9 Autodesk floats new Cloud-based engineering applications.
25 Solidworks provides a peak at its 35
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Contents | Volume 57, No. 5
IN THE NEWS
9
Vickers Warnick moves Canadian operations
9
Cansel acquires Le Groupe BusCom
9
Bishop-Wisecarver celebrates 61st Anniversary
9
Genivar acquires ISAC
9
Autodesk floats Cloud-based CAD services
10
Javelin Technologies opens new HQ
10
CO2 capture tech short-listed for $25-million prize
10
RMT sells ADAM Mobile Robot fleet
12
Engineering competition uses Siemens’ Plantville
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Columns
5
14
14 CAD Report Solidworks provides a peak at its future directions and latest software release. 18 CAD Beat Q&A with Solidworks CEO Bertrand Sicot 22 Rapid Prototyping Product design is tricky, even for a company that specializes in rapid prototyping.
22
28 Motion Control SoftStep microstepping technology eliminates noise and vibration problems from step motors. 31 Idea Generator The latest in industrial products including fluid power, sensors, power transmission and motion control
Features 16 Creo Hands-On Nearly a year after PTC announced it would change CAD history, how does Creo 1.0 deliver?
24
24 Real Numbers Maplesoft mathematic modeling software proves pivotal in leading engineering research. 35 Cashing In New Canadian technology makes ATM line-ups a whole lot faster.
Printed in Canada
35 www.design-engineering.com
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October | 2011
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6 EditorialViewpoint
Losing weight
www.design-engineering.com Publisher Alan Macpherson (416) 510-6756 AMacPherson@design-engineering.com
L
ocked away under three bell jars in the temperature and humidity controlledvaults of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) in Sevres, France, lies one of the most pampered and influential objects in civilization—a hunk of platinum and iridium forged over 130 years ago following the French Revolution. Called the International Prototype, or IPK for short, this slab of metal is the quintessential kilogram that defines the SI unit of mass. As such, all scales and thereby weight and mass measurements are based on it. In fact, many of the basic units that describe the forces of nature are tied to its exact value. The only problem is, it’s been getting steadily lighter. No one knows why, but when the quintessential unit of mass was compared to official copies of itself, none of the values matched. Most importantly, the IPK was found to be lighter to the tune of a whopping 50 micro-grams or approximately the mass of a fingerprint. Considering how little the IPK is off its original value, it may seem that somebody should just plant their thumb on the thing and have done. However, the fact that its mass is actively changing wreaks havoc with other SI units that depend on it. For example, the measurement unit of force, the newton, is defined as the “oomph” needed to accelerate one kilogram at one meter per second squared. Complicating matters is that other units, including the pascal (pressure), the ampere (electrical current) and the joule (energy) are tied to the value of the newton. In turn, the joule is used to define the watt. As a result, changes in the value of one kilo, however small, cascade through most all other measurement units. Since the kilo is the only SI unit defined by a physical and apparently unstable object, the international metrology community is looking to redefine it based on a fundamental constant of the universe, like the speed of light. In the Kilo’s case, it’s Plank’s constant which describes the relation between the momentum and the quantum wavelength of any particle. However, nobody’s absolutely sure what that exact value is either. To help settle the matter, two methods of nailing down Plank’s constant have been proposed. One would use a special scale called a watt balance that measures the electricity needed to resist the Earth’s gravitational pull. The second, called the Avogadro Project, involves precisely counting atoms in the world’s roundest ball of pure silicon. Unfortunately, experiments using both methods have come up with results that diverge by around 175 parts per billion. For the fastidious metrologist who oversee such things, that’s too much. However, in an uncharacteristic “laid back” manner, a former head of BIPM’s mass division has proposed that the two numbers be averaged to arrive at a final value. Not surprisingly, many of those involved in the controversy don’t relish the idea of adding the kilogram to horseshoes and hand grenades in the expression about “close enough.” Whatever method is ultimately used, the final definition of the kilo is expected to occur in 2015 when the international General Conference on Weights and Measures next meets. Along with the scientists whose job it has been to babysit the IPK, I can wait. In the meantime, I can enjoy the fact that I’m just that much lighter.
Mike McLeod
@
I enjoy hearing from you so please contact me at MMcLeod@design-engineering.com and your letter could be published in an upcoming issue.
October | 2011
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Group Editorial Director Lisa Wichmann (416) 510-5101 LWichmann@canadianmanufacturing.com Editor Michael McLeod (416) 442-5600 ext. 3231 mmcleod@design-engineering.com Technical Field Editor Pat Jones, P. Eng. Art Director Kathy Smith (416) 442-5600 ext. 3215 KSmith@plant.ca Market Production Manager Jessica Jubb (416) 510-5194 jjubb@bizinfogroup.ca Circulation Manager Cindi Holder (416) 442-5600 ext. 3544 CHolder@bizinfogroup.ca BIG Magazines LP Executive Publisher Tim Dimopoulos Vice-President of Canadian Publishing, Alex Papanou President of Business Information Group, Bruce Creighton Publications Mail Agreement #40069240 ISSN number: 0011-9342 Privacy Notice: From time to time we make our subscription list available to select companies and organizations whose product or service may interest you. If you do not wish your contact information to be made available, please contact us via one of the following methods: Phone: 1-800-668-2374 Fax: 416-442-2191 E-mail: privacyofficer@businessinformationgroup.ca. Mail to: Privacy Officer, 80 Valleybrook Drive, North York, ON M3B 2S9 Subscriber Services: To subscribe, renew your subscription or to change your address or information contact us at 1-866-236-0608 (English) or 1-866-236-2125 (French). Subscription Price: Canada $52.00 per year, Outside Canada $99.00 US per year, Single Copy Canada $9.00. Design Engineering, established in 1955, is published 6 times per year except for occasional combined, expanded or premium issues, which count as two subscription issues. Published by BIG Magazines LP, a division of Glacier BIG Holdings Company Ltd. Tel: 416-442-5600, Fax: 416-510-5140 80 Valleybrook Dr., Toronto, ON M3B 2S9. Contents of this publication are protected by copyright and must not be reprinted in whole or in part without permission of the publisher. DE receives unsolicited features and materials (including letters to the editor) from time to time. DE, its affiliates and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, re-publish, distribute, store and archive such submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensation of any sort. DE accepts no responsibility or liability for claims made for any product or service reported or advertised in this issue. DE is indexed in the Canadian Business Index by Micromedia Ltd., Toronto, and is available on-line in the Canadian Business & Current Affairs Database. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.
