Zuken USA Product Enhances Control Panel Design

Zuken USA, Inc. is releasing Panel Builder 2025 as part of its E3.series software suite for control panel and switchgear design. Panel Builder 2025 for E3.series provides a digital solution for customers to support manufacturing tasks such as exporting files for manufacturing equipment and supplying instructions to operators to install the wires and cables.

This digital solution replaces the traditional method of using uncontrolled electronic files and printed paper copies, eliminating installation errors. With Panel Builder 2025 for E3.series, customers can automate the creation of input data for manufacturing machines to reduce errors and material waste. The simple user interface speeds up the learning process. 

Panel Builder 2025 extends the panel design capabilities offered by E3.series directly into manufacturing, according to the company. “The control panel manufacturing floor offers huge savings opportunities through digital connectivity. Our customers can now replace costly manual tasks with manufacturing automation. For example, we now provide panel assembly work instructions that can boost productivity to a new level by enumerating each task in an easy-to-understand process,” comments Paul Harvell, vice president of Engineering for Zuken USA.

3D Control Panel Design

E3.panel is the foundation for using Panel Builder; as such, designers can leverage the capabilities of E3.panel. Designers not experienced in working with 3D models can easily create a 3D design layout while working in 2D. The tool runs design rule checks for keep-out restrictions, crashing, and clearances for error prevention.

Additionally, users can build their libraries using the Component Cloud for E3.series and access free, validated, quality electrical components to import directly into their E3.series library. T

Digital Wiring Instructions

The Wiring Task Manager provides visually guided wire installation instructions to the shop floor through an interface, assisting operators in installing control panel wires. The Wiring Task Manager assists with single- or multiple-panel assemblies displaying manufacturing tasks to step the operators through installing each wire. 

The E3.panel project drives the manufacturing wiring tasks, connecting the design directly to manufacturing using a server database to create revision control. Manufacturing data remains connected and current. Using digitally connected information eliminates the needto send file copies that can be lost or become outdated and improves communication between design and manufacturing, preventing installation errors.

Digital Assembly Instructions

The Assembly Tasks Manager (ATM) is an application module designed to provide electrical panel layout designers with a utility for creating detailed, step-by-step assembly and build instructions for panels, cabinets, and electrical enclosures. A plug-in window allows for easy extraction from the completed E3.series project. Part-specific instructions can be stored in a database for reuse in other iterations or new designs. Redline and markup options allow precise assembly instructions to be added to images. Multimedia elements, such as videos demonstrating specific assemblies or embedded specification sheets, can be incorporated into the instructions. 

All images, videos, documents, and links are collected in a revision-controlled build, which can then be released to the manufacturing floor for use on handheld tablets to step through and confirm each instruction. Hard copies are also available if required. Utilizing instructions extracted directly from the finalized design eradicates nomenclature and placement errors associated with generating documentation in separate systems. By leveraging the Panel Builder 2025 ATM module, designers can expedite search and highlight functions alongside 3D visualization directly through the E3.series tools.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.

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