In industrial design, quickly adapting to market needs is crucial. Parameterization, an effective strategy for this adaptability, along with tools like Autodesk Inventor’s iLogic, has revolutionized the way projects are approached at Frumecar.

What is Parameterization?

Parameterization involves creating adjustable models by modifying defined parameters such as dimensions and materials. This allows for quick and precise changes without the need for a complete redesign.

Benefits of Parameterization:

Efficiency and Time Reduction: Quick and efficient changes in models reduce development time and allow for an agile market response.

Consistency and Quality: Consistent changes that maintain the quality and integrity of the final product.

Customization and Flexibility: Easy customization to meet specific needs without a significant investment in time and resources.

Reduction of Errors: Automation of changes reduces human errors, improving the reliability of design and production.

Conclusion

Parameterization in industrial design improves efficiency, quality, and provides the necessary flexibility to respond quickly to market demands and customer needs. Adopting this approach is a necessity in the dynamic environment of modern industrial design.

At FRUMECAR, we are committed to this methodology, and our engineering personnel are being trained so that, in the very near future, they can routinely use parameterization in 3D designs. Parameterization will optimize the design process, reducing time and costs while increasing the precision and quality of our products. With this methodology, we will be able to make adjustments and modifications more efficiently, quickly adapting to the specific needs of our customers.

Moreover, implementing parameterization in our 3D design processes positions us at the forefront of industry technology, allowing us to offer innovative and customized solutions. We are convinced that this investment in training and technology will translate into significant benefits for our customers and for FRUMECAR in general.

We will continue to work with dedication and commitment to remain leaders in the sector, taking advantage of all available tools and resources to offer products of the highest quality and exceptional service.

In a historic milestone for Frumecar, we are delighted to announce our recent expansion into the UK market, an initiative that not only broadens our global presence but also solidifies our position in an increasingly competitive construction industry.

This bold move is entirely aligned with our philosophy of innovation. Now, our prestigious concrete mixers are being assembled by Baylynx, a sector leader in volumetric trucks, at their British subsidiary.

The agreement, executed with the efficiency that characterizes Frumecar, has enabled the delivery of our advanced equipment within just four months.

This not only highlights the agility of our company, but also our capacity to meet tight deadlines while maintaining the quality standards that set us apart.

Frumecar’s concrete mixers stand out in the market for their robustness, cutting-edge technology, and unrivaled reliability, aspects that are widely recognized and valued across all our markets, including France and Sweden where we have already established a strong presence.

Our team of engineers and designers works tirelessly to innovate and offer equipment that not only meets the current needs of the market but also anticipates future trends and requirements.

Easing your work, our Frumecar truck-mounted concrete mixers offer a range of options to suit your specific needs. From different capacities and accessories to customizable components, we ensure optimal performance in every vehicle.

We have designed our concrete mixers with the aim of simplifying their use, improving ergonomics, facilitating cleaning tasks, and providing maximum comfort during operation.

Using components from leading global brands and proven quality finishes, our concrete mixers are manufactured to meet the highest demands and with minimal maintenance costs.

Our range of concrete mixers is designed to offer both operational and economic efficiency, incorporating everything from automated concrete loading and unloading systems to the latest technologies in telemetry and connectivity.

However, it is in durability and low maintenance where our concrete mixers truly excel, designed to withstand the long hours and challenging conditions that are common on construction sites. We complement this with exceptional customer service and after-sales support that ensures optimal performance at all times.

Baylynx, recognizing these qualities, has opted to incorporate our concrete mixers into their business model. The assembly process carried out at their facilities ensures that each piece of equipment complies with the standards and regulations of the British market without compromising the quality or performance of our products.

And what comes after the UK? Our vision leads us to explore new horizons, and the Portuguese market presents itself as a new frontier full of opportunities. We are preparing to bring our advanced technology and vast experience to a market that values innovation and efficiency.

At Frumecar, we take pride in being pioneers in our industry, offering not just concrete mixers, but comprehensive solutions that adapt to the diverse demands of our clients. Our foray into the UK market is a testament to our ongoing commitment to growth and establishing lasting relationships with our international partners and customers, thus projecting the excellence and quality of Spanish engineering worldwide.

In the dynamic concrete industry market, Frumecar stands out for its ability to anticipate and meet the current and future needs of its clients, placing innovation at the core of its strategy and DNA as a beacon to achieve its objectives.

