Solution provider Eplan presents enhanced fluid software that can now also be integrated in the MCAD workflow. 3D data, fluid symbols and electrical actuation will be directly linked to the parts list and the technical specifications of the equipment in future in Eplan Fluid Professional. Users will benefit from interdisciplinary engineering and lower planning and documentation costs. The expertise of the fluid engineer in the overall project will increase at the same time.

Eplan Fluid Professional combines tried and tested fluid system planning and new 3D technology. Components that have been placed in the fluid circuit diagram, such as valves or cylinders, can be assembled in 3D and put onto pasteboards using a simple method that is similar to the LEGO principle. The Eplan eTouch technology provides automatically generated pick-up points for each component and therefore makes it possible to setup fluid circuits quickly and easily. Users do not need in-depth 3D knowledge, and the 2D derivations and manufacturing drawings are created automatically as part of the documentation. Valuable manufacturing information is therefore available at an early stage - such as the amount of installation space required, number of drill holes or hose lengths.

Controlled Workflow using Step Interface

One of the main new features is integration in the existing workflow of mechanical system design. Whereas the 3D model is designed in any MCAD system (Autodesk Inventor, for example), an installation space can be defined there for the pneumatic components and their main compressed air supply and exported to Eplan Fluid Professional using a Step interface. The fluid engineer then plans the selection of the components and the connection thereof with direct links to the electrical engineering. Automatically generated parts lists and hose lists are available immediately. If the fluid engineer imports an installation plate, for example, they can position the planned components in the intended installation space in the circuit diagram using drag & drop and assemble it directly in 3D.

The manufacturing information is created using dimensioning, such as for the pneumatic maintenance unit securing clamps. The fluid engineer then returns the result to the inventory model of the overall machine using the Step interface - including component numbering.

Standardisation Simplifies the Process

Fluid engineers can standardise their planning using Eplan Fluid, and save and re-use frequently used subsystems in the form of macros directly in the planning. Specialist knowledge is therefore retained and can be retrieved at any time.

This speeds up planning and safeguards quality throughout all disciplines. Together with electrical planning, the workflow also provides an opportunity to avoid errors, particularly in view of the increasing complexity of mechatronic components such as valve islands. The know-how of the fluid engineer is therefore used where it is needed: during the selection and dimensioning of components, the fluid system connections thereof and their correct positioning. Aspects such as hose lengths, heat generation, energy efficiency, mechatronic interaction and reducing installation space can be calculated at an early stage in this multi-disciplinary workflow.

Summary

The benefits for the planner are obvious: 3D data, fluid symbols and electrical actuation are directly linked to the parts list and the technical specifications of the equipment. The result: planning and documentation costs are reduced.

(Rittal India Pvt Ltd - EPLAN Division, Bangalore. Tel: 080-41515497. Email: meetarani.p@rittal-india.com)