CAE Software facilitates control cabinet design, assembly.

Press Release Summary:




Copper add-on module for EPLAN Pro Panel Professional enables design, configuration, and virtual assembly of control cabinets as well as necessary busbar systems. Information from Rittal Power Engineering planning tool can be utilized to fit necessary Rittal system components into virtual 3D model. Module allows planning of various components based on Ri4Power solution from Rittal or RiLine60 modular busbar system and TS 8 control cabinet.



Original Press Release:



New "Copper" Add-On Module for EPLAN Pro Panel Professional



Switchgear is used virtually everywhere that electricity flows. The new "Copper" add-on module for EPLAN Pro Panel Professional allows free design, configuration and virtual assembly of control cabinets and the necessary busbar systems. With EPLAN Pro Panel "Copper", information from the "Rittal Power Engineering" planning tool, which is software used for the configuration and design of low-voltage switchgear systems. For example, it can be utilised to fit the necessary Rittal system components into a virtual 3D model.

The comprehensive new engineering solution begins with the design of the switchgear systems. With EPLAN Pro Panel "Copper", users can simply transfer the results of the design process into the EPLAN overall project to allow further virtual setup and assembly of the control cabinet. The "Copper" module allows planning of various components, including switchgear systems, based on the Ri4Power solution from Rittal or the RiLine60 modular busbar system and the TS 8 control cabinet. Any busbar and the associated connecting elements can be individually designed and assembled virtually.

Intuitive construction of copper wires
The casing and accessories, equipment such as mains switches and circuit breakers, and copper rails required are collated within EPLAN from an online component library and put together to form a virtual prototype of the control cabinet. Where the busbar technology stops, users can design copper rails and connection elements freely within the 3D assembly structure and bend and adapt them as necessary. Design and production-related information, such as bending radii or company-specific bending rules, is utilised directly during the busbar design process and processing components for the drawing. An individual shape library helps keep numbers of variants down while at the same time, the level of standardisation for production and assembly increases. The innovative EPLAN e-Touch Technology allows copper wires to be fitted intuitively. In brief: The prototype of the switchgear system is in place long before the first components have actually been ordered, produced or fitted.

Detecting potential problems early
Drill holes, recesses and punch holes can be defined for all kinds of connections for copper parts in the 3D assembly design - either as a norm-based drilling template or by placing them individually. The information required to produce and process the components is provided from EPLAN for manual production or to control NC-based bending, drilling or stamping machines. Appropriate test runs on the system and the built-in anti-collision system allows the whole virtual prototype of the switchgear to be checked. Engineers can detect potential problems earlier within the product development process. This prevents last minute corrections at the production and assembly stage, which could delay delivery. However, if a change does need to be made, the system automatically updates all dependent components, parts lists, reports and production drawings. Users save time, costs and materials on an ongoing basis.

Equipment procurement made simple
A range of reports for equipment ordering and coordination accelerates the whole process. The system generates reports for material ordering, cutting lists and valuable production and assembly documents. The specific integration into the product development environment ensures that the data for equipment procurement, order preparation and coordination, production and fitting is used. In brief: A consistent workflow, which provides system operators with "as built" documentation in accordance with the machinery directive.

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 600 employees around the world and forecast sales of 4 billion USD in 2011. EPLAN is therefore synonymous with continuity and investment security. Four offices in North America and our presence in 50 countries support 30,000 customers with 90,000 installations worldwide. The corporate motto - 'Efficient Engineering' - underlines the proficiency of optimized, efficient processes, which keep companies competitive in the long term.

EPLAN Software & Services LLC
37000 Grand River Ave., Suite 380
Farmington Hills, MI 48335
USA
Christine KNAPIK
Phone: +1-630-408-3863
Fax: +1-248-945-9210
Knapik.c@eplanusa.com

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