Configurator with CAD gives users powerful design tool Feb 2003

Configurator with CAD gives users
powerful design tool
Feb 2003
Steve Gilliom
Director of Information Technology – PHD, inc.
Agenda
• Introduction
• PHD's CAD history
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Past
Present
Future
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graphical - like our instant expert clamp web site (demo).
Spec's - details about the product linked to CAD drawing.
PHD's Philosophy with Designers Resources.
Why we selected Cadenas (partsolutions).
Overview of PHD's on-line configurator (demo)
Changes we have made due to customers feedback.
How we deal with problems and issues.
PHD's future configurator options.
Introduction
• Speaker Background – Steve Gilliom
– Graduated from Purdue University with a Mechanical
Engineering Degree.
– Designer using CAD to Developed Software tools to assist
the design process.
– Created company to provide Engineering software for
manufacturing companies to give to its customers.
– Joined PHD and created a Digital Media Department
dedicated to providing Engineering Tools to its customers.
– Currently in charge of Information Technology - PHD, Inc.
PHD, Inc.
• Manufacture of Automation devices
for over 45 years.
• Worldwide presence.
PHD, Inc.
• Over 400 Million product combinations.
• Products available in CAD format.
PHD’s Products are in Native CAD
formats
PHD CAD History
• CAD Library (1984)
– 1000’s of Drawings on Floppy Disc.
• Parametric CAD 2D/3D wire frame (1991)
– Released every 6 months.
• Parametric Surfaced IGES files (1998)
– PHD’s CD-ROM & Download new version from WEB.
• Partsolutions CAD Models (2002)
– Live on the web with instant updates.
PHD’s Philosophy with Designers
Resources
• Take the risk out of using PHD’s product.
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Sizing
Specs
Ordering data
CAD models
Save the customer time while designing.
Make it easy to get CAD models.
Build CAD models the way the customer will use them.
Maintain the CAD models – Fix them as required. Usually the
same day.
• Listen to the customer and make changes as required.
Why we selected Cadenas
(PartSolutions)
• Features that were key
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Portal so we could maintain our own web site.
Number of formats supported
CD version available without having to re-draw models
Additional web presence www.partserver.com
Could draw models as Assemblies
We could manage the drawings ourselves.
Overview of PHD’s on-line
Configurator
PHD’s on-line Configurator
• Requires the user to log-in to the system
– Saves users preferences – saving them time when they
request CAD models
• Configurator allows users to:
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Configure accurate PHD model Numbers
Shows users why options are not compatible
Lets users select Shocks, mounts and switches that will work
with the actuator (also draws geometry in the model)
The geometry
• All models are drawn as assemblies.
– Enables the user to move features like Switches, shocks, tool
plates, etc..
– Enables the user to cycle the actuator (animate if CAD
system has feature)
• Geometry is drawn in extend or Retracted positions
• Internal features are drawn to enable collision
detection
Demo of PHD’s CAD Configurator
PHD’s On-Line CAD Configurator
Changes we have made due to
customer feedback
• Changes in the interface
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Auto log-in option
Verify ordering data is completed
“Get CAD Now” button
• New Geometry
– Changes to the internal components to enable collision
detection
New Features : Turns buttons Green
New Features: Get CAD Now
New Features: Changes to Geometry
Currently Available for Native CAD
support – February 2003
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Slides
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Grippers
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Series SA & SB
Series STP
Series SG
Series SGxM (rodless)
Series SD&SE
Series SHP
Series SJP
Series SIP
Series SM
Series 190 & 191
Series GRB
Series GRC
Series GRD
Series GRR
Series GRS
Series GRT
Series GRW
Rotary Actuators
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Series RI
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Cylinders
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Escapements
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Series AV Cylinders
Series CRS & CTS
Series CV
Series LC
Series 160
Clamps
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Series GRM Size 2, 3
& 4 with
addendums
Series GRM Accessories
Series PA
Series PB
Series PNC - Number Cruncher
Series PNC – Accessories
Series PRS – Reach & Pick
What happens when a user finds an
error in our geometry?
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The users inform PHD of the potential problem
We investigate and verify if there is a problem
We then make the changes to the geometry and post
a new model to the site.
• We then notify the user who turned in the error so
they can download the up to date model.
Benefits of PHD’s on-line
CAD Configurator
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No storage of CAD libraries required
No CD required
CAD drawings are up to date.
Configurator ensures accurate part number is
generated
Configurator assists user in selecting compatible
shock, Switches & sensors
CAD Geometry drawn as an Assembly
CAD Geometry includes Shocks, Switches &
Sensors
Over 80 file formats to choose from
Benefits of PHD’s on-line
CAD Configurator
9. User can request Geometry in Extend/open or
Retract/closed position.
10. Preview of exact model configured before you
receive your CAD model
11. Complete Assembly to allow user to cycle actuator
in CAD system
12. CAD models delivered to your email in less than 5
minutes (times may vary depending on the number
of models requested and file types)
PHD’s web site links users to
Designers Resources quickly
PHD’s Product Details web page
PHD’s Product Detail web page (Demo)
New on-line Clamp Resource
• Combines the following:
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PHD’s Clamp Animation
PHD’s on-line Configurator
Pricing
CAD
Clamps.phdinc.com (Demo)
PHD’s Clamp web site
•Learn
•Configure
•Price
•CAD Model
Summary
• Cadenas (partsolutions) technology along with other
Internet resources gives users a powerful design tool
• PHD’s CAD available in 3 different ways
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PHD’s web site www.phdinc.com
www.Partserver.com
CD version of Partsolutions
• PHD maintains its drawings
– Adding new products into partsolutions format
– Fixing any geometry that is incorrect
• Future
– Additional language support (German, French, Italian, etc.)
– Configurator Graphics support (make selection by picture)
Questions?
• Thank you for your attention