Therefore, at Frumecar we are very proud of the industry recognition in this regard, as evidenced by the European Union’s IMProve 2019 report, reaffirming our position as one of the most innovative companies in our field.

Innovation at Frumecar goes beyond the simple implementation of new ideas; it is a strategic ideation process where transformative concepts are cultivated that can significantly influence the industrial sector.

Ideation is the heart of Frumecar’s innovative process, where new ideas with the potential to become practical and advantageous solutions are continuously generated.

This process, as can be logically assumed, is supported by a corporate culture that values the creation and exchange of divergent thoughts, and stimulates interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve innovations that break with the status quo.

Some time ago at Frumecar, no one was oblivious to the great tsunami AI is causing in the current landscape and the revolutionary nature of models that promise a new way of tackling work from now on. That is why at Frumecar we have been researching how these advances could help us in the optimization of our production processes and we have found many contexts that we sense will change in the not too distant future thanks to AI.

But there was one particular field where tools like ChatGPT have changed the game, adding a layer of depth and agility to the creative process without precedent.

Within the innovation department, we saw that in our ideation processes (with which we approach different projects), an immediate advantage was obtained (overcoming the previous learning curve logic), increasing creativity and the evaluation process of the brainstorming phases exponentially, thus saving a significant amount of time and energy.

Enrichment of Brainstorming.

AI and ChatGPT have broadened the spectrum of creative thinking at Frumecar, facilitating brainstorming sessions that integrate a diverse set of data and information, allowing the conception of ideas that go beyond the traditional limits of teams, providing a countless battery of initial ideas that allow us to significantly shorten the time with a wealth of possible solutions much greater.

Evaluative Help for Abstract Concepts.

Another aspect in which we at Frumecar have found a great advantage is in the quantitative and objective evaluation of a large volume of data, which require an objective appreciation, not so much as an end result, but as part of that same process, greatly facilitating the team’s work in the execution times of several phases.

Concept Modeling and Simulations.

The speed that ChatGPT brings to the modeling of product concepts and response to simulations allows Frumecar to quickly adapt and refine ideas in the early stages, leading to a more efficient product development and dynamic iteration based on real feedback.

Towards a Smarter and More Efficient Future.

Frumecar’s strategy underlines the importance of constant evolution and adaptation. By being at the forefront of technological innovation, the company continues working to consolidate its position as a sector leader, ensuring that its customers always receive the most advanced and effective solutions on the market.

And although Frumecar is already advancing in the application of these technological tools in its processes, it maintains a prudent and realistic approach to the capacity of these tools.

Knowing their enormous potential, it confirms that AI and tools like ChatGPT complement, as excellent allies, the creativity and processes that we suspect will for a long time need human intelligence, knowledge, and experience to guide their steps towards innovations that can be verified and beneficial for their clients and the industry.

The advancement of society and its evolution leads Frumecar to the conclusion that technology, and in particular those related to AI, will become increasingly essential to know and be able to use in the process of constantly improving and evolving in the search for greater efficiency for our clients and sustainability for our planet.

Frumecar, a leader in the concrete sector with more than 49 years of experience, presents its new line of products for the manufacture of precast concrete. This is a complete range of automatic mobile presses and accessories.

Frumecar Mobile Presses are robotic machines designed for the manufacture of high quality concrete pieces, built to produce a wide range of pieces with vertical release such as blocks, vaults, curbs, planters, paving stones, manholes up to 70cm high, gutters, ventilation ducts, wall blocks and greenhouse blocks.

Its technical features include the generation of pieces between 60 and 500 mm in height (optionally expandable up to 700 mm), the incorporation of Siemens automatons for the control of parameters and memorization of different production pieces, a concrete receiving hopper with hydraulic closure and lateral rotation for cleaning. As well as a set of four 3 kW vibrators with brakes in the mold and two 3 kW motor-vibrators with frequency converters in the press. It also has front all-wheel drive, supported by 5 Vulkollan wheels that allow precise maneuverability.

The Press operates on a metal tray designed to prevent the fracture of parts and the formation of burrs, its control panel allows operators to interact in a convenient and accessible manner during the operation of the mobile press.

