimum standards demonstrating industry best practice at the very highest level, including hosting several apprentices from the local area and investing in projects to benefit the local community. Sustainability was another key driver for IWM and the building is set to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. The triple aspect workspace uses natural ventilation and daylight strategies to lessen the energy demand on the active systems, the roof has been fitted with solar energy panels and the site includes a large cycle store for 70 bicycles and an electric car charging port, to encourage more sustainable modes of transportation. As part of Reds10’s commitment to deliver better than carbon neutral, whole life carbon and embodied construction impact assessments were also carried out, and SMART building technology installed to help reduce overall energy use and drive 100 per cent space productivity. Paul Ruddick, CEO, Reds10, said: “This project sets a new standard for off-site construction. It pushes the design to a higher level and truly shows the quality that can be achieved when architecture is embedded in the modular construction process from the start. We hope it leads to many more enlightened occupiers and developers selecting off-site construction, not just for its flexibility, efficiency and sustainability benefits, but to deliver truly amazing spaces where people thrive.” Howard Pye, Associate Director, Jestico + Whiles added: “Parkside champions the very best off-site construction methods have to offer – bringing forward the highest quality in build and design with an impressive and finely detailed, demure façade. Working alongside Reds10, we have relished the challenge that off-site manufacture has brought to this project. Parkside demonstrates the benefits to speed, quality of
Operator training can save on costs, increase productivity and maximise site safety, all for less than one per cent of the cost of the equipment. So, how do you find out what training is available so that you can choose the right course? Here Ian Barnes, Head of Business at SITECH UK & Ireland, explains how site managers can get the most from their equipment by training their workforce. To get the maximum return on investment, it is important for construction companies to select the right equipment for the job and for machine operators to understand how to use it in the most efficient way. If operators have the necessary training behind them, they will be able to understand the equipment’s benefits and limitations, work safely and achieve the desired results more quickly and with minimal errors. Investing in the correct initial training allows site managers to lay a solid foundation of knowledge across the entire workforce. Operators can look to industry experts for training support to gradually build employee’s skills and help unlock the full operating potential of the machinery. As well as better use of equipment, training can help employees pick up new digital and software skills. Choosing your training Understanding the needs of operators and their roles can help site managers plan employee training sessions. For example, if the site manager becomes aware that the team is not using an excavator’s in-built technology to its full potential, they can bring experts into the company to train the staff the specific issue, whether this is to engage automatic functions, or how to calibrate the machine for different types of material. Training provides operators with more experience using guidance software, such as Trimble® Earthworks, to control the excavator boom, stick and bucket in a smooth and efficient motion. Therefore, they can apply this knowledge to accurately achieve a consistent grade in much less time than beforehand, increasing productivity and boosting the business’s return on investment. The future of training Looking ahead, it is important that essential workers get hands-on training safely, so they can get to grips with any new equipment they are required to use. As restrictions lift, we will see training group sizes slowly increase, but we also predict a longer-term shift in how businesses want training delivered. Some construction businesses prefer the convenience of instructors going to their sites or offices to train their employees, rather than sending them to dedicated centres. However, many businesses enjoy the enhanced experience of attending a training facility, such as SITECH’s new venue in Norton Canes. Centres like this offer different training systems, such as the Tenstar simulation, which allows operators to see and feel how the excavation equipment works in a classroom environment before they set foot in an expensive piece of equipment. The best training approach depends on the technology, application and team. However, in future, training companies may have to be more flexible in their offering to meet the preferences of individual customers. As more companies begin to use advanced technologies, such as augmented reality (AR) cameras and automated mapping, we can also expect to see a host of new training techniques emerge. Being fully trained to use digital technology can give operators a better understanding of the work in-hand, while enabling them to benefit from improved communication between the site and office. Ensuring that operators are fully trained and can use their construction technology and equipment to its full potential will enable site managers to boost project productivity and get the most out of their equipment. SITECH has many experienced Trimble certified trainers with an expert level of product knowledge in Earthworks and GCS900. SITECH can tailor any course to suit the specific requirements of the learner and business, so get in touch to tell us about your specific training needs https://www.sitechukandireland.com/sitech-academy.