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DesignNews Up Front Vickers Warnick moves Canadian operations
9
Autodesk floats Cloud-based CAD services
Vickers-Warnick and Darlex moved their Canadian operations to a larger facility. The new location is designed to better support the companies’ customers by enhancing technical support and customer service resources along with improving manufacturing and warehouse capabilities. The new location is 870 Arvin Avenue in Stoney Creek, Ontario. www.vickers-warnick.com
Cansel acquires Le Groupe BusCom Consolidation in the Canadian Autodesk VAR channel continues with the acquisition of Montreal-based Le Groupe BusCom by Cansel, an engineering software, hardware and services company in Vancouver. Founded in 1984, Le Groupe BusCom Inc. was one of the first retailers in Canada to gain the “Autodesk Consulting Specialization” accreditation and is the largest Autodesk value-added reseller in Eastern Canada. This acquisition follows a similar deal for Onix, an Autodesk located in Ottawa, last July. www.cansel.ca
Bishop-Wisecarver celebrates 61st Anniversary Bishop-Wisecarver launched a new website in celebration of the company’s 61st anniversary. The company says that, along with the new design, comes detailed product information organized in tabbed sections, richer photography, embedded videos, social media, digital catalogs and improved part search. In addition, customers can now search by exact part numbers or dropdown menu’s of product categories with descriptions. www.bwc.com
Genivar acquires ISAC GENIVAR Inc acquired ISACTION Inc. (“ISAC”), a Quebec-based firm specializing in industrial automation integration. The transaction adds 40 people to GENIVAR’s workforce and complements the recent Dakins acquisition in Ontario. Genivar is one of Canada’s largest engineering firms with more than 4,500 employees working in Canada and around the world. www.genivar.com www.design-engineering.com
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One of Autodesk’s new Cloud based engineering services, Inventor optimization lets users test a range of “what if” parameters.
A
utodesk furthered its push toward a CAD as a Service model with the introduction of Autodesk Cloud, a collection of a dozen or so web-based services. Some, such as AutoCAD WS, Design Review Mobile App and the new Autodesk Cloud documents service, are open to anyone and include 1GB of free storage. Cloud documents allows users to store, view and share 2D and 3D .dwf files through a web browser. From that documents repository, users get similar capabilities through mobile devices using Design Review Mobile App. In addition, .dwg files stored in Cloud documents can be viewed, edited and shared with AutoCAD WS mobile applications. Exclusively for its subscription customers, Autodesk Cloud ups the storage space to 3 GB of online storage for each seat of its software. More importantly, subscription customers are able to use the following online services depending on the software installed: Autodesk Cloud rendering – Restricted to those with premium or ultimate editions of Autodesk Design Suite or Autodesk Building Design Suite, Cloud rendering allows users to off-load processorintensive, photo-realistic rendering chores from their desktops. Dwg files uploaded can be output based on desired view, resolution, file size and image format, among other options. Autodesk Inventor optimization – Users with premium or ultimate editions of Autodesk Product Design Suites can access Autodesk’s cloud-based simulation. The tool allows you to set loads, restraints, etc. and then simultaneously test a range or series of “what if” design parameters. For architectural customers, Autodesk Revit Conceptual Energy Analysis offers energy analysis capabilities while Autodesk Green Building Studio that helps performs energy analysis of multiple building design iterations and optimize energy efficiency. Lastly, Autodesk Buzzsaw Software as a Service lets Autodesk Vault Collaboration AEC subscribers securely exchange project information. cloud.autodesk.com October | 2011
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10
DesignNews
Javelin Technologies opens Oakville headquarters Javelin Technologies Inc., Canada’s leading provider of SolidWorks 3D design software, officially moved into its new state-of-the-art Oakville, Ontario facility. Highlights of the Solidworks value-added reseller’s 12,000 square-foot headquarters include a Rapid Prototyping Lab, expanded software training space and a 3D theatre featuring an impressive 185-inch screen. Javelin Technologies new 12,000-square-foot At a special launch party in August, headquarters in Oakville, Ontario. artist, designer, pilot and film-maker William Lishman gave the keynote address. A Javelin Technologies customer and SolidWorks user, Lishman is perhaps best-known for being the inspiration for the hit film Fly Away Home. “CAD design makes all the difference,” Lishman said. “The ability to make refinements virtually—rather than with physical prototypes—saves me a whole lot of time and hair-pulling. And SolidWorks is the ultimate in CAD design.” www.javelin-tech.com
University of Calgary CO2 capture technology short-listed for $25-million prize Carbon Engineering, a private firm created by University of Calgary-affiliated scientist David Keith, is the only Canadian finalist among more than 2,500 entries in the Virgin Earth Challenge, founded by Sir Richard Branson of the Virgin Group. The Virgin Earth Challenge offers a $25-million prize for the first entrepreneur to establish a safe technology and commercial business to capture carbon from thin air. Carbon Engineering is currently operating Carbon Engineering’s Air Contactor a prototype air capture machine on campus, captures industrial-scale quantities of CO2. at a site near the physical plant. The 30-ton prototype is designed to test the key technical innovations behind the company’s air contactor designs. The machine will run several more weeks this fall and continuously next summer, to accumulate significant operational experience and run-time. www.carbonengineering.com
RMT Robotics sells fleet of ADAM Mobile Robots RMT Robotics announced the first sale of a fleet of ADAM Autonomous Mobile Robots through its new German sales partner, eepos Nord, to InSystems Automation GmbH, a German automation systems integrator. The ADAM vehicles, equipped with conveyor top appliances, will be used to automatiRMT’s ADAM mobile robots perform random origin to random destination transport. October | 2011
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11-10-12 12:11 PM
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12 DesignNews cally transport work-in-process materials and finished goods between production machines and the automated storage system. The system will be installed and operational in the fourth quarter of 2011. ADAM is an intelligent mobile robot that autonomously performs random origin to random destination transport of work-in-process materials and finished goods in Lean manufacturing and assembly applications. ADAM is designed to perform missions independently, navigating around fixed and moving objects, free of guide wires, reflectors or transponders. www.adamrobot.com
Engineering Competition Uses Siemens’ Plantville online simulation game Engineering students from Ryerson, Waterloo and the University of Toronto competed against one another to be the ultimate plant manager by utilizing Siemens’ online gaming platform, Plantville, at the George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre at Ryerson University. Plantville, an online game developed by Siemens, challenges players to increase productivity, sustainability and the overall health of their virtual plants. The competition pitted 56 engineering teams against one
October | 2011
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Engineering teams from Ontario universities compete for ultimate plant manager status by “playing” Siemens Canada’s online game Plantville.
