Interface strengthens design and CAE tools

More comprehensive and reliable data exchange between the smartDesigner tool and EPLAN has been announced by Wago, following introduction of an interface between its online engineering tool and CAE software from the Friedhelm Loh Group.

When the EPLAN-based terminal block project is imported, a feature within smartDesigner automatically performs a plausibility check to offer valuable suggestions and additions for the current parts list for both interconnect and automation technology components.The result is a more streamlined engineering process and a reduction in costs, claims the company.

Project data transfer is particularly simple after the Wagp-API module is installed in EPLAN. The menu provides the options "Export Project" and "Import Project" for component selection, as well as online help. The smartDesigner is automatically started during data export and the XML data is directly loaded, eliminating intermediate storing and manual opening of files. After editing with the online engineering tool, the parts list is transferred back to EPLAN in order, for example, to be transferred to a higher-level ERP system.

In order to simplify the printing of marker carriers for terminal blocks and I/O modules, the company has also developed a smartPrinter interface for EPLAN. This makes it possible to output WMB-Inline markers, as well as marking strips with either one or two lines of text directly from the CAE software.

The design tool displays products in 3D to show users how electrical interconnect and automation components, including rail-mounted terminal blocks, fit together. Cloud-based online planning eliminates software installation. Users can access the projects at any time from anywhere in the world, and projects are always updated with the most current item data from the company.

The thermal transfer printer can handle a variety of different materials: marking strips, "WMB Inline" markers from the reel, labels, as well as conductor and wire markers. Terminal blocks and connected conductors/cables can be marked with a single device. Markings are wipe- and scratch-proof according to DIN EN 60068. The printer's colour display and intuitive menu guidance assist the user during installation and use.