By Majeed Ahmad, contributing writer
Online configurators have become a popular value-added feature for the custom design process. The software solutions help build an integrated process and bring higher speed, precision, and efficiency in engineering stages related to planning, installation, and operation.
These web-based tools employ highly sophisticated software systems and computer-aided design (CAD) data to allow engineers to select, configure, and order components, including terminal rails, mounting systems, grippers, and racks from suppliers’ digital catalogs. They showcase a variety of individual components as well as design and assembly options to minimize the engineering effort.
Online component configurators and CAD models are becoming a crucial part of an engineer’s digital strategy to eliminate the laborious search, procurement, and management of component data. (Image: SCHUNK)
Here are examples of five different types of online configurators for hardware components that show how these digital tools provide engineers with a wide range of options, functions, and accessories that are supported by the corresponding libraries for component selection.
1. Streamlined panel building
For starters, take the example of Weidmüller Configurator (WMC), a software solution that enables panel building as an integrated process from planning to installation to operation. Weidmüller Configurator simplifies configuration and ordering of terminal rails and terminal rail components available from Weidmüller.
Weidmüller Configurator directs the transfer of device specifications to computer-aided engineering (CAE) software to eliminate manual data input. Next, its self-explanatory graphical user interface (GUI) enables engineers to drag and drop components for device configuration and virtual mounting. That allows users to minimize failures and streamline production and maintenance.
The online configuration solution also features 3D visualization for dimensioning, wiring, and marking of the parts. Additionally, it optimizes the purchasing process by offering the project-specific device list and specifications via easy-to-use documentation.
2. CAD models for gripping systems
SCHUNK, which earlier launched an online configurator for assembly automation, is now expanding the range of its digital tools using the eCATALOGsolutions technology from CADENAS. The maker of gripping systems and clamping technology claims that its assembly automation tool is the world’s first 3D configurator for gripper swivel units .
Now, SCHUNK is making available all gripping system components from its catalog range via a program called SMART Parts. The intelligent 3D CAD models complement technical catalog data and product features in addition to the CAD geometry data. So users can directly select and configure specific options and attachment parts such as mounting kits for sensors.
The SCHUNK configurator allows the entire assembly group to configure gripper swivel units from SCHUNK SRU-plus swivel modules, grippers, sensors, and even fully standardized adapter plates. The gripper swivel modules are verified in the 3D preview, adjusted if necessary, and finally downloaded in common CAD formats such as 2D, 3D, and 3D PDF.
The online toolset encompasses grippers, rotary modules, linear modules, and the entire pillar assembly system, and it comprises more than 10,000 combination possibilities. Moreover, the combination of configurators and intelligent 3D CAD models enables plant developers and integrators to make significant time savings and minimize the risk of errors when planning and designing gripping systems.
3. Visual rack configurator
AtlasIED, a supplier of audio solutions, has unveiled a visual rack configurator called RAPID System in collaboration with software house Axonom. It’s an online quoting, ordering, and configuration solution for system integrators and consultants to custom-build AtlasIED equipment racks.
The RAPID System, developed on Axonom’s Powertrak 2D Product Configurator platform, allows system integrators to select the best rack for their application based on style and size. The visual configuration tool employs 2D models and rules-driven drag-and-drop technology to enable experts as well as beginners to accurately place components in permitted locations on the rack.
After the rack selection, RAPID System allows users to add AtlasIED amplifiers, DSP controllers, power conditioners, and other components and assemble them into the rack. That’s how the entire rack elevation is built. Next, users can export the rack design to a bill of materials, view pricing, and submit orders directly from the RAPID System.
4. Mounting system configurator
Automated Drive and Design (ADandD) has launched a product configurator for its Pop-Link Mounting Systems, and it encompasses over 60 individual, configurable parts. The Pop-Link configurator, powered by CADENAS PARTsolutions, improves accuracy and simplifies the design process for assembly integrators by providing ease of selection, interactive product previews, and on-demand 3D CAD downloads.
Earlier, ADandD customers had to download each product one piece at a time and build the model on their own. Now, mounting systems can be configured online, where mechanical and assembly integrators can configure, assemble, and download a model instantly from ADandD’s website from over 150 native CAD formats and versions.
Therefore, instead of downloading parts piece by piece, users can automatically build a model and download the whole assembly all within the configurator. Add to this the 3D preview, which improves accuracy in the design process and ensures that users are downloading the right part.
ADandD’s Pop-Link configurator, powered by CADENAS PARTsolutions, improves accuracy and simplifies the design process for assembly integrators. (Image: ADandD)
ADandD’s distributors can embed the Pop-Link product catalog onto the ADandD product pages and facilitate interactive 3D preview and instant CAD downloads for their customers.
ADandD provides mounting solutions for switches, sensors, vision cameras, lighting sources, and virtually any peripheral equipment that needs to be frequently re-positioned or whose precise location is not known at the time of installation.
5. PV mounting system configuration
The third-generation online PV configurator from Renusol Europe aims to save costs by precisely determining the components required for the operational safety of the system. In other words, it prohibits the addition of unnecessary parts and speeds up the installation process. Renusol claims that an experienced user can design a system in a mere 90 seconds.
The PV Configurator 3.0 , available in nine languages, offers simple editing of module fields and provides detailed assembly plans that can be quickly reviewed on the construction site.
Renusol, which has installed more than 3 GW of photovoltaic (PV) systems in 48 countries using its mounting systems, has upgraded the configurator after taking a closer look at the design and configuration process.
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