another in a 3-hour online simulation. Winners were determined by the best overall score and given a cash prize along with the opportunity to interview for a position at Siemens Canada. The first place winners were Andre Stenneveld and Ramtin Heidari from Ryerson University. The respective 2nd and 3rd place winners were William Truong and Sally Lee, and Helen Jiang and Sean Dy, both from the University of Waterloo. www.siemens.ca
www.design-engineering.com
11-10-12 12:11 PM
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14 CADReport
SolidWorks 2012 and Beyond Solidworks provides a peak at its future directions and latest software release. By Ralph Grabowski
A
t the end of August, Solidworks flew in a select group from the CAD media to get a preview of the then soon-to-bereleased Solidworks 2012. To my disappointment, the day was narrowly focused on Solidworks 2012 and so ignored other products, such as the wildly successful DraftSight and the upcoming SolidWorks V6. Bertrand Sicot is the new CEO of DS SolidWorks, and this was his first chance to describe for journalists his vision for the company. He wants both he and his employees to listen, keep it simple, keep users first, work on evolving the software and not start a revolution, invest in the channel (dealers or resellers) and extend the market for professional CAD. He understands that the company exists only because of customers, and so he expanded on each of his points. As an example of listening, he wants 90 percent of new functions to be useful to all users, not just 10 percent. It is easy to make software complex, he said. Instead, he wants he wants to simplify it, so it works the way users expect it to. “We are in the market where things are changing, but we are not in a revolution; the technology we use is changing,” he said. Perhaps he said this to calm those upset by statements made in previous years about the revolution in switching SolidWorks to the Cloud. I found his aim for extending the professional market for 3D interesting, because he listed the following fields: AEC,
medical, high technology, industrial design, manufacturing and consumer product development. But there were no further details provided. I did get a chance to ask an executive what had become of the Cloud, and why we were not hearing any more about it. It is now known as SolidWorks V6, because it is based on Enovia V6, the parent company’s collaboration software. (The executive called the current desktop version “SolidWorkd V1.”) To my surprise, the V6 software hasn’t entered beta testing yet, even though its development by now is stretching out to five or six years. I asked if V6 would be full SolidWorks or a subset, like AutoCAD WS. The executive indicated it would be a subset with the tools most often used by those people would are likely to use SolidWorks on the Cloud. He reiterated that desktop SolidWorks would be developed for as long as there was demand for it on the desktop, which to my estimation is “forever.” I also found it interesting that other V6-based software, such as the oddly named and heavily promoted n!fuse file sharing software, is now being treated as test software, something for which DS SolidWorks is taking feedback to determine future development. The biggest number thrown out at the media event was 1.6 million; SolidWorks is now running on 1.6 million computers, although 1.1 million of them are educational seats. Still, the educational number is significant, because SolidWorks charges for them, unlike, say, Autodesk and Siemens PLM, who hand them out for free.
SolidWorks 2012 As vice president of product development, it was up to Felder Hiss to introduce us to the 20th release, SolidWorks 2012. He did so by first running through its history, release by release. The company began under the name Winchester Design Systems, and today it is a “brand name” of Dassault Systemes, arguably the largest CAD company in the world. Then we were given 1.5 hours of demos by Mark Schneider and Ian Hogg, who showed us some of the 200 or so enhancements. Of them, perhaps the most interesting is the new Costing Tool – and the one of which users will say, “What took so long?” Costing is common in AEC, but no other MCAD package incorporates it. Even so, it came Solidworks 2012’s eagerly awaited Costing Tool lets engineers determine the cost about almost by accident. A few releases ago, impact of design choices in terms of component pricing and cost to manufacture. SolidWorks incorporated an environmental October | 2011
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CADReport 15 calculator that determines the impact proposed designs have on pollution, transportation and other environmental “costs.” But how about practical costs, such as the cost to manufacture? The costing module was mocked up, and then demo’ed to dozens of customers before going into beta. DS SolidWorks wanted to make sure the process of determining costing would work the way customers expected. What you get is the ability to see the effect of different manufacturing techniques and materials, and segregate parts between those that can be bought and those that must be made. Running through some of the other new features I thought are pretty good: Large Design Large Design Review allows for quickly view very large assemblies. Through it, users can Review is a way to view huge assemblies instantly; highlight, hide or inspect individual components and load related parts for editing. you can now load related assemblies by rightclicking parts. Also, balloons have magnetic lines, so they act Previously-loaded files can be pinned, so that they are easy like groups. Feature freeze was supposed to make it into an to find and reload. Finally, during continuous dimensioning, earlier release, but finally appears in 2012; this command lets you can press Esc to go back one step. DE you determine which features should not regenerate. www.solidworks.com More important to me are the little improvements that help every day drafting, such as command search. Not only Ralph Grabowski is a CAD journalist and the author of 140 does it list command names as you begin typing, it lets you books on computer-aided design. Check out his CAD industry drag the command to the ribbon, turning it into a button. blog at worldcadaccess.typepad.com
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16
Creo Hands-On Nearly a year after PTC announced it would change CAD history, how does Creo 1.0 deliver?
By Ralph Grabowski
A
Installing Creo Installing Creo is much like other software, with one exception: The license server. The server software installs on your computer, and it determines whether you are allowed to run the software. Some customers experience no problems; others have problems, as I did. The server works by tying the Creo license(s) to your computer’s CPU serial number and monitoring the network card every few minutes. In my case, the serial number I received was incorrect, preventing installation. Tech support guided me through the multi-step process for applying for a new license from the PTC website. Days later, Creo balked at running when I reopened the lid of my notebook computer, waking it from sleep. Because Creo could not communicate with the license server, it asked if I wanted to save my work before it exited. Problem was, it would not let me save. Tech support advised me to use Task Manager to stop the license server service (lmadmin_ptc), and then run the ptcadminstartservice.bat file to restart it. (The batch file is in C:\ Program Files\FLEXnet Admin License Server\bin.) Tech support and I continue to work at finding a better fix to the problem.
year ago, PTC generated much speculation with ads that claimed its new software would get us all “out of CAD jail.” When unveiled, we learned of newish software and a new name: Creo, it was explained, means “create” in several Latin languages. Creo is a second restart for PTC, the company that ignited the parametric and history-based CAD design in the late 1980s. The first restart was named “Wildfire,” in which Pro/E was tuned for Windows and the Internet. When PTC renamed its CAD software “Creo,” it confused people into thinking this was new software. In the weeks that followed, PTC had to explain that Creo was only the beginning of a rewriting its old software. “Keep in mind, what we announced in October [2010] was a vision and strategy for the future of [our] CAD,” explained Mike Campbell, PTC’s divisional VP of design and visualization products on the Deelip.com blog. “What we delivered in Creo 1.0 is the first step on the path toward that vision.” The renaming even extended to the venerable Pro/Engineer Wildfire software, confusingly renamed “Creo Elements/Pro”. Now, the re-name goes by simply “Creo Parametric.” As well, the company’s direct modeling CoCreate software was renamed “Creo Elements/Direct Modeling.” This software shouldn’t be confused with “Creo Direct,” a smaller scale direct modeling package Figure 1: Creo Direct moves and deletes parts of developed on the Granite kernel and assemblies imported from other CAD systems. purpose built to partner with Creo Parametric. PTC’s non-CAD software, such as Arbortext and MathCAD, did not get the Creo label. (See http://www.ptc.com/products/ creo/product-mappings.) When it comes times to decide on licensing Creo from PTC, you have the two same choices, Creo Parametric (i.e., Pro/E) or Creo Elements/Direct (i.e., CoCreate); everything else is a module that you call from one of these two, such as Figure 2: After drilling down in the feature tree, Creo sketches, layouts and simulation. Direct fully edits imported parts in a separate window. October | 2011
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Pairing Parametrics and Direct When PTC launched Creo, their aim was to solve “four unaddressed problems” in the MCAD space: usability, interoperability, assembly management and technology lockin. PTC provided me with Creo Parametrics and Direct for me to check out their claims. Usability: Besides a new name, the Creo line of software sports the now-common ribbon user interface and a softer blue-green color scheme. Opening either Creo Direct or Parametric brings up the new ribbon interface along the top, and a not-new integrated Web browser in the drawing area. The ribbon is meant to make it easier for new users to find commands, because, as one oldtimer put it, “In Pro/E, you could find any command—in seven mouse clicks.” For power users, the old Mapkeys facility continues to work. www.design-engineering.com