In addition, the Frumecar Mobile Press can be complemented with three accessories. Molds for prefabricated parts (high-precision matrices for customized parts according to the client’s design specifications); TTH 500 concrete transport hopper (an ideal solution for efficient and safe loading with forklift); Hydraulic fork clamp (its design guarantees quick and safe loading and unloading of concrete pieces, which improves the productivity and efficiency of the process).

Frumecar Automatic Mobile Concrete Presses represent an effective and efficient option to improve production in prefabricated construction companies, offering a true multipurpose solution for the most demanding needs of the industry since they are capable of adapting to any concrete block production environment, with the guarantee of being highly profitable in the long term.

This launch integrates our established leadership in manufacturing, transportation and digital technology solutions for the concrete industry backed by our extensive experience in the industry and our commitment to quality and efficiency. If you want more information about this new range of products, you can visit our website Frumecar.com or contact our sales department directly at +34 968 890 000

In the construction sector, the management and operation of concrete plants has been characterized in recent years by a progressive level of technology.

The plant worker continues to be the key figure in this type of facility, since the production operations themselves fall on him, as well as production planning and maintenance tasks.

But technology does not stop advancing and this progressive modernization is linked to the evolution towards intelligent production, with which to achieve higher levels of performance and efficiency, sustainable use of resources and raw materials, optimizing consumption and reducing production waste, recycling the surplus within the production process itself and giving rise to perfect circular economy cycles in harmony with the environment.

In this way, the business model of the concrete batching industries evolves irreversibly, incorporating the concepts of circular economy, which will mean a reduction in the negative impact of this activity on the environment.

This situation is leading to the need to have plant operators prepared for the paradigm shift.

However, today a handicap is observed in concrete plants distributed throughout the world: the worker needs to complement his knowledge and experience with the necessary training so that he can face the changes in the operation of the new plants with all guarantees much digitized.

For this reason, elements of production assistance must be incorporated, so that it operates properly and can make the most of the technological capabilities of the machinery and the resources it uses.

PARADIGM SHIFT

Currently, concrete plants are based on a classical industrial control architecture. There is a programmable controller or PLC as the main process controller, connected to a series of I/O devices (inputs/outputs), motors, sensors and actuators. Supervision, Control and Data Acquisition tools are used, commonly known by its acronym in English SCADA, in addition to having MES (Manufacturing Execution System) systems, focused on production control, which monitors and documents the management of the plant.

With this, production is controlled (planning and monitoring of orders, delivery notes and stocks of raw materials, among other tasks), delivery notes are configured, and the operation of each element in the plant is monitored in real time, so that they can be perform different actions on it (machine start/stop, automatic warning, etc.).

However, these tools require knowledge of the operation of industrial plants, since they have a great dependence on the actions of the human operator, especially in terms of decision-making, digital capacity to interact with the system and business management capacity.

This real situation is a problem at all kinds of scale, since the plants are in an increasingly compromised situation, having external dependencies that escape the supplier of the concrete plants.

SUSTAINABLE EVOLUTION

In this line, the opportunity arises for concrete batching plants to evolve towards sustainability and the circular economy, through the intensive use of 4.0 enabling technologies, or KET (Key Enabling Technology) that mitigate the aforementioned problems. It is strategic for the concrete sector to move towards the digital transformation of plants, evolving towards new lines of products and services, in which a new generation of sustainable and intelligent plants is developed, eliminating dependence on factors beyond the control of the company or decision maker.

This new generation of concrete plants guarantees correct use of the functionalities that lead to efficient, quality production, with production traceability and respectful of the environment.

Frumecar Studios – Frumecar’s innovation department to helping students on experimental projects, with the new techniques and technologies available to achieve the implementation of advances in the real economy- has opted for gamification in one of its projects, presenting the Concrete Tycoon game, developed by Javier Pérez López and Carlos Romero Villarrazo from the Escuela Superior Internacional de Diseño de Murcia. 

In this game, the user learns while having fun working in a concrete plant, facing everyday problems that arise on a day-to-day basis.

Aimed at the new generations to change the image of the construction sector and try to bring them to the knowledge that working in a concrete plant can be a great professional challenge, it fights against the generalized view that the construction sector is only an alternative for those who do not want or do not decide to study.

In the game, you must obtain materials to manufacture, serve your customers correctly, obtain new concrete formulas that allow you to improve your business, standing out from your competition, and manage your own purchasing and commercial staff.

