FEATURE MANUFACTURING SOFTWARE
INTERCONNECTING MACHINES for easier communication
CAE software from EPLAN is helping a plastic products manufacturer with the interconnection of individual machines to form integrated production lines, increasing efficiency and accuracy
E
PLAN CAE software has recently been adopted by Bristol-based Saint-
Gobain Performance Plastics High Performance Bearings Group to help with the interconnection of individual machines to form integrated production lines. A global division supplying high volume international OEMs in markets that include automotive, leisure and industrial, the company delivers standard and custom solutions featuring RENCOL tolerance rings that provide a simple, reliable and inexpensive way of mechanically connecting many types of rotating components and NORGLIDE plain bearings.
“This Saint-Gobain division buys
machines from various manufacturers which it then needs to integrate into an effective and efficient production line”, explains Deep Nandhray, regional sales manager at EPLAN. “With the help of Electric P8 the company is able to interconnect the machines with much less engineering effort. In addition, the datasheets and documentation are now much easier to maintain”. Automation and control project
engineer at Saint-Gobain Kyle Tansill needed a software package to identify and formulate modifications and changes to the machines purchased by the company so that they will work together efficiently when integrated into a production line. It was essential that the CAE software should be able to import schematic diagrams and other engineering information provided by the machine suppliers.
QUICKLY ACCESS ACCURATE INFORMATION EPLAN Electric P8 met this requirement perfectly and as a professional software package offered great functionality combined with ease of use. The EPLAN Data Portal, a global online component library which is integrated into the software was a major benefit. It meant Tansill could quickly access accurate and comprehensive information for most of the components used in the machines Saint-Gobain Bristol had purchased even though they came from multiple suppliers. Using information from the Data Portal ensured that the
20 MARCH 2016 | FACTORY EQUIPMENT
documentation generated for the project was based on the most up-to-date data for the components.
MINIMISING RISK OF ERRORS EPLAN Electric P8 offers users auto- referencing for component location within a project, automatic wire numbering, generation of reports including terminal reports and intelligent generation of PDF documents. This saves a large amount of costly
engineering time while minimising the risk of errors. In addition, users can always access precisely the information they need quickly and easily. Based on HTML 5, EPLAN Electric P8 benefits from a help system that makes it even easier to work with. This includes text search (with a synonym function) and clearly structured help files containing basics, how-to and reference sections. “With EPLAN software we can quickly
import data from our machine suppliers, review it then work with it to devise the modifications needed so that individual machines can communicate and work with
Accurate and comprehensive information for most of the components used in in the machines which came from multiple suppliers can be quickly accessed
each other,” says Tansill. “This is much easier and faster than trying to sort out the modifications with our manual processes and we end up with comprehensive and accurate documentation.” In addition to supplying the software EPLAN installed and set it up at the Saint-Gobain offices in Bristol. As part of this process the EPLAN technical consultant configured the software to suit Saint-Gobain’s specific needs. This involved creating drawing templates and a numbering schemes for the wire schematics. An eight-day training course delivered in two sessions was provided to complement the software. The sessions are carefully designed to provide an indication of the capabilities of the software and explain additional features and facilities that can be added with cost-effective upgrades.
SAVING TIME AND EFFORT “Initially we didn’t know how to make the most of the software but after just a few days’ training it became clear that it is easy to use and intuitive,” continues Tansill. “After creating macros with the help of our EPLAN trainer the automatic wire numbering feature saved us lots of time and effort. In addition, the terminal schedules and visual reports are invaluable in helping us to cut down the time spent commissioning.” After the implementation and training days EPLAN has continued to support Saint Gobain as it does with all of its customers. A dedicated helpline is available for troubleshooting and advice whenever needed. “We found the EPLAN employees to be very supportive and friendly; they always get back to you as quickly as possible”, concludes Tansill. “A further aspect that we value greatly when working with EPLAN is that the company’s sales and support people take the time to listen to our challenges and assess our real needs. Their aim is not simply to sell us software but to support us and help us thrive through coherent and effective use of technology.”
EPLAN T: 01709 704 100
www.eplan.co.uk
/ FACTORYEQUIPMENT
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