About Us
Company Overview
With a history dating back to 1990, Altman Browning & Company is an established leader in advanced engineering solutions. We excel in providing customized services across design, analysis, and product development. Our approach is tailored to meet the unique needs and challenges of each client, using technical expertise and inventive methods. Our solutions are designed to anticipate and adeptly respond to the evolving demands of diverse industries across energy, heavy industrial and manufacturing sectors. Over the years, we have successfully tackled challenges ranging from complex product design to efficient process optimization.
Our Legacy and Expertise
Altman Browning & Company (ABCo) has been enriched by the significant contributions of Kay Altman and David Browning, PE, who leave a remarkable legacy in mechanical engineering and heavy industrial machine design. They provided the foundation for our continued commitment to quality in these fields. Today, our multidisciplinary team lead by Dwane Paulsen, PhD, PE, merges this rich heritage with a proactive approach to meet complex engineering challenges with innovation, practicality, and sustainability.
Core Competencies
Heavy Industrial Machine Design:
Drawing on the legacy established by Kay Altman and David Browning, ABCo excels in the design of heavy industrial machinery, a cornerstone of our engineering services. We develop custom mechanical solutions that integrate essential components such as hoists, gears, and bearings, and ensure that our designs satisfy the rigorous demands of industrial operations. This approach enables us to deliver designs that not only meet the specific requirements of our clients but also boost the efficiency and reliability of their machinery.
Approaching our Simulation Expertise with a Closed-Form Solution Approach:
Our emphasis on closed-form solutions enhances our capacity to effectively tackle complex engineering challenges. We utilize a variety of tools, such as Mathcad, to innovate and optimize our solutions. This approach not only clarifies our solutions but also documents our progress and provides critical information that aids in decision-making for our customers.
Finite Element Analysis, Fluid Dynamics, and Advanced Simulation Tools:
ABCo leverages the ANSYS suite for a comprehensive range of simulation needs. We utilize ANSYS Mechanical for Finite Element Analysis (FEA), ANSYS Fluent for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and complement these with ANSYS Workbench for model automation and design optimization. ANSYS SpaceClaim boosts our capabilities in model parametrization and further design optimization. Additionally, we employ SolidWorks for FEA with parametric optimization to meet diverse industry requirements.
Design and Analysis Beyond Simulation:
Our design and analysis strategy extends beyond simulation, focusing on comprehensive solutions that integrate real-world applicability for the initial design phase. We employ a range of tools to generate clear, comprehensible reports and perform complex engineering calculation, which facilitate transparent communication and decision-making. Our comprehensive approach ensures that our designs are not only feasible but optimized for manufacturability and cost-efficiency, consistently exceeding client expectations.
Complex 3D CAD Modeling and Drawing Creation:
Our proficiency in complex 3D CAD modeling is bolstered by our meticulous management of large and complex assemblies. We utilize SolidWorks PDM to effectively manage our CAD data, enabling us to seamlessly integrate customer feedback and minimize errors. This method consistently produces precise, manufacturable solutions that adhere to stringent industry standards.
Project Management and Quality Assurance:
Our project management practices are aligned with ISO 9001 standards, emphasizing efficient delivery and thorough quality control. This structure improves the reliability and quality of our engineering outputs through improved data handling and revision control, ensuring the delivery of high-quality engineering solutions.
Innovation and Continuous Learning:
The cornerstone of ABCo is our dedication to innovation and the ongoing improvement of our engineering practices. Our engagement with the latest engineering techniques and technologies ensures that we remain industry leaders in delivering advanced and efficient engineering solutions.
Our Team
Dwane Paulsen, PhD, PE
President
As President, Dwane brings a unique blend of academic excellence and practical engineering experience to ABCo. His academic journey included creating a highly effective reaction chamber for aerosol chemistry and physics studies during his PhD at ETH Zurich. Following this, he held a post-doctoral at Harvard, where he not only developed advanced aerosol measurement instrumentation and chemical reactors, but also pioneered a first-of-its-kind aerosol phase-transition measuring instrument. Certified as a Professional Engineer in Oregon and Washington, Dwane has refined his expertise in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and aerosol science, ensuring ABCo remains at the forefront of engineering innovation.