In short, addressing the different challenges, problems and possible solutions of a concrete plant through the techniques that interactive games allow, helping to visualize in a clear and playful way the day-to-day life of a plant operator.

The game will be available on mobile platforms on both Android and OSX and there is already a beta version via the web https://cloud.frumecar.com/concretetycoon/

Gamification applied to the concrete sector.

 Confucius, “tell me and I will forget, teach me and I will remember, share me and I will learn”

Play is the basis of early development and fundamental for learning, something inherent to all mammals and, therefore, to human beings. To do this, playful design elements are used that respond to the general principles of cognition and motivation that allow greater efficiency and success in learning processes.

Gamification is not only a modern technique for traditional education, but business environments can benefit from its philosophy to apply game mechanics to a work-related task or environment to increase the interest, motivation and commitment of the person who performs it, helping to spread the processes more effectively.

By playing, you are able to raise your enthusiasm, achieve new skills and develop skills that would otherwise cost more effort, time and money.

The experts agree and affirm that thanks to this game-based methodology, the conventional teaching processes implemented up to now have been redesigned, thus guaranteeing a more stimulating, participatory and fun learning experience.

For this, the Frumecar BASIC WET 120 concrete plant has been installed, with a production capacity of 120 m3/h. Designed with modules, the BASIC WET 120 offers a comprehensive solution that combines robustness, reliability and high production performance with versatility and simplicity in the transport and assembly processes.

This measure will provide greater connectivity to the more than 1.1 million inhabitants of five municipalities in the south of the region (Getafe, Alcorcón, Móstoles, Fuenlabrada and Leganés) who use line 12 of the Madrid Metro on a daily basis.

At Frumecar, we continue with the firm intention of being leaders in manufacturing, transport and digital technology solutions for the concrete industry in projects in more than 70 countries that, like the Madrid Metro, have trusted us to provide concrete solutions to the concrete sector.

Frumecar will participate in the extension works for Metro line 3 to link the Villaverde Alto and El Casar stations, with an expected completion period of 22 months. The action consists of extending line 3 by 2.6 kilometers, which will allow it to connect with line 12 and, at the same time, with the C-3 of Cercanías Renfe trains, which connects Aranjuez with Atocha.

For this, the Frumecar BASIC WET 120 concrete plant has been installed, with a production capacity of 120 m3/h. Designed with modules, the BASIC WET 120 offers a comprehensive solution that combines robustness, reliability and high production performance with versatility and simplicity in the transport and assembly processes.

This measure will provide greater connectivity to the more than 1.1 million inhabitants of five municipalities in the south of the region (Getafe, Alcorcón, Móstoles, Fuenlabrada and Leganés) who use line 12 of the Madrid Metro on a daily basis.

At Frumecar, we continue with the firm intention of being leaders in manufacturing, transport and digital technology solutions for the concrete industry in projects in more than 70 countries that, like the Madrid Metro, have trusted us to provide concrete solutions to the concrete sector.

At Frumecar, we understand that actions and constant effort produce the results that lead us to excellence.

Within this firm determination, at Frumecar we are proud to announce the recognition that the Ministry of Science and Development grants with the innovative SME seal to small and medium-sized companies with highly innovative characteristics.

What is the Innovative SME Label?

The Ministry of Science and Development rewards SMEs for outstanding achievements in research and development, awarding them with this seal, the distinction and recognition in business innovation.

This label, together with the recent acquisition of the UNE 166002:2021 certification, which defines the requirements that the R+D+i management system must meet, allows Frumecar to be at the forefront of research and development. Without setting limits, we understand innovation from an open strategic perspective and allocate resources to promote and generate new ideas that allow us to acquire new knowledge, in order to transfer it to the business world.

In short, these certifications are the result of a continuous effort to seek constant improvement in the organization’s capacity to carry out research, development and innovation activities effectively, which allows Frumecar to continue revolutionizing the production and concrete transportation.

When we were presented with the challenge of collaborating on a concrete mixer equipped on an electric truck, we did not hesitate to put all our effort and dedication to faithfully follow the path marked out in Frumecar. We work every day to meet the needs of the concrete industry without compromising the needs of the planet, ensuring a balance between the development of our clients and the conservation of the biosphere. All this, in the construction sector, essential for sustainable development.

