EPLAN goes 3D to simplify enclosure layout

25 November 2010

EPLAN Pro Panel is now offering specific 3D functions to define electrical and fluid engineering mounting layouts. The module can now be used to produce standard mounting and production drawings quickly and easily with associative model views. It offers all necessary functions for populating panels or defining power units and valve blocks, based on EPLAN Electric P8 or EPLAN Fluid.

With online access to all the devices in the design, both EPLAN parts management, and the EPLAN Data Portal is included. Panels or valve terminals can be equipped and assembled at the same time users create the schematic in EPLAN Electric P8 or EPLAN Fluid. EPLAN Pro Panel, with its dynamic collision control function, is a useful tool for designing panels with limited mounting space that require layout optimisation. The realistic depiction of 3D mounting construction is also useful when discussing alternative design options with a customer.

Meanwhile, the latest version (2.0) of EPLAN Electric P8 now offers extended CAD functions in the area of free graphics, guaranteeing clearer production specifications. Trimming and chamfering, as well as perpendicular and tangential design are only some of the functions that support detailed representations for mechanical construction. XY co-ordinates can now be directly entered into the new version for the placement of graphical objects, enabling rapid creation of operator desks and flange plates, speeding up enclosure construction overall.

The new full text filter in parts management allows the user to deploy search terms and quickly filter parts masters and select the right component in the tree/list/combination view. Design is also accelerated at the device level; the full text filter is integrated in the parts master data navigator, simplifying handling, which is given a significant boost in version 2.0.

A new 'protected device' function means that all project parts are retained, even in the case of graphic delete commands. Another highlight is the additional 'Netbased Wiring' model, which enables detailed connections to be defined within a network at the database level, irrespective of the graphical representation. In the schematic, logical point wiring instead of target wiring will be shown. The quality of all documentation is guaranteed by active check functions and the system automatically prevents incorrect data from being entered.