Aalen, October 2024 – RUD expands the functions of its 3D lifting means configurator: users can now export the individual configuration of their chain suspension as a CAD data record. Moreover, the configurator with all of its functions will be available on mobile devices in future and can therefore be used anywhere and at any time.
The lifting means configurator from RUD has been offering users the opportunity to configure their chain suspensions simply, quickly and safely since 2022. The freely available tool guides users through a total of six steps to configure their individual lifting solution: after entering suspension parameters such as number of strands, chain length and load, and taking into account influencing factors such as ambient temperature or impact loads, users complete the configuration of their sling by successively selecting the suspension element, shortening elements, intermediate components and end components. Using the integrated 3D view, the user can see the current status of their planned suspension at any time as a photographic 360° model and rotate it in every direction. Parallel to this, the configurator provides plenty of background and practical information about lifting and moving loads, and about the products and solutions from RUD. The tool is accessed around 3,000 times a month and is also very popular internationally: since its launch two years ago, users from a total of 52 countries have customised around 16,000 chain suspensions.
Export configuration result as a CAD data record
RUD has now further increased the attractiveness of the configurator with a targeted expansion of the range of functions: While registered users already had the option of sending a request for quotation directly to RUD after completing the configuration or exporting the configured chain suspension with all detailed parameters as a PDF file, the result of the configuration can now also be exported as a CAD file in the system-neutral STEP format. This makes RUD the first manufacturer in the world to fulfil the wish of many designers and planners to be able to access CAD data for individually configured chain suspensions and use it, for example, for simulations in mechanical engineering. As CAD data is already available in STEP format for all RUD lifting points – exported, for example, via the RUD lifting point configurator – users now have the option of mapping complete lifting solutions in CAD data and developing them further in CAD programs. This makes it much easier to adapt the solution to components and machines and also to the conditions in production environments.
Configurator also available on mobile devices in future
In addition to the export of CAD data, RUD’s 3D lifting means configurator scores with a second important extension to its range of functions: previously only available as a desktop application, the configurator, including all selection and export functions, can now also be used flexibly on mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets. The 3D view is also available on any mobile device in the responsive design. Users can call up the configurator wherever they are and at any time, and use it directly on the construction site or in the production hall, for example, to plan the chain suspensions they need according to their individual requirements.
The RUD configurators for lifting means and lifting points are available to users for free at www.lifting-planner.com. CAD data export and use on mobile devices will be possible with the lifting means configurator as from now.
Figure 1 and 2: Configuration on desktop and smartphone. Image source: RUD
Figure 3: Configuration of a Chain Sling (4-Strand). Image source: RUD
Figure 4 and 5: Step export: selection and realisation. Image source: RUD