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17 The tabs of the Web browser take you to PTC’s website, and PTC calls this “assembly management” and offers its Windto Catalog Data Solutions at www.3dmodelspace.com/ptc. The Chill PLM software, saying it integrates more deeply into 3D catalog site provides access to 3D parts and data that could be models than any competitor product. That PTC called this an useful in mechanical drawings. However, I found that CDS is a “addressed problem” during the Creo launch puzzled me, for search engine, not a component supplier like Autodesk’s Seek site, the company had been touting its WindChill-Pro/E package and so linked sites are not guaranteed to have 3D models available long before Creo made an appearance. So, not new. for Creo; I found it was largely hit or miss. To sum up, PTC promised to release users from four kinds of Interoperability: My plan was to begin testing interoperabil- CAD jail with Creo. So far, it has partially hit the mark. Usabilityity with Creo Direct by opening a non-PTC model and doing wise, Creo is just catching up and interoperability works with some direct editing before handing it over to Creo Parametric. optional modules; Direct and Parametric are connected only by The benefit of a direct modeler is that it can work with “any” kind sharing the same files. For assembly management, Creo works of imported 3D data. Competitors’ direct modelers, like Inventor with WindChill technology which existed before. As to technolFusion and SpaceClaim, directly open a half-dozen or more brand ogy lock-in, Creo Direct is designed to be a one-way street, while name CAD files, like SolidWorks, Solid Edge and Pro/E. Creo Parametric imports and exports many 3D formats. Thus, I was surprised that the only “brand” name in Creo All in all, Creo is an improvement over Pro/E for those Direct’s file type list was Rhino, which is an open file format. users who are required by their employer to run the software, All others are PTC formats or neutral ones, including IGES, but version 1.0 feels immature compared with established VDA, Step, ACIS and Parasolid. PTC’s marketing department products like Inventor, Solid Edge and SolidWorks. Above told me that SolidWorks support will be available in an upcom- all, PTC needs to deploy a modern licensing service. DE ing update to Creo, while NX, Catia and other proprietary http://creo.ptc.com formats need optional add-on modules. After I opened a Parasolid assembly in Creo Direct, the only Ralph Grabowski is a CAD journalist and the author of 140 editing operations permitted initially were moving and deleting books on computer-aided design. Check out his CAD industry parts of the assembly, (See figure 1). However, once I burrowed blog at worldcadaccess.typepad.com down the model tree to a part name, I could open the part for full editing in a second window, (See figure 2). When Creo Direct opens models from other systems, it converts them to Pro/E’s own .asm and .prt formats, so that they can also be edited by Creo Parametric. But, you 1-888-WAINBEE can import foreign models directly into Creo www.wainbee.com Parametric for more advanced editing. Technology Lock-in. PTC’s ideas on solving technology lock-in don’t match mine. To me, we should be able to move our drawings to (and from) any CAD package, keeping in mind the limitations of translation. In contrast, PTC feels the modular nature of Creo ensures the company can now deliver new CAD technology more quickly. In addition, PTC boasts of its many translators for importing models and drawings from comHydraulic pumps and motors • Valves • SAHR brakes petitors’ systems, so that you don’t need to Wheel drive units • Control systems • Power units be locked-in with them. Creo Direct exports PTO units • System solutions only in IGES or STEP; Creo Parametric in several open and proprietary formats, depending on whether you’ve purchased the additional translation modules. Assembly Management. Blocks and scripts were CAD’s first steps in automating manual drafting; most recently, MCAD Vancouver Ι Edmonton Ι Toronto Ι Montreal Ι Prince George Ι Calgary Ι Saskatoon vendors are letting salespeople generate Winnipeg Ι Kitchener Ι Quebec Ι Sep-Îles Ι Chicoutimi Ι Halifax drawings by filling out forms in the customer’s office, and this goes beyond CAD.
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18
CADBeat
Q&A with Solidworks CEO Bertrand Sicot I
n August, Design Engineering had the opportunity to sit down with Bertrand Sicot, CEO of Solidworks, at the grand opening of Javelin Technologies’ new headquarters in Oakville, Ontario. During the interview, the young, affable executive spoke eloquently about his first year in the top spot and his vision for company’s future. DE: Now that you’ve served your first year as CEO, what are you’re impressions? Sicot: For the business, I would say that it is good to be back at a normal speed again. After 2009, 2010 and 2011 have been much better. The business side is very strong everywhere in the world. For the job, it is exciting because I’ve been with the company since day one. I joined Solidworks back in 1996 so I’ve seen the small Boston company grow into a large corporation with a large community of users. In my new job, it is a mixture of managing the short-term, which is delivering
what the company has to deliver, and also looking to the future and making sure we are well positioned for the next three to five years. DE: What are the goals for the next three to five years? Sicot: We have to start with the users; this is really what matters. There are a few trends you will see happening in the market. The first one, I believe, is mobility. I spoke with a group of end customers this morning and four of them were carrying computer tablets. Customers are asking us to provide solutions to help them get access to their engineering data wherever they are. The second trend, platform neutrality, is a consequence of first. The solution has to be platform neutral where it is not a question of the device being iPhone or Android OS-based. Users don’t care if they are using technology A, B, C or D; they only care if they can access their data. DE: Technically speaking, what is the future for Solidworks the software; will it become more tightly integrated with Dassault Systemes’? Sicot: We have said that we are working on the next generation of Solidworks, which means that all options are on the table. Dassault Systemes is a large group with a lot of clever engineers and we are going to take the best technologies that are available from the group. At the same time, it is one thing to think about the future, but we need to deliver a solution that fulfi lls users’ needs. That’s the critical part, because today we can have a lot of proof of concept prototypes but that isn’t the solution. The technologies are changing but we will put a full solution on the market when it is ready. DE: Solidworks 2012 is nearing its launch. As an engineer yourself, what excites you about it? Sicot: There is some great innovation in it. We have worked not only on the functionality but also the performance again and again because we know this is what customers are interested in. We have made some good progress on that. For myself, there is one thing I feel is new. When you design a product, you end up making a series of decisions that lead to
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20 CADBeat a solution. But at the end, you give the best solution you think you can from an engineering standpoint that isn’t the most expensive or the most difficult to manufacture or whatever. So what we are trying to do is to give the engineering community tools so that they understand that, if they go this way or that way, they will know what the price impact will be on producing a part or assembly. At the end of the process, users will be able to compare the options, because today, designers are blind to the cost side of what they are doing. This is somewhat similar to the sustainability tool that we have that lets engineers understand the carbon footprint or certification implications for that product. Like sustainability, this new tool pulls data from outside so users can compare but I think costing is very good one because the user community is much more sensitive to costing than sustainability so far, especially given the state of the world economy. DE: Solidworks is regarded as the plucky entrepreneurial upstart whereas its parent, Dassault Systemes, is a large corporation. Do you foresee Solidworks’ culture changing over time? Sicot: Today, we are a bigger group, a bigger company with more than a 1,000 people. So what was obvious 10 years ago, because we were smaller, can be a little bit hazy today because
we are a larger group. We have to keep things simple. I hate complexity. I’m always looking at ways to keep things simple and that is a challenge for a company or organization that is growing. As to the company culture, it comes from the top, and that is why I’m here. I am and will be an accessible CEO and my executive team is accessible because it is all about people first. So the tone and the mind set of the company are not changing. DE: Solidworks founder Jon Hirschtick spoke at a Javelin event a number of years ago and now you’ve come up for the company’s new headquarters opening. Besides the fact that it’s the leading Solidworks VAR in Canada, what makes Javelin Technologies special? Sicot: John [Carlan] and Ted [Lee] started Javelin way back in 1997. At that time, it was a risk to bet on Solidworks and start a company that depended on a small start-up from Boston delivering a promising solution called Solidworks. Together, we have had a lot of successful business but, 14 years ago, they shared the same dream with us. They started in their garage, and when I joined Solidworks in Europe, I started in my bedroom. Look where we are today. We must be doing something right. The goal is to continue. DE www.solidworks.com
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22 RapidPrototyping
The Art of Protogami Product design is tricky, even for a company that specializes in rapid prototyping.
