Posted to News on 6th Jul 2007, 15:47
Online configurator simplifies electro-pneumatic selections
Bosch Rexroth's Easy-to-Combine automation system comprises pneumatic as well as electric drive modules. Now, thanks to an online configurator, the ease with which a system can be specified and ordered has been significantly increased. A typical pick-and-place unit can now be designed and specified in just twenty minutes, according to the company.
Online configurators have become a familiar, if mostly under-utilised, part of the engineering landscape, with many manufacturers offering facilities that are perhaps not as user-friendly as they should be. However, Bosch Rexroth's online configurator for its Easy-2-Combine systems features a simple selection method and self-calculation functionality, removing time and complexity from the configuration process.
Once the user has created an account, they are presented with four system specification options: single-axis, pick-and-place; linear gantry or area gantry. If, for example pick-and-place is chosen, the configurator offers a choice of grippers or rotational units before going on to offer a choice of slide units. One point to note at this stage is that the configurator will allow the user to specify slide units to be configured in different orientations, which is a feature that Bosch Rexroth claims is unique.
When the main components have been chosen, the configurator automatically specifies the correct screws and brackets to accompany the unit.
Eliminating guesswork
But Bosch Rexroth says that the configurator really comes into its own when the user gets to the stage of entering information about their application requirements. Once the main information has been input, the system auto-calculates the moment of inertia and works out the size of the drives required. As Stuart Cheyne, Industry Segment Manager for Pneumatic Automation, says: "The online configurator takes the guesswork, and the potential for human error, out at this stage. In many cases using the tool can save the user a day's work. It genuinely can take just 15-20 minutes for an engineer to configure a pick-and-place system."
Once all the supplementary information has been input, such as the length of strokes of the axes, and the gripper and rotational module parameters, then users have the opportunity to specify fittings and sensors; once this is decided, the configurator produces a bill of materials (BOM) including the mounting bolts. The BOM also includes a price in Euros and a single part number. One important feature is that users have the option to choose to have the parts delivered singly or pre-assembled. While it is recognised that engineers will find the equipment simple to assemble, especially given the simple installation instructions, the pre-assembled option can represent a great time- and labour-saving, as, when the piece arrives, the engineers can simply bolt it on as needed.
Users can download a PDF that contains a complete set of information including calculation details that can be printed and checked or used for auditing purposes at a later date. Once in possession of this information, users can then quote the part number to order the products by telephone. At this point users get a final part number, more technical help if required, and up-to-date pricing. Once the product is delivered, users have drawings and documentation that they can include with machine specifications to hand on to their end customer or use as part of their own engineering documentation.
To access the online configurator go to www.boschrexroth.com/easy-2-combine/