Planning Submitted For Phase 1 Renovations At Three Graces Building Acting on behalf of Amtrak Real Estate, CBRE’s Planning and Development team has submitted a planning application to Liverpool City Council for the first phase of renovations to reposition Liverpool’s Grade II* Listed Port of Liverpool Building into a 21st century office building. The planning application includes the delivery of new Grade A office space across the ground and first floors including small suites and lounges to the ground floor together with a mix of flexible sized office suites and collaboration spaces, informal meeting with quiet zones to the first floor. Whilst the initial phase of proposed work to refurbish currently vacant ground and first floor space will address the types of work space on offer, a more holistic approach to the provision of amenities, such as high quality food and beverage offer, shower, changing, cycle and fitness facilities is on-going. The renovated building will ultimately combine amenity, health and vitality, high quality office space and social/community aspects all under one roof in a magnificent waterfront setting. Amtrak has appointed the best in class team to sensitively revitalise the building and preserve its future viability by creating a sought after address that appeals to the evolving needs of occupiers in a post-pandemic world. CBRE’s Project Management and Building Consultancy, Planning and Development and Property Management and Asset Management teams are working together with lead architect Corstophine+Wright, 2M2 Studio Interior Designers, Orion building heritage advisors, Curtins structural engineers and Hoare Lea fire engineers to evaluate the existing building. Avison Young and Hitchcock Wright are appointed office agents. As part of a masterplanning exercise for the building, the repositioning scheme embraces the heritage value of this Grade II* Listed property to deliver a world-class office building to meet modern day office occupier requirements. Simon Hepple, Director, National Building Consultancy team in Liverpool said: “Following the recent completion of our award winning refurbishment at another of the Three Graces, Royal Liver Building, we are delighted to be instructed to undertake a truly complementary, considered and sympathetic refurbishment which will return this magnificent building into its former glory preserving its future viability by delivering a wide range of flexible Grade A office accommodation and stunning amenities, whilst respecting the heritage value of the building.” Grade A office suites from 250 sq ft to 14,000 sq ft on the ground and first floor will be offered to suit a wide range of contemporary occupiers from diverse sectors. The aim is to appeal to professional services, SMEs, creative and digital businesses, but also to appeal to the flexible requirements of blue chip, corporate occupiers. Hepple continues; “With homeworking making it harder to attract employees back into the workplace there is now a greater emphasis on the office providing leisure, lifestyle and wellbeing facilities along with opportunities for social engagement.” Hannah Cornthwaite, Senior Planner at CBRE, said “Working collaboratively with Amtrak, CBRE is developing a long-term vision to re-position the magnificent Grade II* Port of Liverpool Building with the aim of creating a truly vibrant and revitalised destination in Liverpool.” Ed Baverstock, Director, lead architects Corstophine + Wright commented: “We are delighted to be working on this exciting project. Attracting people back to the workplace and providing resilient and flexible space that accommodates new ways of working post the Covid-19 pandemic, with an emphasis on health and wellbeing is central to the plans and we look forward to developing this project with the team.”
Work is ‘progressing well’ on the new £53m Poynton Relief Road scheme – with the first two beams for the new bridge now in place. The design and build contract for the 3km road was awarded in autumn 2019 to construction and civil engineering specialist contractor Graham, which carried out a detailed design work and site surveys. The latter included archaeological and ecological appraisals and creation of new ecological habitats before the main construction began. A recent major milestone on the project, which is due to be completed late next year, saw the lifting into place of the first two precast concrete bridge beams for the new Chester Road overbridge. A 400-tonne crane was used to lift the 21.4m beams into position, with each weighing 38 tonnes. The operation was completed within a day and the beams will form part of the largest structure in the scheme. Key earthworks operations began in April. These must be carried out during the dry months of the year and are essential to the progress of the scheme. The ‘cut and fill’ work will involve excavation, transportation, placement and compaction of about 240,000 tonnes of material. The road is expected to open to traffic in Autumn 2022. Funding for the scheme was agreed by government earlier this year, following a successful bid by Cheshire East Council for local growth funding administered by Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership. Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of the authority’s highways and transport committee, said: “It’s great to see significant progress being made on this long-awaited scheme. The council has maintained a clear vision and commitment to investing in infrastructure throughout the pandemic. This new road will improve links to Macclesfield and the surrounding area, open up some much-needed employment land and also reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in Poynton.” Graham project manager Nick Hodder said: “Despite the challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic to the project, our team has worked tirelessly with the council and our stakeholders to ensure great progress across this much-needed scheme.” “The lifting into place of the first two concrete bridge beams for the largest bridge along the route marked a major milestone of the construction phase and the team have received plenty of interest in our construction activities taking place on Chester Road. It was great to see many members of the public watching the beams being lifted into place from a safe distance.” “Earthworks recently started, with various machines now based full time on the project, performing different roles to fulfil these operations. I would like to thank the local residents and commuters for their continued patience while we deliver this important infrastructure programme.”