By Kevin Crystal
to be found. The connections forming the tetrahedra could be fixed and permanent, but the connections between tetraroduct development is rarely a simple exercise and can hedra would have to flex repeatedly to allow the kaleidocycle involve numerous parts, multiple materials, a variety of to function. process options, endless iterations and the challenges of creDon then created his second prototype: flat paper models ating something that fills a need or solves a problem. One each consisting of four hinge-linked triangles. The breakcustomer facing a particularly thorny challenge recently was through realization at this stage was that, rather than make ... us, here at Proto Labs. We were developing prototypes for a complete tetrahedron out four triangles, one could form a hinged three-dimensional device that consists of 30 indi- three sides of the pyramid and make the fourth triangle part vidual pieces produced in eight molds from seven different of the adjoining tetrahedron. This would allow a molded-in resins, all designed for assembly by the end-user. hinge to link one tetrahedron to the next. Paper prototypes Periodically, Proto Labs produces demonstration pieces confirmed that each piece would have to connect to a mirroror “design aids,” ideally something unusual that addresses image rather than an identical model of itself, requiring three various aspects of the injection molding process. This one, copies each of two versions. called “Protogami,” was created to highlight the interaction At this point, I took over and created 3D of resin and finish by showing how six different resins would CAD models of the two mirror-image look with each of four different finishes. The first parts. Through several iterations, I challenge was finding a unique way to present the developed a design with three sets of demonstration, and as sometimes occurs in design, hinges and a set of pin connectors. The the initial breakthrough happened by accident. next step was to create solid plastic proProto Labs UK had recently run a student design totypes to confirm fit and contest, for which Leonhard Klein and function of the assemFlorian Kössler (students at HfG bled device. Offenbach University for Art and Because the first Design in Germany) had designed solid models were to a rotatable three-dimensional be made in very small kaleidocycle. This was a complex numbers, they were geometric construction that could machined, using Proto be assembled from three identical Labs’ Firstcut automated molded plastic units. Proto Labs chief machining, rather than molded. The toleroperating officer Don Krantz saw the ances of the machining process are less than piece and suggested that, since it could be rotated ideal for living hinges, so rather than use hinges to show different sets of faces, a different sort of kaleiand pins, the pyramid was machined from docycle could be used to demonstrate sets of polypropylene as a single piece. The fourth finishes and resins. The Protomold hexatriangle was attached by a thick living hinge. He selected a simpler form consisting of six kaleidocycle, or “Protogami,” Each fourth triangle had pins that mated linked tetrahedral pyramids and, as initial proof- progressed through 21 to holes in the bottom of the next pyramid to of-concept, constructed a three-dimensional separate prototype phases form the finished kaleidocycle. The resulting prototype out of cardboard and tape. The goal before the final design was model performed as expected, though the pins was to create a framework into which 24 sample reached. had a tendency to break or come apart, sug“chips” of resins and finishes could be inserted, gesting that a better form of connector would but initial development was focused on creation of the frame- be required. work with the insertion of samples left for later. The next prototype was, again, machined by Firstcut, but In Don’s cardboard model, tape was used to join sets of instead of a pyramid machined from solid stock, this model triangles into tetrahedra and connect sets of tetrahedra into was machined flat, resembling the earlier flat paper models the finished kaleidocycle. For the finished plastic model, some and then folded to form the pyramid. The material was polyother method of connection—clips or hinges—would have propylene and the pins were replaced by clips for a stronger
P
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RapidPrototyping and more positive hold. The fact that this model was hinged allowed testing to ensure that the overall geometry was correct and would allow the flexing motion. This machined model was also the first “skeletonized” version, designed to accommodate insertion of resin samples. Molding the sets of resin samples presented a whole new set of challenges. The first molded prototype for the sample stars addressed general design issues. These included adjusting clips on each chip; orientation of the “keys” on the chips; adjustments to draft; positioning of the parting line around various features; and adding fillets to make parts “touch friendly”. Once these general issues had been addressed, some of the resins presented their own issues. This came as no surprise since the six resins—ABS, acetal, polycarbonate (PC), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), glass-filled nylon (PA-GF) and highdensity polyethylene (HDPE)—were chosen specifically for their differences.
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like a lot of prototypes, but every additional step produced significant improvement in the final product. We were able to get real parts into a lot of people’s hands and get real feedback instead of just guesses. DE Kevin Crystal is a Senior Engineer at Proto Labs. He was also the lead engineer on Protogami, as well as a number of other Proto Labs design aids.
Production Challenges The unavoidable mix of thick and thin areas in the star presented some challenges. Gate sizes had to be adjusted for each resin to ensure proper mold filling. Of particular concern was the “break me” tab, located downstream of a hinge on each star. Because resin had to pass through the thin hinge to get to the tab, poor fill and resulting shrink could have been a problem. In each case, the designer used standard hinge parameters as a starting point, but adjusted thickness as required to allow the tab to fill. Similar revisions were required for some of the sample inserts. Published manufacturer’s shrinkage specs were used to machine the mold, but fits varied from ideal to so loose that chips fell out of the frame. For those inserts that required modification, careful planning allowed the changes to be made by modifying molds rather than remaking them from scratch. Over the course of development, we made a total of 21 different machined and molded prototypes. By working out most of the major design issues using inexpensive machined prototypes, we were able to reduce the number of molds we had to make for prototyping. In several cases we were able to modify existing molds to accommodate changes, and all the molds that produced our final prototypes are now being used for production. 21 may seem www.design-engineering.com
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24
CADAnalysis
Real Numbers Maplesoft mathematic modeling software proves pivotal in leading engineering research.
