igus adds 2046 new macros to EPLAN circuit diagram software

To make the digital creation of circuit diagrams even more effective, igus 2046 is releasing new macros for the EPLAN planning software. With the extension, pre-assembled readycable cables can now also be visualised in the software in a matter of seconds. They are compatible not only with drive components from Siemens, SEW and Bosch Rexroth, but also from Allen Bradley, Beckhoff, B&R, Heidenhain and Fanuc.

Everyday life in machine and plant construction: the project planning of a switching cabinet is on the agenda. A task that more and more engineers are speeding up with digital tools. Particularly popular and now the industry standard: EPLAN Electric P8 – planning software for the creation of circuit diagrams, schematics and plant plans. One of the reasons for its popularity: an online database called EPLAN Dataportal. Here, component manufacturers store so-called macros for their products, i.e. modules in a uniform data format, which can be dragged and dropped into the digital schematic – without any adaptation effort. The tool provides support in plant project planning from integrated planning to production, commissioning, maintenance and servicing.

Engineers save up to 50 percent time in electrical design

“Thanks to the CAE software EPLAN Electric P8 with its consistent, manufacturer-independent database, engineers save up to 50% time in electrical design. A real boost for the automation era that we want to support,” says Markus Hüffel, product manager readychain and readycable at igus. “We have therefore decided to expand the EPLAN Dataportal – with 2046 new macros for pre-assembled readycable cables that are compatible with automation technology from Allen Bradley, Beckhoff, B&R, Heidenhain and Fanuc.” Already available so far were macros for cables for Siemens, SEW and Bosch Rexroth. “With this update, we hope to offer designers around the world even more options for economical automation solutions.”

Macros enable fast and intuitive visualisation

The path to the new macros is barrier-free: Engineers can select the right pre-assembled cable for their e-chain from the readycable range in the igus online shop – one of over 5,000 ready-to-connect signal, encoder, servo, motor or drive cables. If an EPLAN macro is stored for this cable, it can be downloaded in seconds via a link to the EPLAN data portal and used in the planning software. The macro then makes it possible, for example, to visualise the cable including pin assignment and wire identification and to link it in the schematic with components from other manufacturers – as quickly and intuitively as in a computer game. In addition, the cables used can be automatically summarised in a parts list for online ordering.

For more information, please visit: https://www.igus.de/