Italy's CIFA company has made significant progress in this area by adopting a thick ring plate steel casting process. This approach simplifies the overall structure and reduces the welding seams on the seat plate, ensuring high rigidity in the swinging area while effectively addressing the issue of welding deformation. To enhance the fatigue resistance of the leg structure in the chassis, materials such as WELDOX700 and WELDOX960 are widely used. The main load-bearing welds are typically processed using bevel projection welding, which improves the weld's fatigue performance under vibration, thereby minimizing stress concentration. Therefore, the design and optimization of the leg support structure should be a key focus during the development process.
The connection area between the pivot base and the leg hinge is considered one of the most vulnerable parts of the chassis structure. As a result, the structural design of the pivot joint between the pivot base and the leg is another critical aspect of chassis design. Different companies use various calculation methods, experience-based approaches, and experimental techniques, leading to a trend toward more diverse and personalized designs. For example, Italy's ANTONELLI company tends to use a box-shaped structure for the hinge point, a design that aligns well with the ideas of many domestic manufacturers, who often imitate similar structures. In contrast, CIFA uses a thick plate docking connection, which offers advantages such as reduced space requirements, and is also adopted by several other manufacturers. However, this method involves complex welding processes, including preheating and thin-to-thick plate joining, which can be challenging. Germany's PM company, on the other hand, takes a more distinctive approach, employing different connection styles depending on the model. For instance, their 42-meter series uses thick-to-thin plate butt joints, while models above 42 meters utilize a box-shaped connection, demonstrating deep expertise in both design and manufacturing.
In terms of design optimization and calculation methods, the theories and techniques used in concrete pump truck design have a significant impact on the structure of the legs and rotating base. Well-established companies usually have dedicated research departments that conduct in-depth studies on chassis design theory and manufacturing processes. Advanced methods like the Finite Element Method (FEM) are widely applied, helping to reduce the machine’s weight significantly. Although many Chinese enterprises also use FEM, they often limit its application to basic checks rather than full-scale analysis. The calculation theories used are still largely based on outdated methods from the 1970s and 1980s, with many local structures designed empirically or simplified. Additionally, studies on internal stresses caused by welding and bending are limited, and the results rarely translate into practical product improvements. This gap leads to noticeable differences in technical quality between Chinese products and those from advanced foreign countries.
As the chassis must withstand vehicle overturning and the vibrations from the pumping system, local damage is often due to fatigue in high-stress areas, especially at the hinge points. Given the harsh working conditions of concrete pump trucks, it is essential to deeply study the fatigue characteristics of the underframe structure. Optimizing the underframe structure will remain a top priority in the design process. Moreover, reducing welding stress and preventing delayed cracks in critical areas such as fuel tanks and water tanks will be crucial during manufacturing.
The chassis structure plays a vital role in the appearance and performance of a concrete pump truck. The introduction of new materials, advancements in fluid and electrical technologies, and improved manufacturing processes have all contributed to the evolution of these machines. The unified design style of pump truck legs enables parametric design, offering greater flexibility. To bridge the gap between Chinese products and global leaders, it is essential to strengthen research on the influence of calculation theories, manufacturing processes, and outrigger structures on vehicle stability. Real-world issues should be analyzed and elevated to theoretical levels. At the same time, improving tooling, technology, and workforce skills will help shift from rough to refined production, enhancing product quality. Finally, emphasizing practicality, economy, and innovation in new product design can boost customer appeal and highlight product differentiation and core competitiveness.
Looking ahead, the development trends of concrete pump chassis structures are becoming increasingly sophisticated. At events like BAUMACHINA 2004 and other major exhibitions, manufacturers have showcased longer boom trucks, such as 42-meter models, which face challenges related to structural dimensions, height, and stability. Most manufacturers have adopted front and rear swing leg configurations to address these issues. With the application of advanced materials, better calculation methods, and more accurate experimental techniques, chassis designs are becoming more flexible, artistic, and easier to manufacture.
Germany's Waitzinger company introduced a dragon-shaped leg structure for its 36-meter truck, blending aesthetics with engineering excellence. Schweitzer's Super-X arc support system represents a breakthrough in integrated stabilization, reducing rebound and saving space and weight. Meanwhile, proprietary technologies like unilateral support systems have made it possible to operate in narrow or restricted spaces. Companies such as SCHWING and PM have developed systems like EASY and OSS, which control the swing range of the boom and offer practical solutions for single-leg support.
With the advancement of electro-hydraulic technology, the chassis structure can now be designed more flexibly, adapting to various construction environments. To achieve product differentiation and gain a competitive edge, manufacturers are incorporating unique features into their designs, promoting diversity, personalization, and proprietary development.
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Shandong Fengmai Metal Materials Co., Ltd. , https://www.cngangguan.com