Design Software bridges mechanical and control technologies.

When integrating control technology into customized control cabinet solutions, it can be challenging to reduce the space needed for machines and installations and condense structure size. The new Eplan Design Space Exchange simplifies the creation of virtual models for electrical and control systems engineers while simultaneously breaking down the barriers between electrical and mechanical design engineering.

Monheim The new Eplan Design Space Exchange (DSE) has been unveiled. DSE supports data exchange between mechanical construction and control system technology in control cabinet and switchgear construction. The expansion module for Eplan Pro Panel Professional, developed by Eplan and MCAD specialists at Cideon, is available for the first time with Eplan Platform 2.4 and compatible with Autodesk Inventor 2014 and 2015. Without the cabinet case, there is no mounting layout, and without the mounting layout, there is no final case design. This dilemma can now be resolved with the Design Space Exchange expansion module, explains Thomas Weichsel, product manager at Eplan. DSE is based on a fully parametric 3D geometric data model of the mechanical design that takes into account the particular requirements for the installation location of the mounting panel or cabinet. DSE accesses the 3D CAD data of the control cabinet case design and makes it available to the Eplan Platform, as the basis for the mounting layout using Eplan Pro Panel. The 3D mounting layout is created within this design space, referencing the automation concept from the electrical design. All electrical equipment intended for installation will be mounted virtually, taking into account spatial conditions and manufacturer specifications regarding minimum clearance.

Wiring on Virtual Prototypes Installation holes, threads, slots and cutouts are automatically integrated for subsequent assembly. The virtual prototype of the cabinet is the basis for virtual switchgear wiring and for determining optimal wiring paths and appropriate wire lengths, among other things. Once the virtual mounting layout has been completed, Eplan DSE provides data on the necessary installation holes, threads, slots and cutouts for integration into the 3D mechanical engineering model, at the push of a button. DSE then interprets data and objects on the Autodesk Inventor page and creates a consistent product data model for mechanical design including all components, holes and cutouts. The model is fully parametric and is in the form of native Autodesk Inventor geometry data, so that the mechanical design can integrate the manufacturing procedure including processing, BOMs and manufacturing drawings. While the mechanical design lays the foundation for the manufacture of the cases, the electrical designer can compile complete, as-built, project documentation of the final product. For example, the automated assembly of terminal strips and wire bundles, with all the necessary schematics, mounting diagrams, manufacturing drawings, BOMs, device lists, connection lists and data are created. As Weichsel notes in his summary of the advantages: Interdisciplinary data synchronization reduces potential sources of error and product development costs, saving time while improving quality.

EPLAN Software & Service develops engineering solutions, which accelerate the product development process. Interdisciplinary expert systems assure the highest degree of productivity and data integration. The solution provider develops customer-specific and tailor-made PDM and PLM concepts and provides comprehensive services such as customizing, consulting and training. Innovative development competence, a consistently practical approach, and international presence are the resulting success factors. EPLAN is part of Rittal International and thus of the Friedhelm Loh Group with 11,500 employees worldwide and generated revenues of about 3 billion USD in 2011. EPLAN is therefore synonymous with continuity and investment security. Eight offices in North America and company presence in 50 countries support 45,000 customers with 110,000 installations worldwide. The corporate motto - 'Efficient Engineering' - underlines the proficiency of optimized, efficient processes, which keep companies competitive in the long term.

http://www.eplanusa.com

EPLAN Software & Services LLC 425 N. Martingale Rd., Suite 470 Schaumburg, IL 60173 USA

Christine KNAPIK Phone: +1-630-408-3863 Fax: +1-847-240-4667 Knapik.c@EPLANusa.com

EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG An der alten Ziegelei 2 D-40789 Monheim Tel.: +49 (0)2173 3964-0 Fax: +49 (0)2173 3964-25 info@EPLAN.de http://www.EPLAN.de

Hagelschuer Birgit Phone: +49 2173 3964-180 Hagelschuer.B@EPLAN.de

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Design Software bridges mechanical and control technologies.