I
n engineering research, detail is vital. Researchers must not only develop models quickly, but they also require in-depth analytical tools to help them understand, on a fundamental level, the intricacies of their models. Researchers at many academic institutions have adopted MapleSim, advanced physical modeling software from Maplesoft, as a key tool in their engineering research activities. One of those researchers is Dr. Amir Khajepour, Professor of Engineering in the Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Department at the University of Waterloo, who has used Maplesoft technology in his research projects over the past 10 years. Recently, Dr. Khajepour used MapleSim as part of an ongoing project with the Canada Space Agency, to develop a solution for the power management system of autonomous rovers. “The benefits of MapleSim compared to traditional tools are significant,” said Dr. Khajepour. “We now have the mathematical model of the six-wheeled rover without writing down a single equation. MapleSim was able to generate an optimum set of equations for the rover system automatically which is essential in the optimization phase.” Dr. Khajepour first chose Maple, Maplesoft’s advanced technical computing software, while working on a research project to develop and solve the equations of motion for a standard delta robot. From this work, Dr. Khajepour developed the DeltaBot. Capable of handling up to 20 kg, the DeltaBot robot uses cables instead of rigid arms to reduce moving inertia and mechanical equipment costs. Based on commercial demand, Dr. Khajepour established AEMK Systems, a company specializing in the design and distribution of high-speed, cable and vision-based robotics systems for use in a variety of industrial applications. Force Feedback Similarly, Dr. Venkat Krovi Director of the Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics (ARM) engineering research lab at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo uses Maplesoft software in his robotics research, haptic user-interface design and real-time simulation and control of engineering systems. One of his research projects involved the study of kinematic and dynamic simulations of 6 degree-offreedom Prismatic-Universal-Spherical (P-U-S) type manipulators. A October | 2011
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With Quanser Consulting, University of SUNY Buffalo engineers developed this 6 DOF manipulator using Maple and MapleSim.
parallel manipulator combines a platform that moves and a fixed base, interconnected by several legs. He and his team then worked with Markham, ON-based real-time control systems designer Quanser Consulting Inc. to create a specialized version of a parallel manipulator. Using Maple and MapleSim, Dr. Krovi and his team were able to obtain the optimal geometrical parameters for the specialized 6-DOF P-U-S system. The motion platform, termed the Hexapod, is now part of Quanser’s mechatronic controls collection. Another of Dr. Krovi’s research projects at the ARM Lab, completed in cooperation with Quanser Consulting Inc, involved the design and analysis of in-parallel haptic devices. As part of this research, Dr. Krovi and his team, and Paul Karam, director of engineering at Quanser, developed the system-level kinematic model of an in-parallel haptic device, using the symbolic computing techniques in Maple and MapleSim. Using this approach, they were able to generate the relevant symbolic equations for the system, and a combined symbolic and numeric analysis of the system performance. “The resulting symbolic equations helped to identify singularities, perform parametric design refinements and improve the real-time model-based control strategies,” said Dr. Krovi.
Engineers at the University of Waterloo used MapleSim to develop a full solution for the power management system of robotic space rovers for the CSA.
Automotive Modeling As NSERC/Toyota/Maplesoft Industrial Research Chair for Mathematics-based Modeling and Design at the Waterloo Centre for Automotive Research, Dr. John McPhee is responsible for research efforts focused on producing new methods for modeling physical systems. Current engineering practices create computer models that are numerical in nature, to explore different design concepts and evaluate their performance. A more natural way to model a system is to use mathematics, and the main goal of this research is to develop www.design-engineering.com
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It’s easy to work with Proto Labs.
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26 CADAnalysis the theory and computer algorithms necessary to automatically create engineering models in a mathematical form. This will speed up the modelbased development approach for new products, an approach that is being pioneered by Maplesoft and embraced by the automotive industry. McPhee and his team are collaborating with experts at Maplesoft and Toyota to develop these mathbased models and computer simulations, with a focus on automotive applications such as vehicle dynamics, powertrains and hybrid electric vehicles. Together with Dr. Thanh-Son Dao and Mr. Aden Seaman, McPhee also conducted research involving batteries for hybridelectric vehicles. The development of such vehicles is a significantly more complex task than designing conventional cars because they incorporate many different engineering domains into a single system. One of the most important components of an electric vehicle is the battery itself. The team is currently working to develop high-fidelity models of hybrid-electric and electric vehicles, including the batteries. For battery electric vehicles, they designed a math-based model of a complete battery pack
Researchers at the Waterloo Centre for Automotive Research are partnering with Toyota to develop math-based models with a focus on automotive applications.
in MapleSim, along with a simple power controller, motor/generator, terrain and drive-cycle. The resulting differential equations were simplified symbolically and then simulated numerically with physically consistent results. For hybrid-electric vehicles (HEV), they developed a multi-domain model of a series HEV using MapleSim, including an automatically generated optimized set of governing equations. The HEV model consists of a mean-value internal combustion engine, DC motors driven by a chemistry-based NiMH battery pack and a multibody vehicle model. As a result of MapleSim’s lossless symbolic techniques for automatically producing an optimal set of equations, the number of governing equations in both models was significantly reduced. “We firmly believe a math-based approach is the best and quite possibly the only feasible approach for tackling the design problems associated with complex systems,� Dr. McPhee said. DE www.maplesoft.com
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28 MotionControl
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Smooth and Quiet “The stepper motors were so quiet that I thought the machine wasn’t running,” says Matthew Dunne, President of Align-Rite Tool Company. Align-Rite makes a broad line CNC routers and mills plus other tools used by fabricators in the woodworking, jewelry, metalworking and solid surface industries. “One of the reasons we’ve switched to Testra’s SoftStep drive systems is that you get really accurate, very quiet drives compared to other ones,” Dunne explains. “It also allows you to cut faster because the drives virtually eliminate the vibration, so you get a much smoother movement on your X, Y and Z axes.” Dunne adds that his customers are satisfied with the SoftStep drives that are installed on Align-Rite’s wood routers because it is capable of going faster with smaller bits with greater accuracy. Also, with the vibration problem removed, there is much less a tendency to break bits. “When you get down to some of our smaller bits – people doing the pool cue inlays and things like that – you have to have a CNC router that can run at a fairly high speed, but very smoothly,” he says. “For applications such as jewelry or where you have expensive Corian inlays you must have a very smooth stepper system so that you don’t have any chipping from vibration. Also, our high-end cue builders need to have a seamless inlay on their cues.”
