Product category:
Analysis, simulation and mathematical software
News Release from: Applied Computing and Engineering | Subject: E-Hub (Engineering Hub)
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 29 August 2007
Manufacturing simulation e-hub strategy
announced
To overcome proprietary simulation software 'lock-in', an e-hub strategy offers modular packages to begin using simulation and add functionality as experience advances.
Applied Computing and Engineering (AC and E) has introduced its 'e-Hub strategy' for manufacturing simulation E-Hub (Engineering Hub) is designed to offer simulation software users modular packages, which enable them to begin using simulation and progressively add functionality as experience and understanding advances
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 11 Jan 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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Managing director of AC and E, Stewart Allinson, said: "There are many people who want to use the 'best-in-class' simulation but are locked into their current simulation system.
Understandably, if they have paid a lot of money for the system and have now built up legacy data, contemplating a change is difficult.
E-Hub allows them to bring their data across to work with it in CSR at an affordable price." E-Hub recognizes that many companies seeking a manufacturing simulation system have two immediate requirements.
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* The need to link to other simulation systems used by their customers and / or themselves.
* The need to buy only that part of the simulation system required to complete the project in hand.
Historically the choice has been acquiring an expensive yet comprehensive system, or a cheaper but oftem more limited system.
The E-Hub contains CimStation Robotics (CSR), 3D simulation software, enabling manufacturing engineers to quickly simulate and evaluate alternative methods for automating a manufacturing process.
E-Hub can also exchange data with various graphics standards and engines, for example, IGES, STEP and ACIS, as well as specific CAD systems, including Catia and Pro-E and other robotics simulation systems.
** E-Hub strategy - e-Hub software combines the proven capability of manufacturing simulation systems in the field of robotics and kinematic device simulation.
It uses existing in-house CAD data and AC and E's library of commercial robots and accessories to create a detailed simulation of the proposed manufacturing system.
In this way, CSR E-Hub accurately simulates interactions between workcell components, to optimise equipment selection, fine-tune equipment positioning, and maximise production throughput, said AC and E.
AC and E said that CSR is established as one of the most comprehensive and easy-to-use robotic simulation tool available and works completely off-line.
It eliminates the risk of damage to equipment and frees robots and other equipment for 24h continuous production.
CSR and the Hub can be purchased in a modular fashion to suit even modest budgets and covers applications including welding, painting, assembly, press and polishing.
A range of utilities are available to build up cells of varying complexity.
** Typical E-Hub deployments - some typical New/novice user requirements are as follows.
* Robot cell with visualisation and collision detection.
* Full auto-place function.
* IGES/ACIS data transfer.
* Models of 1 robot type (Library).
* Post-processor for robot.
* Interactive 3D movie player.
* Budget - from GBP 8000.
** Typical experienced user requirement, for example, a specific application (welding/painting/assembly, etc) is as follows.
* Multiple robot library.
* RRS capability.
* Interactive 3D movie player.
* Direct CAD interfaces (Catia/Pro-E etc).
* Cell export/import to RobCad.
* Cell export/import to Delmia.
* Robot builder with meta-kinematics.
* Special tools.
* Range of post-processors.
* Auto-place functionality.
* Budget - from GBP 15,000.
** Applications available include the following.
* Assembly/handling.
* Painting.
* Electrical resistance spot welding.
* Arc welding.
* Presswork.
* Polishing.
** E-Hub platforms are PC Unix and Linux.
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