Automation Parts

Blue Ridge Enhances Fluid Dynamics Software Blue Ridge Numerics has announced that the recent release of CFdesign 2010 fully supports NX 7. NX users are able to conduct computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies from the NX 7 environment. The winter release of CFdesign 2010 leverages the synchronous modelling tools found within NX 7 and provides tighter integration with CFdesign's multi-scenario design study environment. CFdesign provides a flexible workflow with full associativity with the NX 7 CAD platform. NX customers can begin a fluid flow or heat transfer design study without having to export geometry.

3D Mice Support Topsolid 7 CAD/CAM Software 3D Connexion's range of 3D mice now supports the Missler Topsolid 7 integrated computer-aided-design/computer-aided-manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software solution. The 3D mice are intended to give Topsolid 7 engineers increased productivity and a more intuitive way to interact with their 3D designs for modelling, simulation and production. They also give Topsolid 7 professionals a range of design performance and productivity benefits, including: improved control and navigation, allowing users to simultaneously pan, zoom and rotate models or simulations without stopping to select commands; greater productivity with customisable programmable buttons that provide quick access to commonly used Topsolid 7 commands; advanced design performance by aiding in the detection of design flaws and enhancing design review, verification and presentation; and increased comfort, with traditional mouse clicks reduced by up to 50 per cent. Topsolid 7 is compatib...

Siemens Software Enables Vehicle Development Siemens PLM Software claims that its technology enabled the development of more than 90 per cent of the vehicles that automakers are exhibiting at the North American International Auto Show. The software was used to plan, evaluate and coordinate the development and manufacturing engineering of these vehicles. Siemens PLM Software provides OEMs with managed collaboration across complex engineering functions and throughout the extended supply chain. In 2008, there were 68 million cars produced globally by the top 50 Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers and of those vehicles, Siemens PLM Software's technology was used in 64 million, the company said.

Mettler Toledo Launches Freeweigh.Net Software Mettler Toledo has launched Freeweigh.Net - a software solution for statistical quality control and statistical process control. Freeweigh.Net enables users to prove compliance with Average Weight and other industry legislation while benefitting from the financial benefits of reduced give-away and an efficient sampling process. The solution provides real-time feedback from the production line to the QA laboratory. Freeweight.Net allows users to: ensure their process is in control with the Statistical Process Control (SPC) module; integrate third-party measuring equipment with the Device Integration module; undertake visual quality checks with the Attributes and Test Plans Module; empower staff to take traceable corrective action for test failures with the Error and Intervention module; and track the performance of individual filling heads with the Multi-Head Analysis module. With Freeweigh.Net users can create custom reports to meet ...

Simerics has announced the release of Pumplinx v2.5 CFD simulation software. Pumplinx can be used to improve efficiency, minimise cavitation, control pressure ripple and reduce noise. Created for designers of pumps, motors, compressors, propellers and other fluid devices with rotating or sliding components, Pumplinx is based on Simerics' general-purpose CFD simulation software. It enables the engineer to create a virtual test article and generate flow visualisation and engineering output as accurate as a full-scale hardware test at a fraction of the time and cost. The code is continually being developed to add capability for modelling a wide range of equipment. More than 10 pump templates are now available. Pumplinx is now parallel, which means it is up to three times faster than its current speed. The version includes a new rolling vane and radial piston template, a Linux version and improvements in the cavitation and heat modules. Pumplinx v2.5 features include: parallel ver...

Sigma Updates Sinetz Analysis Software Sigma has announced Sinetz 3.4, the latest release of the pressure drop and temperature loss analysis software. This Sinetz release allows data in ROHR2 neutral interface format (ntr) to be imported. Read data from 3D CAD systems such as PDMS, HICADnext can also be imported into Sinetz directly. Calculation speed at systems with valves and/or blocked parts has been improved. The release also offers extended calculation of zeta values at branches, which is now available for sloping branches. Other features include: load-case-depending input of ambient conditions; heating of the medium through insulation is now considered; input and calculation of sprinklers at node ends; revised list functions with more editing capabilities directly form the list; and the input of an alternative company logo or text field to simplify work on commission orders.