he affordability and reliability of step motors – “steppers” – has made this technology highly popular among many industries, ranging from electronic printers and disk drives to aircraft controls and many CNC applications. One of the major reasons for this is the application of microstepping drives, which have improved the smoothness and accuracy of the step motors. Yet, for many users, such as manufacturers using CNC equipment, the microstepping technology still has some conspicuous drawbacks. Despite technology already on the market, step motors are still subject to vibration, noise and harmonic resonance issues because of the way they are driven. Even today’s microstepping motors can break tooling when operating at higher speeds, and often have chatter problems that create flaws when cutting arcs or circular shapes. Those drawbacks have largely been overcome with the development of “SoftStep” microstepping, a technology that can virtually eliminate noise and vibration that have been problematic in the past. “Through the SoftStep advancement to microstepping, a step motor drive is approaching the level of smooth performance of continuous Hear the Difference rotation motors while still being a CAMaster CNC, a Cartersville, GA manufacturer lower price option for machine buildof CNC routers, lasers and plasma cutters also ers,” says Thomas Hart, president of uses turnkey Testra SoftStep drive packages on Testra Corporation. its three-axis Stinger CNC router. Designed Hart explains that SoftStep techfor hobby and light industrial use, the Stinger nology essentially converts driver data is a three-axis, bench-top router designed into ultra-fine microstepping (256 to incorporate the same quality features as microsteps per motor step), ramping its industrial-duty counterpart, the Cobra speeds up and down between steps Series servo-controlled router line. to create a very smooth motion with“We wanted the Stinger models to out the traditional stepper clicking, offer the same accuracy, quietness and buzzing or whining noises – even at smoothness built into our larger routhigh speeds. ers, but with a stepper motor,” Available as standard or cusexplains Joey Jarrard, CAMaster cotomized solutions, a variety of owner. “But most steppers produce SoftStep drive systems deliver the the ‘growl’ noise that does not sound benefits of ultra smooth microstepprofessional. So, after trying a few other ping regardless of selected step size, driver packages, we chose a SoftStep with on-board processors that treat Testra’s SoftStep stepper motor drive converts plug and play drive system that was input steps as small vector moves and driver data into 256 microsteps per motor step, very quiet, smooth and accurate, almost smoothly chains them together. thereby eliminating noise and vibration. like a more expensive servo system.” October | 2011
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MotionControl
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The model CAMaster chose “Through the SoftStep advancement to microstepping, was a 4-axis system complete a step motor drive is approaching the level of smooth with power, drivers, connectors and PC cables. Jarrard says that, performance of continuous rotation motors.” because the drive system comes with four axes, it’s like a bonus -Thomas Hart, president of Testra Corporation feature for his customers. “The Stinger is a three-axis machine, but we can upgrade to include a lathe on our machine,” he says. “Since the SoftStep drive system comes inch, one cut and you’re done,” he says. Jarrard adds that his with four drives, we already have an extra drive available. SoftStep controlled stepper motors are also cool to the touch, So, the customer can install their fourth axis machine with- unlike many others. out doing any additional wiring. Also, if a customer is not “Testra has got it figured out to where the drive is still using the fourth axis, if one of the three drives goes out in holding when it’s not moving, but it’s not cranking out the the future, they have an extra drive available to get them maximum amperage that will make the motor hot,” he says. back up and running in a matter of about one minute.” “That makes it safer for the customer because they’re not Stinger customers range from serious hobbyists to world- going to get burned as they might by a motor that is 130 or renowned manufacturer of stadium speaker systems. Jarrard 140 degrees. Running cool also affects the longevity of the says the lack of vibration from his routers stepper motors motor. I have seen motors with other drives burn out in a year allows these high-quality products to be produced without or so because the heat causes the motor’s copper windings to having to smooth out the nicks and other chatter spots that melt together. So, with the motor running cool, it could last are often caused by stepper motors. easily twice as long.” DE “Even if you’re dealing with a couple of thousandths of an www.testra.com
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IdeaGenerator 31 Fluid Power
Diaphragm Mini Pumps
Proportional Valve Driver Clippard Instrument Laboratory, Inc. introduced its EVPD Proportional Valve Driver, designed for use as a plug-and-play interface between Clippard’s EVP Series Proportional Control Valves and PLC’s or other controls. The EVPD integrates with existing machine controls and provides user adjustable parameters. The valve driver offers five signal inputs and three selectable valve output ranges. The EVPD also offers enhanced performance and response time when compared to other controls, the company says. www.clippard.com
Heavy-Duty Pneumatic Cylinders AutomationDirect’s NITRA pneumatic product line now includes D-Series heavyduty air cylinders. The heavy-duty doubleacting cylinders are constructed with aluminum components, including a magnetic piston fitted with a PTFE wear band. The magnetic piston can be used along with solid-state or reed switches for rod position sensing. The cylinders are also fitted with a Teflon-impregnated and hardcoat anodized heavy–duty external rod bearing. With a maximum operating pressure of 250 psi, the series includes bore sizes from 1.5 inch up to 4 inches. Depending on bore size, available stroke lengths range from one inch to 24 inches. www.automationdirect.com/air-cylinders-NFPA
KNF introduced its N85-N815 Series of diaphragm mini pumps. All standard pump models can be modified in terms of performance, head materials, stages, wetted coatings, motor, connections, tubing and mountings. Ranging from 0.56kg to 1.8kg, all models in the series feature a structured diaphragm; operate without oil; and integrate tough valve structures. Depending on model, standard mini pumps can provide flow rates up to 20 l/m; achieve up to 27 in. hg. vacuum levels with a single stage; and operate against pressures up to 35 PSIG. www.knf.com/oem
Sensors Piezoelectric Accelerometer Meggitt Sensing Systems introduced its Endevco model 2250A, an adhesivemounted ISOTRON piezoelectric accelerometer. With a sensitivity of 10mV/g, the accelerometer features high resonance frequency and wide bandwidth, with a 0.4gm design that effectively eliminates mass loading effects, the company says. The accelerometer incorporates Meggitt’s Piezite type P-8 crystal element, operating in annular shear mode. It also incorporates an internal hybrid signal conditioner within a two-wire system. Signal ground is isolated from the mounting surface by a ceramic mounting base. www.meggittsensingsystems.com
DesignSolutions Clippard Offers Miniature Pneumatic Products Catalog for Scientific/Medical Applications A leader in miniature pneumatics, Clippard provides the scientific/medical industry a variety of products and solutions. The product range is illustrated in a color brochure featuring the most complete line of miniature fluid power products for the medical, pharmaceutical analytical and dental fields. To get your copy today please visit our website at the address printed below. Contact: sales@clippard.com Visit us at: www.clippard.com/scientific-a
New ARC POWER® Catalog “B217” BRECOflex CO., L.L.C. offers state of-the-art polyurethane timing belts with the patented “ARC” tooth design. ARC POWER® timing belts are available in open ended, welded and truly endless with steel cord tension members and is offered in AT10 and AT15 tooth profile. ARC POWER® is ideal for linear drives, conveying and power transmission applications. Contact: info@brecoflex.com Visit us at: www.brecoflex.com
To advertise your solution in this section call Alan Macpherson at 416.510.6756 www.design-engineering.com
