The Maxsurf suite of programs fall into three basic categories which
follow the work-flow from DESIGN through ANALYSIS
to PRODUCTION, as follows:
DESIGN
Maxsurf
Maxsurf is the boat design module of a comprehensive range of software for Naval Architects. Maxsurf and its related components run on XP / 2003 / Vista and Windows 7.
Components of the Maxsurf range are designed to be intuitively learned, and are very fast on today's computers. Via a highly customizable and intuitive interface, Maxsurf has the ability to generate any type of hull form, and to nearly any degree of complexity, including dynamically trimmed surfaces, myriad modeling aids and fairing tools, upright hydrostatic analysis, surface areas, centers and moments, offset data, and export to DXF / DWG for further detailing in the CAD program of your choice.
The Maxsurf surface model can be exported as a collection of trimmed NURBS surfaces via IGES or via Open NURBS 3DM for direct use in other CAD systems. The Open NURBS 3DM format allows the trimmed Maxsurf surface model to be opened directly within Rhino and in other CAD systems that support the Open NURBS 3DM file format. Maxsurf is also able to directly import a Rhino 3DM model.
On transfer to Rhino, the Maxsurf Assemblies Tree is preserved as hierarchical Layers within Rhino. On re-import to Maxsurf, the Maxsurf Assemblies Tree is intact.
Whether via IGES or via Open NURBS 3DM, the direct use of the surface model in other CAD systems allows photo-realistic rendering; further detailing of the design in 3D; or even creating a full size mould or plug via direct use of the Maxsurf generated hull and / or superstructure shapes.
Maxsurf Pro has the ability to use Prefit as a 'plug-in' which enables Maxsurf to perform automated fitting of multiple surfaces to user-specified offsets data (see below).
Maxsurf Pro can also automatically modify a hull form to conform to user-specified parametric data, such as LCB, CP, Block Coefficient, etc.
As of the release of Maxsurf 14, new entities have been introduced including Curves (splines), Circles, and Lines (linear curves). Curves can be created by using control points, or by "through" points. Curves can also be used for trimming.
Maxsurf 14 also introduces Swept Surfaces, which allow a shape to be extruded along a guide curve (possibly a rub-rail) and allow a surface to be created by rotating it around an axis (lathe tool).
Another new function is surface "Skinning" which allows a surface to be automatically created and fitted to a series of splines. Alternately, a surface "Patch" can be automatically created based on any four boundary curves (sheer, keel, transom, stem).
With the release of Maxsurf 15, a new Rhino plug-in has been included which allows display and management of the entire Maxsurf Assembly Tree within Rhino.
A new "Quickstart" menu has been added which provides access to a number of standard vessel model types. Maxsurf 15 can create a surface of revolution by rotating a user created curve around any user defined axis.
Maxsurf 15 can fit curves to markers, for example to fit a set of curves to an imported set of offsets. Maxsurf 15 can approximate a surface based on a selected set of markers. Combined with surface skinning and meshed surfaces, this enables a rapid route to hydrostatic analysis, either upright within Maxsurf, or to calculate large angle stability within Hydromax.
Toolbars exist for all regularly used menu items, and all toolbars are fully customisable.
Simplified and less expensive versions of Maxsurf are available for use with fewer surfaces, and which do not support the Prefit function nor the parametric hull modification ability.
As of February 2010 there is a new lower pricing regime for the primary modeling software: Maxsurf Pro, Maxsurf Plus, and Maxsurf T. Please inquire for new prices...!
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Prefit
Prefit enables automated input of existing designs from a set of data points. When you need to create a Maxsurf design to match an existing hull shape, Prefit provides a range of spline fitting and surface fitting tools to make the fitting process faster and more accurate.
Data points can come from any source and can be entered from a keyboard, read from a text file or Excel spreadsheet, or can be imported via DXF.
Prefit also works as a plug-in to Maxsurf Pro,
enabling Maxsurf Pro to automatically fit
multiple surfaces to a set of offsets using unique Genetic Algorithm
technology to ensure that the fitted surfaces are accurate and fair.
ANALYSIS
Hydromax
Stability analyses are handled by Hydromax Pro, which provides large angle stability, damaged stability, cross curves, longitudinal strength, grounding conditions, tank loading, tank calibration and several other modes of analysis.