Giga-Tronics Software Suits EW Signal Simulation Giga-tronics has announced Automation Xpress (AX) application software for EW signal simulation using the 2400C and 2500B series of Fast-Switching Microwave Signal Generators. The 2400C and 2500B model Microwave Signal Generators, covering 100kHz to 50GHz, have fast switching and low phase noise, suitable for EW signal simulation. With Automation Xpress (AX) software, test engineers and managers can quickly and easily create a variety of test signals, including antenna scan modulation. Automation Xpress (AX) working in the PC environment provides easy setup of signal simulation scenarios for testing EW radar, Elint systems and other defence receivers. AX enables downloads of complex lists and setup and modification of parameters in a familiar, Windows-based application. A comprehensive list mode, command-line interpreter with script and loop capability, and an auto-programming capability are included for developing and debugging Test...

Dynamic Systems Releases Tracking Software Dynamic Systems has announced the release of a low-cost WIP (work in process) software program based on bar code technology, called Checkmate WIP Lite. The release of WIP Lite is targeted at manufacturers who want to know who is assigned the job, where it currently is in the plant and how long it has been in that location. The work order can be tracked to department, task or employee; multiple jobs may be assigned to the 'badge'; and time frames may be set for each task and reported when overdue. The tracking software is said to provide: a reduction of late jobs; the ability to identify bottlenecks; an improvement in productivity; and increased customer service. Dynamic Systems provides bar code systems including a tool and equipment management system with a maintenance scheduler, inventory control, time and attendance and job costing.

HFSS 12.0 Software Features Domain Decomposition Ansys has announced the release of HFSS 12.0 software for 3D full-wave electromagnetic field simulation. The product, part of the Ansoft suite, is said to help engineers design, simulate and validate the behaviour of complex high-performance radio frequency (RF), microwave and millimetre-wave devices in next-generation wireless communication and defence systems. A high-performance computing (HPC) enhancement, domain decomposition, is said to allow engineers to simulate and design on a wide scale at high speed. Users of the latest version of HFSS software can achieve a reduction in development time and costs while at the same time realising increased reliability and design optimisation, Ansys said. HFSS 12.0 includes updates in mesh generation, solver technologies, and enhancements to the user interface and the modeller. A faster and more robust meshing algorithm generates higher-quality, more efficient tetrahedral meshes. The most ...

GUI Software Programs Vert-X Angle Sensors Variohm Eurosensor has launched a software application for communication and programming of Contelec Vert-X series contactless and non-contact angle sensors. As the UK distributor for the Swiss-manufactured range, Variohm has developed software with the ability to reconfigure and customise the sensor curve and output characteristics over its 0 to 360 measurement range. Vert-X Commander software is a PC-based application supplied with a special cable that connects Singleturn Vert-X sensors via an Aardvark USB host adapter. With on-assembly sensor configuration, the software has the potential to simplify stock control and reduce build and design timescales by removing the need to purchase several different types of angle sensor across different machines. A GUI displays programmable and fixed information from the sensor's digital interface. Programmable parameters include a selection of six different sensor types with varying gradient, ...

NI Enhances Test Management Software National Instruments has introduced NI Teststand 4.2, the latest version of its test management software for developing test and validation systems. This version is designed to reduce test development time and costs through enhanced integration with test modules written in almost any programming language. NI Teststand 4.2 features improved integration with programming environments such as NI Labview and Labwindows/CVI software, as well as Microsoft .Net and scripting languages such as Perl, Python and TCL. The software reduces test system development time by serving as a commercial test executive that helps engineers reuse the software investments they have already made with various programming languages. By providing integration with scripting and .Net languages, NI Teststand 4.2 makes it possible for engineers to take advantage of their software investments and create an efficient, commercial off-the-shelf solution for their system requirement...

Testing the seriously hazardous effects from vehicle seat and floor vibration is now much simpler with Bruel And Kjaer's new SEAT measurement software for its 4447 Human Vibration meter. With this major update the 4447 makes the assessment of health risks to humans - posed by exposure vibration at work - easier to calculate, as it can measures SEAT (Seat Effective Amplitude Transmissibility) factors to determine the ratio between the vibration levels measured on the seat - and on the floor - then display the SEAT factor. This factor ensures the seat is constructed under specific operational conditions and the finished product complies with strict EU regulations for manufacturers, including EU Directive 2002/44/EC. Bruel and Kjaer's 4447 analyser is a portable system developed using input from several groups concerned about the effects of human vibration, so it is ideal for consultants working with measurements of - and risk evaluations caused by - exposure to occupational vi...

