27 Mar How does 3D machine control work?

As technology is advancing, the construction industry also enjoys the benefits of technological advancement. Companies expect that the issue digitalization faces is the challenge of understanding the new technology. Even though 3D machine control has been used for many years, the demand for it has become more popular in recent years, this may limit the knowledge a machine operator has on 3D machine control. Topcon machine control focus on being user-friendly and making technology simple to use.

Topcon 3D machine control helps the machine operator to be more precise in the field when doing their job. Topcon solutions assists the machine operator to optimize and precise the work while also making it easier and faster. Machine control helps to minimizes the risks of making mistakes, thus negating the consequence of starting over again.

Want to save costs? With Topcon 3D machine control, fewer people are required to be at the operating site, since the use of a surveyor isn’t necessary as it is already incorporated into the system. The surveyors may instead work on other assignments to optimize the time in the field, thus bringing the costs down and making it a good long-term investment. One of the most common misconceptions with Machine Control is that people believe that it will do the Engineering works for them automatically and therefore they can save money on employing an Engineer. The Engineer will still need to complete the usual site set up works but rather than spending time going around site banging pegs in the ground and putting up batters to guide the operator they can rely on the system to guide the Operator and concentrate on more productive tasks. Engineers are still needed to carry out “dip checks” to check the accuracy of the work against the design.

Other benefits include a safer environment in the workplace. Workplace hazards may occur when there are slippery surfaces. As the machine operator can spend more time in the excavator or wheel loader and use the tablet to observe where the work needs to be done. The work of the machine operator is solved faster, which also causes less weariness to the machine. An excavator will have the same components as a dozer but will also have tilt sensors mounted on the body, boom, stick & dog bone which are used to calculate the position of the tip.

3D machine control are continuously being explored in the construction industry. For a typical 3D GPS dozer installation, there will be a cab mounted control box screen that provides the operator with real-time grade information and control as well as being the interface for loading data files. There will be a controller mounted elsewhere in/on the machine that processes the GPS & radio data.

Are there any benefits?

■ Eliminates the need for the time consuming and costly engineering works such as; batter rails, pegs, profile, stakes, etc. to be established before projects begin
■ Due to the reduction in the above, Health & Safety is improved as there are less people physically on site where the machines are moving
■ Improve accuracy by putting the survey solution directly on the machine
■ Move earth faster and for longer
■ Lower machine operating costs, as the machine is on site for less time
■ Right first time, so no need for costly rework
■ The operator is in control of the earth moving and is not constantly waiting for an engineer to check positions