North America | August 20, 2024

Control Panel Design: Enhancing Efficiency with Connected Manufacturing

Panel Builder 2025 for E3.series improves communications with manufacturing, reduces wire waste, and shortens design time.

 

Image for illustration purposes.

Zuken USA has unveiled significant enhancements to its E3.series design platform, focusing on advancing control panel design through its new “Connected Manufacturing” initiative.

Integration and Efficiency

The E3.series platform now offers robust connectivity with leading manufacturing automation systems, which facilitates a more cohesive and efficient production cycle. By digitally linking existing business systems such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), PLM (Product Lifecycle Management), and PDM (Product Data Management), the platform creates a comprehensive development environment. This integration ensures that the entire manufacturing process is informed by accurate design data, enhancing both efficiency and consistency.

Data-Driven Design Approach

A key feature of the updated platform is its ability to capture design intent and manufacturing constraints early in the development process. This proactive approach provides users with a competitive edge by ensuring that critical manufacturing details—such as wire sizes, termination specifics, and terminal crimps—are accurately captured and utilised. This level of detail supports the automation of manufacturing processes, leading to more precise wiring schedules, terminal plans, and wire lengths.

Automation and Precision

The E3.series platform supports automated manufacturing processes by providing detailed data that drives wire cutting and processing machines. This automation not only enhances precision but also significantly reduces the likelihood of errors, leading to improved product quality and reduced production costs. Additionally, the platform simplifies the creation of intelligent work instructions by leveraging detailed engineering data. Pre-built templates ensure consistency across projects, while automated actions streamline the assembly process.

Advanced Visualization and Compliance

To aid in the design and layout of control panels, E3.series offers advanced visualization features, including 3D modeling. These tools help designers prevent errors and ensure compliance with industry safety standards. The ability to visualize designs in three dimensions allows for a more thorough examination of potential issues before they arise in the physical production stage.

By extending control panel design capabilities with connected manufacturing, Zuken USA’s E3.series platform provides a comprehensive solution to modern electrical design and production challenges. This innovation is poised to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve the overall quality of electrical systems, marking a significant step forward in the field of electrical engineering and manufacturing.

Source: Electronic Engineering Journal