Simerics Enhances CFD Simulation Software Simerics has announced the release of Pumplinx Version 2.4. Pumplinx is a CFD simulation tool created especially for designers of pumps, motors, compressors, propellers and other fluid devices with rotating or sliding components. Starting with a 3D CAD design, Pumplinx enables the engineer to create a virtual test article and generate flow visualisation and engineering output as accurate as a full scale hardware test at a fraction of the time and cost, claims Simerics. Pumplinx provides automated grid generation, a robust and accurate cavitation model, and same-day turnaround. It can be used to improve efficiency, minimise cavitation, control pressure ripple and reduce noise, added Simerics. The code is continually being developed to add new capability and templates for modelling a wide range of equipment. New features in Pumplinx v2.4 include: bent axis piston pump template; cavitation damage model; 1D models for spool valves and pressur...

Airborne Composites has bought Fibersim software from Vistagy to reduce lead times for new products by 20 per cent and for redesigned and scaled versions by more than 30 per cent. Airborne Composites will begin by using Fibersim to design and tool the composite overhang panels for the empennage wing surfaces of the Gulfstream G650 business aircraft. The panels are a sandwich structure comprised of carbon fibre/epoxy skins and a honeycomb core. Airborne Composites is subcontracting for Stork Fokker on the G650 programme. The biggest challenge Airborne Composites faces with the G650 programme is short lead times and the need to make quick design changes during definition of tooling, plies and processes. Wiard Leenders, general manager of Airborne Composites, said: 'Fibersim is completely integrated into the Pro/Engineer Wildfire CAD system and allows for redefinition of the CAD part while defining the plies, which enables our engineers in analysis and design to work in parallel ...

MVTec Updates Halcon Software MVTec will release version 9.0 of its Halcon software in January. Halcon v.9.0 offers valuable speedups, especially for automatic operator parallelisation, which distribute the processing to the available cores. This technique has been updated to increase the benefit of multi-core computers. Halcon 9.0 also provides new matching technologies. In the future, it will be possible to find 2D objects such as labels or work pieces with a corresponding structure, even in images with strong perspective distortions. Version 9.0 allows large images of more than 32k x 32k pixels to be processed.

Software Provides A Single Development Environment B And R Industrial Automation produces an integral software tool designed to cover all automation tasks By using a single tool, machine manufacturers no longer have to spend large amounts of money to implement interfaces between the controllers, drives and visualisation application. Innovative manufacturers generally invest heavily in developing, maintaining and updating application software. To secure this investment over the long-term, characteristics like modularity, scalability and reusability of software modules and functions are becoming increasingly important. Software needs to be flexible when it comes to machine configurations and options. Connecting ERP systems, E-CAD tools and automation tools enables the creation of individual machine software based on automated processes. With Automation Studio, B and R Industrial Automation provides a single development environment for control, visualisation, motion control and communicat...

3D Software Runs To Virtual Challenge The Virtual Plus Reality Challenge is a novel technological experience from Dassault Systemes in support of the Paris-Beijing race being run by renowned marathon runner Philippe Fuchs. In addition to hosting a technologically advanced mini-website based on the latest 3D solutions allowing the general public to watch the run in real-time, the company is hosting a global premiere for science and sports with the Marseille Motion Science Institute using Philippe Fuchs' biomechanical data to model his stride, and a charity event in partnership with Sports Without Borders allowing the general public to join the marathon through an innovative Facebook application. The Virtual Plus Reality Challenge will continue through to Philippe Fuchs' arrival in Beijing during the Summer Olympic Games. In addition to helping companies to design, produce and recycle products from aircraft to shampoo bottles, Dassault Systemes' 3D software is also being used...

MotionMatch is a new sizing software package for servo drives and motors from Lenze-AC Tech. Company officials describe the combination of MotionMatch motor sizing software and MotionView drive configuration software as a powerful yet simple solution to motion control management. According to Darrow Hanesian, Director of Product Management at Lenze-ACTech: 'Sising a motor shouldn't be rocket science and neither should programming a servo drive'. Hanesian reckons that Lenze -AC Tech's MotionMatch, used with the existing MotionView, takes all the guess work out of pairing a servo drive and a motor, plus the user can now configure the drive with infinite ease. 'Our application engineers often get asked about the right size motor for a customer's application; unfortunately, however, the question usually comes after some failure has occurred', says Hanesian. Deb Kling, Lenze-ACTech Marketing Manager, agrees: 'With thousands of drive and motor combination...