Dwane’s extensive experience spans various industries. He has worked closely with trucking industry high performers like Navistar and Hendrickson, contributing to their product development. His problem solving skills have been instrumental in creating new products for environmentally sensitive industries, such as stormwater management. Additionally, his tenure as a mechanical engineer in industrial laser platform design has equipped him with a broad range of expertise to assist customers from diverse industries.
Dwane’s proficiency in advanced simulation tools, such as ANSYS Mechanical, ANSYS Fluent, SolidWorks Simulation, and SolidWorks Flow Simulation, drives ABCo’s innovation in tackling complex engineering challenges. He champions the importance of these tools and is passionate about educating engineers in their application, particularly for intricate fluid dynamics and heat transfer projects. Under his guidance, ABCo consistently maintains its leadership in engineering excellence.
Dwane Paulsen, PhD, PE
President
As President, Dwane brings a unique blend of academic excellence and practical engineering experience to ABCo. His academic journey included creating a highly effective reaction chamber for aerosol chemistry and physics studies during his PhD at ETH Zurich. Following this, he held a post-doctoral at Harvard, where he not only developed advanced aerosol measurement instrumentation and chemical reactors, but also pioneered a first-of-its-kind aerosol phase-transition measuring instrument. Certified as a Professional Engineer in Oregon and Washington, Dwane has refined his expertise in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and aerosol science, ensuring ABCo remains at the forefront of engineering innovation.
Dwane’s extensive experience spans various industries. He has worked closely with trucking industry high performers like Navistar and Hendrickson, contributing to their product development. His problem solving skills have been instrumental in creating new products for environmentally sensitive industries, such as stormwater management. Additionally, his tenure as a mechanical engineer in industrial laser platform design has equipped him with a broad range of expertise to assist customers from diverse industries.
Dwane’s proficiency in advanced simulation tools, such as ANSYS Mechanical, ANSYS Fluent, SolidWorks Simulation, and SolidWorks Flow Simulation, drives ABCo’s innovation in tackling complex engineering challenges. He champions the importance of these tools and is passionate about educating engineers in their application, particularly for intricate fluid dynamics and heat transfer projects. Under his guidance, ABCo consistently maintains its leadership in engineering excellence.
Adam Smith*, EIT
Mechanical Design Engineer
As a Mechanical Design Engineer at ABCo, Adam’s expertise extends beyond his innovative design of hydraulic lifters and below-the-hook lifting devices. His background in aircraft maintenance with the United States Air Force, and SolidWorks certifications (including Advanced Weldments and Drawing Tools), enrich his approach to industrial machine design. Adam’s projects, notably modernized dam stoplog lifters, demonstrate his ability to enhance operational efficiency and safety through engineering quality.
Timothy Albertine†, EIT
Mechanical Design Engineer
As a Mechanical Design Engineer at ABCo, Timothy is recognized for his exceptional skills in CAD and structural analysis. He contributes to a range of projects, including gear reducers and crane systems, demonstrating his ability to merge intricate engineering design with practical implementation, all while adhering to AGMA and CMAA standards. Timothy’s commitment to quality and precision reinforces the firm’s dedication to engineering excellence.
Matthew Walker*
Mechanical Designer
At ABCo, Matthew excels as a Mechanical Designer, specializing in 3D modeling and ASME Y14.1 drafting standards. His expertise in SolidWorks guarantees that from conception to production, projects adhere to the highest precision and creativity. Matthew’s skill set is crucial in navigating complex design challenges, making him instrumental in maintaining our excellence in engineering solutions.
Brenna Turner, EIT
Engineering Project Manager
As an Engineering Project Manager at ABCo, Brenna specializes in managing complex crane modernization and custom design projects from inception to completion. With a Project Management Certificate from Portland State University, her expertise in project schedules, engineering documentation, and quality assurance processes plays a critical role in ensuring projects meet ABCo’s standards for engineering excellence. Her leadership guarantees smooth delivery of projects within specifications.
*Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional in Mechanical Design, Dassault Systèmes.
†Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate in Mechanical Design, Dassault Systèmes.