Machine Design
  • Resources
  • Members
  • Directory
  • Webinars
  • WISE
  • CAD Models
  • Advertise
    • Search
  • 3D Printing & CAD
  • AUTOMATION & IIOT
  • Robotics
  • Motion Systems
  • Materials
  • Video
  • Data Sheets
  • Topics
    Industry Markets3D Printing & CADAutomation & IIoTFastening & JoiningMaterialsMechanical & Motion Systems Medical DesignRobotics
    Resources
    Machine Design ResourcesWISE (Workers in Science & Engineering)Company DirectorySearch Data SheetsContributeDigital Edition ArchivesCSIA Exchange
    Members
    ContentBenefitsSubscribe
    Advertise
    https://www.facebook.com/MachineDesignMagazine/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/10998894
    https://twitter.com/MachineDesign
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXKEiQ9dob20rIqTA7ONfJg
    Machinedesign 1946 106msdimage1 0 0
    1. Industry Markets

    Three ways to reduce design time

    June 1, 2011
    Mechatronics, EtherNet/IP and Accelerators offer machine builders simple ways to reduce the time it takes to design motion applications.
    Michael Bayer Commercial Engineering Manager Rockwell Automation Mequon

    Getting a machine to market faster ultimately helps improve the bottom line, so machine builders often try to save valuable time in the design phase.

    Other pressures also spur machine builders to simplify their design processes: End users are demanding more efficient machines that adapt to market changes and integrate with up and downstream operations. Global competition and regulations, meanwhile, pressure manufacturers to be more responsive and transparent.

    Three timesavers help machine builders meet these challenges: a mechatronic design approach, the EtherNet/IP network, and Accelerators.

    Motionsystemdesign Com System Solutions 106 Ms Dimage1
    • Optimize approach using mechatronics

      Rockwell Automation defines mechatronics as a multidiscipline design approach relying on collaborative application of motion design software and products. Mechanical, electrical, and control engineers working in parallel helps develop optimized machines more quickly.

      A mechatronic approach also reduces design time through virtual prototyping early in the design process. Engineers can enter design information in a familiar software environment to understand how their decisions affect the overall system, and quickly evaluate alternatives.

      A common setback at the end of the design process is finding that the mechanical system fails to meet dynamic performance requirements. For example, a mechanical engineer selecting a coupling to attach the motor to the load is actually making a mechatronic decision — because coupling stiffness affects dynamic load-mechanism performance. Motion Analyzer, mechatronic design software from Rockwell Automation, allows engineers to verify commanded versus actual velocity and select tuning gains to meet application performance needs. Many times, engineers find they must go back and choose a stiffer coupling. Identifying the limitation in a virtual environment allows faster resolution of the issue. Motion Analyzer is available for free at ab.rockwellautomation.com/motion-control/motion-analyzer-software.

    • Simplify the network with EtherNet/IP

      Industrial Ethernet is another timesaver machine builders are using to cut design time. Previously, multi-tiered network strategies were a necessity, as each application, from motion to safety, required its own dedicated network. By switching to a standard network architecture, machine builders can reduce engineering time, integration risks, and Total Cost to Design, Develop and Deliver machines.

      EtherNet/IP is the only established industrial protocol designed to connect from the instrumentation level all the way up to the end customer's IT infrastructure, and across applications, including discrete, process, safety, motion, and drive control. Built on standard TCP/IP technology, it is the world's leading industrial Ethernet network. In contrast to other networks, EtherNet/IP uses time synchronization, a more efficient way to get the performance and precision that motion control demands.

      In addition, EtherNet/IP offers security and network segmentation that meets the needs of machine builders and end users. It also allows machine builders the opportunity to easily add secure remote services that can differentiate them from their competitors.

    • Focus with accelerators

      For motion applications, the Drives and Motors Accelerator Toolkit (DMAT) can help users speed up application development using Rockwell Automation equipment, especially PowerFlex AC Drives and Kinetix servo drives.

      The tools and templates (on one free DVD) assist in selecting components, drawing designs, writing application code, laying out HMI screens, and starting machines.

      DMAT is designed to address mundane, time-consuming tasks — to free machine builders to focus on designing unique features and differentiating their machine.

      Users have reported design time savings of up to 50% by using the DMAT's simplified programming/configuration modular structure, checklists, and step-by-step instructions. For more information and sample downloads, visit ab.com/go/iatools.

    Motionsystemdesign Com System Solutions 106 Ms Dimage2

    Total Cost to Design, Develop and Deliver, PowerFlex and Kinetix are trademarks of Rockwell Automation Inc. EtherNet/IP is a trademark of ODVA.

    Continue Reading

    The Rise of the Sustainability Engineer

    Edge Computing & Gaining Value

    Sponsored Recommendations

    Smart Factory Solutions that Connect and Protect from Amphenol RF

    Nov. 28, 2023

    Stay Connected and In Control of Your Future Factories with Littelfuse

    Nov. 28, 2023

    Turn to NKK Switches for the Widest Range of Industrial-Savvy Electromechanical Switches

    Nov. 28, 2023

    Unlocking Operational Flexibility in Manufacturing with Industria IoT

    Nov. 28, 2023

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!

    I already have an account

    New

    A Technology Upgrade for Trucking Chicken Lights

    Design Evolution: Simulation-Driven & Generative Design Unleashed

    Ruland’s Zero-Backlash Jaw Couplings for Start-Stop Applications

    Most Read

    Brushed vs Brushless Motors: Which is Best for your Application?

    How Much Should a Bolted Joint be Tightened?

    Why it’s Time to Replace Hydraulic and Pneumatic Actuators with Electric Cylinders

    Sponsored

    Electromechanical magnetic sensors

    communication, predictive maintenance, and safety.

    Non-Metallic Enclosures Compared to Metallic Enclosures

    Machine Design
    https://www.facebook.com/MachineDesignMagazine/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/10998894
    https://twitter.com/MachineDesign
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXKEiQ9dob20rIqTA7ONfJg
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Do Not Sell or Share
    • Privacy & Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Service
    © 2023 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
    Endeavor Business Media Logo