Comprehensive and user configurable world wide stability criteria are built right into Hydromax. Stability may be assessed in any user specified wave form. The final report accumulated by Hydromax may be formatted and edited as needed, or a batch analysis of all load cases can be automatically sent out to Excel. Heeled views can be displayed from any viewing angle, and also included in the Hydromax report.
Hydromax 15 includes support for multiple processors, making Hydromax analyses significantly faster.
An assembly tree has been added to Hydromax, making it easy to control the visibility of individual tanks and surfaces.
It is now possible to read a GHS geometry file directly into Hydromax for analysis. In addition, if you have a Hydrolink license, you can export your Hydromax model, including tanks, compartments and critical points to a GHS geometry file.
As of Hydromax 15, a new version called Hydromax ULTIMATE is available, which includes probabilistic damaged stability analysis according to IMO MSC.216(82) and IMO MSC.19(58). If you already own Hydromax, Hydromax ULTIMATE is available as an upgrade.
Hydromax is also available in a simplified version, Hydromax/S which handles only large angle stability, and which does not contain stability criteria or other advanced features found in Hydromax Pro.
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Seakeeper
Seakeeper is the most recent module added to the Maxsurf range. Seakeeper is the first true hydro-dynamic analysis tool having a graphic interface for use on a common Windows PC.
Seakeeper directly opens a Maxsurf design, measures it, and computes the heave and pitch response, accelerations at any location on board, added resistance in waves on any course, longitudinal distribution of shear force and bending moment, and then displays these results in both graph and tabular form.
Seakeeper is able to render the design and display a graphic, rendered, dynamic movie of the motions being predicted, and in the wave form you have selected.
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Hullspeed
Hullspeed directly opens a Maxsurf design, and lets you estimate the resistance and power requirements for any Maxsurf design using industry standard prediction techniques.
When designing a powered vessel using Maxsurf, Hullspeed provides a wide range of calculation methods to help you estimate the resistance and powering requirements of the hull.
A range of industry standard algorithms are provided, allowing you to select the methods most appropriate for the hull shape being designed.
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Multiframe Marine
Multiframe Marine, a structural analysis and design program, is suitable for application to any kind of small or large scale structural problem, including frames, beams, girders, columns, and plating.
Vibration / fatigue / torsion analysis are also handled by Multiframe 4D. Multiframe can import and export DXF and IGES files. This makes Multiframe the logical tool for the structural analysis of Maxsurf designs, especially useful for analysis of Workshop generated structure.
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Other Analysis Modules
There are several other marine design modules available within the Maxsurf Range, each of which will directly open the native Maxsurf file for further analysis. These programs include:
- SPAN for sailing performance analysis and generating polar diagrams
- AC Rule for measurement and rating of Americas Cup class yachts
- Hydrolink for converting a Maxsurf design into other marine design formats such as BMT Microship, GHS, SHCP, IMSA, DXF, IGES and IMS VPP.
>> Jump to Formation Design
Systems Web Site >>
PRODUCTION
Workshop
Workshop Pro is software for developing a vessel's structure. Workshop Pro allows you to create frames and stringers, as well as to perform plate expansions so that those components can be NC cut.
Workshop can be used to develop structure for boats of any material. For example, mold frames and sheathing can be cut for a GRP vessel; frames, stringers and plate may be cut for a metal vessel; mould frames with stringer cutouts can be developed for a wooden vessel.
Workshop directly opens the native Maxsurf design file, complete with surface trimming, the grid, markers, and the Maxsurf assembly tree, which allows structure to be grouped and associated with specific surfaces for easy parts management.
A primary benefit of using Workshop as an extension of Maxsurf is that any changes made to the original design are automatically integrated into the Workshop structure model. For example if the hull shape has been modified, all frames, stringers and plates are automatically updated within Workshop to match the new shape. This makes the Maxsurf / Workshop combination unusually powerful, especially when the structure and the design will be developed concurrently.
Workshop can export via DXF and IGES to allow detailing of the Workshop generated structure within other CAD programs such as AutoCAD or Microstation. Export to a variety of graphics formats is also supported to enable publishing, presentation, or web site illustration.
Workshop is also able to export all parts, plates and data directly into Ship Constructor - a robust platform that works as a plug-in to AutoCAD in order to facilitate further detailing and management of the Workshop-generated 3-D structure.
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Workshop Features >>