For this, participating in the development of a 100% functional concrete mixer with electrical energy is the best opportunity.

That is why we are proud to present the first electric truck mixer from Frumecar in Sweden on a Volvo FE truck.

Given the specific circumstances, the challenge in this case was to lighten the final weight of the assembly as much as possible, so that the performance was not diminished and the best possible consumption and autonomy ratios were achieved.

For this type of need, Frumecar has lightened versions made with state-of-the-art materials such as SSAB HARDOX steel, a high-quality material that achieves maximum resistance with minimum thickness.

In this case, the model chosen was an FH-60 for a capacity of six m3 of concrete, made with Hardox-450 sheet with a high elastic limit that manages to lighten the weight of the equipment while providing excellent anti-wear characteristics with great durability.

The ZF-CML-10 Reducer team manages to reduce the weight of the concrete mixer even more, occupying less space. The concrete mixer is also equipped with a 400 l capacity aluminum tank for the water needed to clean the equipment.

The truck on which it is installed is a fully electric Volvo FE 6×2 model capable of transporting up to 27 tons of weight between vehicle and payload, for which the position of the hydraulic pump has been adapted to take it to a different position than usual where the truck’s 100% electric PTO is located.

The rest of the components in which it is possible to lighten weight are replaced without altering the capacities of the concrete mixer (aluminum water tanks, plastic fenders, fiber channels…) substituting materials for lighter ones that have the same resistance.

In short, one more step towards sustainability through state-of-the-art techniques and materials that have helped Frumecar launch our first Frumecar concrete mixer on an electric truck.

We hope it will be the first of many that will help meet the environmental impact and climate footprint targets that will allow a sustainable planet to be returned to future generations.

When deciding to purchase a concrete manufacturing plant, one of the factors that define the purchase options is the production capacity of the plant. Manufacturers frequently offer theoretical capacity data in their catalogue, although this does not necessarily correspond to the actual production capacity of the plant. In this post, we indicate the differences and the main criteria that should help when deciding.

As a starting point, we have to define the theoretical hourly production capacity of a plant as the maximum amount of concrete that the plant is capable of producing regardless of the boundary conditions, while the real capacity measures the cubic meters of concrete delivered by the plant in real working conditions.

The boundary conditions that can affect production and that we must take into account would be:

• Capacity of the vehicles or means of reception of the concrete

The plants are designed for specific batch work, although these are not always in accordance with the means of receiving the concrete.

It does not make sense to have a plant with a capacity of 3 m3/cycle if the concrete mixer trucks are in the vast majority of 7 m3 capacity or have a limited maximum weight. In this case, a plant of 3.5 m3 per cycle would significantly increase production by requiring only 2 charging cycles.

• Vehicle logistics

Inadequate positioning of the plant in the work area makes it difficult for trucks to enter and exit, which leads to waiting times in which the plant is ready to unload, but the truck has not been positioned.

• State of the concrete mixer trucks

This aspect affects all plants, especially the dosing plants.

If the concrete mixer truck does not meet the minimum requirements in terms of the state of the mixing blades, the geometry of the reception hopper and the rpm regime, the plant will be forced to reduce its production capacity to adapt to these vehicles.

• Synchronization of all the components of the plant.

If any of the elements of the panel do not meet the recommended minimum requirements, the synchronization of the cycle will be lost.

A clear example is the reused cement silos. If the dimensions of the outlet hatch or the aeration systems are not adequate, the entire production cycle will be slowed down.

• For plants with a mixer, a determining factor is the actual mixing time. Regulatory requirements or restrictions of a certain work cause an increase in mixing time and therefore a reduction in production capacity. In this case, it may be advisable to use intermediate elements such as waiting hoppers for aggregates.
• Settlement of the concrete.

Also in the case of wet process plants, a concrete with a low Abrams cone requires a longer unloading time, so the work cycles have a longer duration.

• Company culture and plant operator

The plant operator frequently sees the theoretical mixing time as an informative time, based on the plasticity of the concrete (ammeter-wattmeter) to define the unloading moment.

At Frumecar, we are aware of the difficulties involved in making decisions, which is why we advise our clients on the best solution for each of the plant’s production requirements, in order to guarantee that a plant is not oversized or undersized. Our goal is to seek maximum productivity and operability, ensuring quality and results in each project we carry out.