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Driving Shop Optimization with Better Connection Design

Whether you’re working for a shop or at a detailing company, meeting the needs of the fabricator are critical to your success.  

A good detailing operation with a fast, accurate software can drive shop optimization, from production timelines to material and labor costs.  

That’s why the automated and time-saving processes in SDS2 are powered by fabrication preferences. Our design engine emulates the practical thought processes of detailers, fabricators, and even erectors in the field.  

It gives you complete control over not only connection types, but also bolt sizes, bolt spacing, plate thickness, and other specifications that can be standardized and automated to match the equipment and preferences of whatever fabricator you’re working for. 

Here are a few ways you can utilize SDS2 to optimize fabricators’ designs and boost shop efficiency:

1. Standardize materials in the model, such as plate thicknesses, to reduce waste and streamline labor in your shop.  

2. Compare alternative designs for cost-optimized connections and models.  

3. Expand bolt spacing to minimize shop labor and the number of bolts while still meeting or exceeding design loads.  

4. Establish auto standard connections, defined according to framing conditions, to minimize the number of different connections used on a project and streamline shop activity.  

5. Utilize setup options to quickly adapt connection design to the equipment you’ll be using, whether automated or manual.  

6. Take advantage of erectability checks to avoid field errors and rework. SDS2 can automatically check for potential field issues like OSHA safety concerns, insufficient bolt or framing clearance, conflicts with opposing connections, and more.