The City of Edinburgh Council’s affordable housebuilding programme continues apace with construction starting this week (Tuesday 25 May) on a further 49 new affordable and energy efficient homes for Dumbryden Gardens in Wester Hailes. Following completion of the Dumbryden Gardens phase one development in November 2019, phase two has commenced on the former Dumbryden primary school site. Led by construction partner Robertson Partnership Homes, procured through SCAPE Construction, the site combines 35 homes for social rent and 14 homes for mid-market rent and includes a number of wheelchair accessible homes. This development, to be completed in Winter 2022, is part of the City of Edinburgh Council’s housing building programme which, along with housing association partners, will contribute to the delivery of 20,000 new homes across the city by 2027. Councillor Kate Campbell, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: It’s great to see construction starting on another council-led development with more new council houses getting built. Our house building programme has to meet the needs of our communities and so these homes will be accessible, highly energy efficient and some homes will be fully wheelchair adapted. There are so many families in need of permanent, affordable housing, so it’s good that next year these homes will be ready for families to move in and be part of this growing community. Councillor Mandy Watt, Vice Convener, said: I’m looking forward to seeing the development start to take shape over the course of next year, and bring a range of benefits for the local community through revitalising a disused site and through additional initiatives delivered by our contractor, Robertson Partnership Homes, as part of the project. Edinburgh has one of the most ambitious house-building plans of any local authority in the UK and these are great example of quality Council-led homes that will be affordable to rent and live in long term. Matt Collins, managing director, Robertson Partnership Homes, said: Last year we completed 263 new homes for the City of Edinburgh Council’s Small Sites Programme through Scape’s Major Works Scotland framework and are proud to be the delivery partner for the second phase at Dumbryden Gardens. The City of Edinburgh Council is committed to providing high-quality homes and equal housing opportunities for its residents. The inclusion of sustainable features which will further benefit the residents underlines the Council’s commitment to the natural environment and the wellbeing of the communities it is creating. Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: We’re delighted that Robertson Partnership Homes and the City of Edinburgh Council will be delivering energy efficient homes for both social and mid-market rent. SCAPE is fully committed to helping clients achieve their net zero carbon target. Whilst the need for social and affordable housing is ever pressing, it’s important that new homes are delivered which help address the environmental challenges we face, and it’s encouraging to see the City of Edinburgh Council future proof their housing stock.
Prospective homebuyers house hunting and homeowners looking to optimise living spaces can look to top reasons from property experts as to why the kitchen should be a top consideration, as the heart of every home. It is fair to say that every house would be incomplete without the presence of a kitchen – it’s an area for family time, a hub for entertaining family and friends, and a space to unleash creativity; discovering new tastes through recipe making and dining. It’s where we refuel, scribble lists and notes, have conversations, and make memories during special occasions and milestones – and most importantly, the kitchen plays a significant role in connecting friends and families together, just through living. With many having spent the majority of their time indoors in the past year, the kitchen has taken spotlight as the new ‘social hub’ of the home, and it’s no wonder that post-pandemic, a newly renovated kitchen is estimated to add a value of £10,649 to a home, with kitchen extensions adding a further £11,514. James Hartley, director at North Sands Developments, said: “In the design and delivery of each of our properties, the kitchen is imperative and at the core of the home. As it is such a well-utilised space, it’s vital that it maximises ergonomic living and is a place where homebuyers want to be for multiple occasions throughout the day. This is a key consideration when choosing a kitchen in your new abode, or if you’re looking to design and upgrade the kitchen in your current home. “We’ve looked into the main reasons kitchens really are the heart of every home, to celebrate this central living space and provide insightful considerations for homeowners and potential new buyers.” Here are the top six reasons why a kitchen is at the heart of every home: It is beneficial for bonding Whether its discovering and creating new dishes together, or simply chatting over the table about the events of the day, the kitchen is a key setting for many aspects of living, and helps in strengthening relationships, whilst enabling family members to spend quality time together. Kitchens present a valuable opportunity to generate conversations, without the risk of interference from modern-day technology that’s in the lounge or other areas of the home; and dining time is an opportunity to refuel, whilst also having important discussions with those that you live with. Food is much more than a necessity Whilst food is a key function in everyday life, it is also a passion for many individuals. From maintaining a strict healthy eating diet to leading a vegan lifestyle, nowadays food has the ability to generate many intriguing conversations, whilst connecting individuals over shared mutual topics of interest. As food preparation takes place in the kitchen, it is a key location for the topic of cuisine to be discussed and trialled, whilst educating one another. It allows homeowners to showcase personality As the central point of the home, kitchens are a place to express personality aesthetically through interior