It is the job of engineers to seek creative solutions to complex problems. These solutions are not always obvious, but the experienced engineer knows that using the highest quality tools makes finding answers much easier.
In order to find out what can be accomplished by the correct tools in the right pair of hands, HydroComp interviewed Quality Control Manager Ignacio Molina, of Padgett Swann’s Tampa, Florida USA branch. Padgett Swann offers a variety of services, such as machining, repair, and manufacture of ship systems. They work with propulsion shafting, propellers, CPP components, heat exchangers, and marine structures. Padgett Swann has been using HydroComp’s PropCad software (for propeller design and manufacture), as well as the PropExpert software (for propeller sizing and analysis) for well over two decades. “They are very useful tools for what we do,” Ignacio explains. He tells us how he uses PropExpert to calculate the relationship between propellers and engines, to obtain the curve, RPM and horsepower. PropCad was particularly helpful for inspection purposes, as well as reverse engineering.
Figure 1: Software user interface
Recently, Ignacio has become more involved with the TrueProp Software (for propeller inspection) from HydroComp’s new sister company, TrueProp Software LLC. (TrueProp is the only independent and widely compatible software available for propeller inspection and repair.) Now Ignacio utilizes both TrueProp and PropCad software with their in-house scanner to inspect propellers and generate reports.
Figure 2: TrueProp software user interface
“TrueProp is efficient, effective and accurate. It captures everything we need, everything we are looking for. Combined with our other technology, it generates reports very quickly as well.”
This is important for Ignacio, since Padgett Swann works with a large variety of propellers, some so big that during inspection they require the machinery to be realigned several times. “No matter how careful you are, you always lose accuracy when you have to realign. There’s no preventing it.” They also routinely use TrueProp along with general purpose 3D scanning technology to inspect their marine propellers.
In 2018, Padgett Swann was an original member of TrueProp Software’s Improved Propeller Inspection and Metrology Joint Industry Project (JIP).
Figure 3: Measured propeller sections.
Though TrueProp is intended for use on propellers, Ignacio has found it useful to inspect and reverse engineer water pump impellers. With the software he has been able to inspect the pitch and other geometry of this different kind of system.
Over the years, Ignacio has developed a very close relationship with HydroComp staff. He’s been to training classes and frequently benefits from HydroComp’s customer support. He speaks about the staff with great familiarity: “Any time I call it is like talking to a good friend. The staff knows about all sorts of little things that we use here all the time. All of my questions are answered, and I am always given the help I need.”
While manual entry of data and digital acquisition from gages and pitchometers has been around for decades, using general purpose 3D Scanning technology to inspect marine propellers is a novel alternative to traditional inspection. Virtual data extraction from 3D laser scans with TrueProp and PropCad are now accessible and affordable while offering high accuracy. New software and hardware connections are helping to drive this evolution. TrueProp Software LLC and HydroComp Inc. are pushing the technological edge.
Figure 4: Laser scanning process of a propeller
About HydroComp, Inc.
Since 1984, HydroComp has been a leader in providing hydrodynamic software and services for resistance and propulsion prediction, propeller sizing and design, and forensic performance analysis. Through its unique array of software packages and services, HydroComp now serves over 1200 naval architectural design firms, shipyards, yacht owners, ship operators, propeller designers, universities and militaries around the globe.
HydroComp, Inc. Tel +1.603.868.3344 info@hydrocompinc.com www.hydrocompinc.com
About TrueProp Software LLC
TrueProp Software LLC develops software for marine propeller inspection. Established in 2017, TrueProp software is the only independent and widely compatible software available for propeller inspection, propeller scanning, and reporting. Our driving philosophy is to provide the propeller manufacturing, sales, and repair community with the highest quality tools for inspection, repair guidance, and compliance reporting.
TrueProp Software LLC Tel +1.603.868.3366 measure@truepropsoftware.com www.truepropsoftware.com
Jill Aaron, Managing Director jill.aaron@hydrocompinc.com www.hydrocompinc.com
