COOMERA, QUEENSLAND – Riviera’s unsurpassed reputation for quality and design innovation is based upon a number of critical factors: world’s best components and materials, well-trained and highly skilled craftspeople and designers and the most sophisticated and flexible design and manufacturing systems.
Critical to the introduction of every new Riviera and Belize model are three technologies that come together to provide the designers and senior management with all the tools they need to develop concepts, test and then implement them.
These elements are Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computer-Aided Machining.
In future editions of our Experience online magazine, we will explore each of these technologies. In this edition, our CAD approach is revealed.
Computer-aided design
Riviera has selected a CAD system that allows the design team to model concepts in three dimensions on screen, working together as a team. This means that the designers can view a new motor yacht concept or even a small component from every angle, spinning it around on-screen to better visualise the finished product
The software powering this capability is Siemens NX for Design, a product utilised by most of the world’s Formula 1 racing teams.
Dan Henderson, Riviera’s Design and Engineering Manager, says NX allows the company’s engineering, joinery and design teams to work on their separate tasks from a central master assembly base.
“Everything from hull concepts to the fine detail that make up a Riviera is modelled, modified and signed off from one source – no chance of duplication or misunderstanding,” he says.
“We can work faster, more efficiently and more accurately in the full range of design tasks, from a traditional two-dimensional (2D) layout through three-dimensional (3D) modelling, assembly design, drafting and documentation.
“A number of designers can work on their separate areas of a new model without ever crossing over one another’s work. In the end, it will all come together as one complete project, with even the smallest elements certain to work to tolerances of no more than a millimetre.”
Dan says that Stephen Ford, Riviera’s Head of Concept Design, is highly skilled at working directly on computerised 3D design concepts.
“Many designers still need to start with pen and paper, but Stephen works from the first lines on the computer. This allows us to draw up initial concepts, consult, test and modify multiple times as necessary in a highly efficient way.”
Once designs have been approved, the craftspeople build a full-size mock-up of the interior of a new motor yacht to allow the team to confirm the ergonomics of the layout.
Dan says the new Sports Motor Yacht is a supreme example of how this system has allowed Riviera to develop a motor yacht through a number of iterations.
The senior management team saw an opportunity to build a new concept motor yacht and gave the designers an initial brief.
“With early concepts drawn on computer, we were able to consult with highly experienced Riviera owners around the world, step them through the computer-generated concept and listen to feedback,” says Dan. “We took on board many of the owners’ ideas and developed the design further.
“Digital mock-ups with NX allow us to quickly identify any issues that arise during the design phase and to resolve problems.
“With the Sports Motor Yacht fully developed as a computer model, our naval architects were able to determine both the displacement and waterline of the new motor yacht – even before we had begun the first stage of the build.
“We are able to utilise available space with incredibly efficiency because the software allows us to drill down to the smallest component and know exactly how it is going to fit into the overall structure.
“Over time and iterations, the Sports Motor Yacht grew into the magnificent motor yacht we recently revealed to the world. Every element is exactly as designed and developed on our computers. There was no need for modification or adjustment at any stage once we began the build. That makes for a highly efficient and timely schedule, reduced cost of production and supreme quality.”