design. Visitors can walk into a kitchen and capture the overall essence and taste of the homeowner, whilst dining and being entertained, so it’s an ideal space to put your stamp on and get creative. It provides an additional space for activities A kitchen is a largely interactive environment, so if the space is there for activities – kitchens can be great combined with a play area section, to keep an eye on the children. Why not introduce a reading corner or nook, workout space or office desk if you have the space and want to utilise it? It’s central in every daypart From grabbing a quick breakfast with family in the morning, to unwinding in the evenings with friends around the table of island over a bottle of the wine – a kitchens involvement in day-to-day life is constant, meaning it is a significant and functional area that is so much more than a space to simply prepare and consume food in. It is an evolving space Kitchens are an ever-evolving space, and with the introduction of open-plan living, we are seeing the traditional kitchen setup offer of an oven, hob, worktop and table, develop to include new tech aspects such as boiling water taps, high-spec coffee machines and wine fridges. The latest smart oven appliances, which include models by brands such as AEG, are tech savvy and can be linked to apps with cameras and temperature probes to ensure great cooking. New fixtures and fittings are also being introduced to create a versatile and ambient space, these include mounted wall TVs, built-in lighting and speakers to optimise the dining and entertaining experience.
Technology is evolving at an incredible pace, with extraordinary new innovations and developments occurring all the time and improving the operations of businesses across many different industries, and one of the most amazing innovations of recent years is the evolution of 3D design and modeling. With the help of 3D modeling and prototyping, it’s possible for engineers, manufacturers, designers, architects, and other professionals across many sectors and spheres to create realistic digital representations of their ideas and creations, being able to test, refine, and enhance those designs on the fly. The advent of 3D modeling is simplifying so much of the engineering and manufacturing world, changing the game entirely for countless companies, helping to save time and money, while also opening new doors of opportunity for businesses worldwide. Here are some of the best benefits. Efficiency The first and perhaps most obvious advantage of using CAD design when compared to more traditional methods of product and part development is quite simply the fact that it is immeasurably more efficient overall. It’s much easier, simpler, and more convenient to create digital representations of ideas and products via the help of CAD software and then to make changes and alterations to those products in the digital space than it would be to actually make a prototype and create lots of different sketches and blueprints of the same product. Speed and Convenience Following on from the previous point, it’s also important to note that 3D modeling and design offer incredible speed and convenience benefits too, helping products and parts get to market a lot faster and helping companies keep up with the rapid rate of competition in their respective sectors. This is so important in the engineering and manufacturing industries, where time is always of the essence and it can be so vital to get products produced, sold, and shipped out to buyers as quickly as possible. Saving Money Another big way in which 3D design and modeling can be of assistance to engineering and manufacturing professionals is by helping them save money. The money that is saved can then be reinvested into other parts of the product development process or other aspects of the business entirely, like marketing and branding. CAD software helps to save money in several ways. First, it reduces the risk of any errors in the design process that could lead to faulty or unusable parts and products. Secondly, it reduces the need for prototypes and physical models of products, allowing for changes and improvements to be made in seconds, rather than hours. Avoiding Mistakes One of the best benefits of making use of 3D design and modeling is to help make designs as perfect and flawless as they can possibly be, without any costly mistakes or little issues that could cause big expenses and inconvenience later on. It’s very common for small and simple mistakes to be made when parts or products are first being developed, but 3D modeling lets you test and inspects your creations on a deeper and finer level than ever before, identifying any errors or areas of weakness and addressing them right away, without the need for several stages of prototypes. Happier Clients and Customers Another huge benefit of making the most of 3D CAD software is how it can help to satisfy a company’s clients or customers, helping to win quotes, get more jobs, build your business’ profile, and strengthen your standing in the industry. Clients and customers can benefit in a lot of different ways from this technology. Firstly, they’ll enjoy seeing 3D model representations of the parts or products they’re interested in ordering, and 3D design makes it easy for them to request changes and customization too. Fine-Tuning Designs and Ideas Yet another of the many advantages of using 3D design and modeling software and programs like Solidworks is the fact that they can help you to truly fine-tune and perfect your ideas in ways you might never have been able to do without this sort of technological aid. Many companies have good ideas, but turning a good idea into a great idea can be a challenge. The 3D design makes this process a lot easier, as it allows you to put your ideas out there into the digital space and then test them, inspect them, analyze them, and improve them. Final Word It’s clear to see that 3D modeling programs have a lot to offer for the engineering and manufacturing industries in particular, and any company wanting to get ahead of the competition should strongly consider a serious investment in this sort of software.
