Creative and custom design solutions support a manufacturer’s recent facility expansion
RPA Engineering provided full detailed design and construction documents for the installation of our client’s recently purchased, used manufacturing machinery in an existing building expansion. For this project, the revised design and layout of the machine scope included:
- general arrangement 3D model
- foundation
- piping (compressed air, water, radon, lube, and hydraulic power)
- fire protection
- HVAC
- electrical
- all demolition work
Integrated Services
For over 30 years, RPA Engineering has been a trusted manufacturing partner, working on multi-faceted projects, and is skilled at integrating various services to create custom solutions for clients. Our team followed the design phase of the project with on-site construction management. Throughout the project’s execution, RPA provided project coordination among our various discipline teams, the client, and contractor groups – creating seamless service integration.
Challenges
Fitting All the Pieces
A pit, framed on top with structural steel beams and then covered with steel floor plates, housed the manufacturing machinery. The mechanisms in the pit were all designed to match a similar machine that was pre-existing at the client’s facility. Our team discovered that the main motor drive of the replacement machine was a different model and occupied additional inches that were not anticipated.
Our mechanical and structural engineers collaborated to account for this additional space. The structural engineer delivered a new structural drawing detailing how to modify the existing steel beam that was in the way of the motor. Contractors and the client’s maintenance crew used this new drawing to complete the modifications, including the cutting and welding of a steel beam, that allowed the motor to fit in the new space without obstruction.
Customized Collaboration
At the lube injection system site in the client’s new machinery, there were pinch point and crushing hazard concerns with the hydraulic alignment systems. Our team created a 3D model of a plexiglass box with dimensions, mounting brackets, and bolt callouts to allow the client’s crew to build an adequate physical barrier between personnel access and the potential pinch points and crushing hazards.
Outcomes
RPA’s project management, collaboration, and quality standards led to the successful design and management of the expansion and installation of our client’s manufacturing machinery. RPA addressed the client’s needs effectively and efficiently through a collaborative partnership and continuous communication.