There are all kinds of industries that use electrical equipment. Shipping and the music industry are a couple of examples, but there are many more. That electrical equipment has to work exactly as it’s supposed to, or significant problems can arise. Any industry that uses electronics needs to watch out for any damage to those components. That damage can come in different ways, but any situation where water comes into contact with electrical equipment is particularly troubling. In this article, we’ll explain why. Water Damage Restoration Before we explain why electrical component water damage can be so devastating, you should understand that there are sometimes steps you might take to fix these problems when they come up. Just because there’s water damage, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to discard those components completely. Some companies offer water damage restoration techniques, and you can at least contact them so they can have a look at the situation. The rapidity with which you contact these services can often make all the difference. If you can reach out to one of these companies within a day or so after the water’s original contact, they might be able to save the equipment. Water is conductive, though, so you should be very careful as you begin to examine it. Someone electrocuting themselves is the last thing you want. A professional examining that equipment can reveal whether conductivity is still possible. The Corrosion Factor You probably think about electrocution risks when someone brings up water damaging electrical components, and with good reason. If someone electrocutes themselves, they can suffer serious injuries or even die. Also, if something like that happens, you can be sure that OSHA will visit you sooner rather than later to make sure your company didn’t violate any established protocols. Corrosion is also a pressing issue in these situations, though. There are metal components wherever you find electronics, and when water contacts metal, it quickly starts to corrode. That can happen if you leave musical equipment out in the rain, for instance, or if you leave electrical components in a tsunami’s path. The ions you find in water speed up the corrosion process. It might surprise you how much damage just a few moments of contact can do. If the ion content is higher, that will speed up the process. Unless you’re an expert, you won’t know how high the water’s ion content is. However, the corrosion’s speed will be a big hint. The Water’s Impurities The water’s impurities are another factor when they contact electronics. It’s not as though you have purified water in these situations like you’d get out of a Brita pitcher. If it’s rainwater, ocean water, or sewer water that’s flooding your electronics, there are all kinds of impurities present. The water washes over the contact points within your electronics. When that happens, you get corrosion, but you can also get some other unexpected reactions depending on what’s in that water. It’s unrealistic to expect that the electronics are going to respond as they did before their submersion, even if they dry off by the time you get to them and they appear more or less undamaged. You might have a situation where the electronics continue to function even after they came in brief contact with unpurified water. That’s probably not going to last, though. Even if you’re lucky enough that they continue functioning, the water will frequently shorten their usable life by quite a bit. What Should You Do if Water Contacts Your Electronics? As we mentioned, companies can save or refurbish your electronics if water contacts them. You can reach out to these entities, but you’ll want to do so immediately after discovering the issue. The longer you choose to wait, the less likely they can swoop in to save the day. Before you call them, though, it’s best to disconnect the electronics if you can. If you attempt to do so, wear gloves so as to avoid electrocution. If you don’t feel comfortable disconnecting the equipment, you can leave that up to the professionals. If purified water touches your electronics, it’s more probable you can save them since that water does not have as many potentially corrosive elements. It’s hardly likely that a flood of purified water is going to wash over your electronics, though, which is why these salvage companies exist. The takeaway from this is that water can damage electronics, but it’s sometimes possible to save them.