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IdeaGenerator GigE Vision Sensor Waterloo-based Teledyne DALSA introduced its Genie TS series cameras, which include VGA, 1.2, 1.4, 2, 4, 5, 8 and 12 megapixel formats, reach speeds up to 300 fps and are available in both monochrome and color versions. In addition, the Genie TS features image filtering, image compression, color correction, color space conversion and image transfer-on-demand. Capabilities include dynamic range to optimize image capture from sun-to-shade, motorized lens control with image-to-image aperture, zoom and focus functionality, auto iris, and both RS-485 and RS-232 ports to control peripherals around the camera. www.teledynedalsa.com
Digital Temperature Transmitters Omega introduced its PRTXB and PRTXAL series, 2-wire transmitters that provide a 4 to 20 mA signal representing temperature linearized. This product features a 316 stainless steel RTD probe that captures minimum and maximum readings. Selectable units and an auto shutoff time feature is available for battery powered models (PRTXB and PRTXBL). Units with alarm outputs are available as well. The sensors are designed for food processing, automotive-engine testing, HVAC, lab use, water bath temperature monitoring, pressure vessels or any temperature monitoring application. www.omega.ca
Power Transmission Miniature couplings Ruland is offering miniature rigid couplings designed for medical devices. The couplings have zero-backlash, are torsionally stiff and have high torque capacity. The couplings feature precision honed bores on straight bore couplings as well as Nypatch treated hardware that resists loosening in vibratory conditions. Rigid couplings with bore sizes as small as 3mm are available in carbon steel, high-grade aluminum for low inertia and 303 stainless steel. All Ruland products are RoHS and REACH compliant. www.rotoprecision.ca
Pre-lubricated Coupling Baldor Electric Company introduced its pre-lubricated GRIDLIGN coupling. Interchangeable with existing grids, hubs and covers, the product is easy to install with no mess and eliminates unexpected downtime associated with improper coupling lubrication, the company says. The coupling features high-performance synthetic oil impregnated into a polymer shell that encapsulates the grid element. The polymer acts as a reservoir for the oil that prevents contamination during installation and avoids the mess required with greasing a traditional grid design. www.baldor.com
DesignSolutions DILBERT™ CONTROLCAT NEW HORIZONS® Catalog Version No. 28 Contains over 150 full color pages of state-of-the art products separated into 7 sections: Automation, Sanitary, Temperature, Electric Heaters, Wireless/Data Acquisition, Pressure/Strain/Force, and Flow/Level/Environmental. A user-friendly index is available for easy product search, economical choices, popular models and accessories. Also featured are 105 classic Dilbert Cartoons, easy ordering options including online shopping, technical assistance, and fast delivery. Contact: info@omega.com Visit us at: www.omega.com
Clever Ideas To Improve Production Efficiency! Look to Seal Master® Inflatable Seals. Solve difficult, awkward design problems with Seal Master® Inflatable Seals. Custom-built, fabric reinforced for strength, fully molded, these elastomeric seals and other pneumatic specialties offer flexible, close tolerance capability and resistance to compression. Use anywhere a positive seal is needed between opposing surfaces. Actuators and grippers are also featured. Design assistance is offered. Contact: info@sealmaster.com Visit us at: www.sealmaster.com
To advertise your solution in this section call Alan Macpherson at 416.510.6756 October | 2011
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IdeaGenerator 33 Motors and Drives Stepper Motor Drive Module Haydon Kerk introduced its IDEA stepper motor drive platform using an RS-485 data protocol, which utilizes “differential� signal lines for limiting common mode noise coupling and twisted pair cabling for cancelling out induced noise current. The system architecture also allows up to 256 addressable device nodes. Hardware features include programmable current control, a single supply voltage of 12 to 48VDC, 2.6Arms (3.68Apeak) max rated current per phase and 8 opto-isolated general purpose I/O. The inputs are rated for 5 to 24VDC, 4mA max per input. The outputs are open collector, 5 to 24VDC, 200mA maximum per output. www.haydonkerk.com
DC Gearmotor Midwest Motion Products, Inc. released its Model No. MMP-TM57-24V GP52-2076 DC gear motor. Accepting any 24 Volt DC source, including solar or battery power, this gear motor measures 2.24-inches in diameter by 8.35-inches long, and has a keyed output shaft of 12mm diameter by 25mm long. Output is rated for 50Nm torque at 2.0 RPM. Weighing approximately 4.5 pounds, the motor requires 3.6 Amps at 24 Volts DC to generate its full load torque. Motor windings for 12V, 28V, 36V, 42V, 48V, 60V and 90 Volts are available. This motor is rated at an IP 54 protection level. www.midwestmotion.com
Motion Control Timer Relay Module WAGO Corporation introduced its 859 Series of Timer Relay Module that offers on-/off-delay timer modes and multiple time ranges. The 6mm 859 Series carries a top-mounted potentiometer for fine-tuning delay time. The 859 series is available with electromechanical (SPDT) or solid state relay (SPST-N.O.) outputs. The 859 Series provides four standard time delay ranges from 0.2 seconds to 10 minutes. Optional time delay ranges of 2.0 seconds to 35 minutes are also available. 859 Series input voltage ranges from 19.2 to 28.8VDC; outputs are 6A/24VDC (electromechanical) and 2A/24VDC (Solid State). www.wago.com
Compact I/O Terminal Beckhoff Automation has released its EL7201 servo terminal for the EtherCAT Terminal system, which integrates a complete servo drive for motors up to 200W into a standard 12mm I/O terminal housing. In addition to the direct connection of a motor and resolver, the connection of a motor holding brake is also possible. Permanent magnet synchronous motors with a rated current of up to 4A can be connected as loads. The device also allows monitoring of parameters, such as overvoltage and undervoltage, overcurrent, terminal temperature or motor load. www.beckhoffautomation.com www.design-engineering.com
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IdeaGenerator Switch Amplifiers Pepperl+Fuchs introduced three switch amplifiers with line fault transparency (LFT). The company’s NIC2831 and HIC2832 are one- and two-channel switch amplifiers with LFT suitable for mounting on termination boards. The K-System KFD2-SOT2-EX1.N provides line fault transparency to the control system in a standard DIN rail mounting configuration. In addition, they can transfer switch signals on each individual channel. Integrating switch amplifier with LFT technology requires a digital input with line fault detection in the control system. www.pepperl-fuchs.us
Miniature Linear Positioner Parker’s Electromechanical Automation Division released its Light Capacity Rodless (LCR) Actuator Series, which offers two profile sizes, belt- or screw-drive options, stepper or servo motors, flush mount, home and limit sensors and other standard configurable options. The LCR can be configured with two
HS35 Motor Feedback Encoder Rugged, Accurate, Programmable Unparalleled Flexibility
lead screw-drive options and two belt-drive options. Options include 22mm or 30mm profile widths; up to one meter in travel length; stepper or servo motor actuation; flush mount NPN, PNP, normally open or normally closed limit sensors; and a magnetically coupled stainless steel sealing strip. www.parkermotion.com/lcr
DC Micro Motor Micromo introduced its 3272 CR DC Micro Motor from Faulhaber, which provides torque of up to 120mNm, while measuring 32mm in diameter and 72mm in length. Designed with an ironless stator coil, the motor delivers high torque and also ensures that the slope of the n/M curve remains extremely flat at a nominal voltage of between 12 volts and 48 volts. The total weight of the DC micro motor is 312 grams (11 ounces). Based on Faulhaber’s modular design concept, the micro drive can be equipped with a three channel encoder as well as combined with a custom range of precision gearheads. The Faulhaber Speed Controller SC5008 and the Motion Controller MCDC 3006 can be used to control the micro motor’s speed or to manage it when deployed as a positioning drive. www.micromo.com
Advertisers Index
Advertiser
Website
Asco Valve Canada
www.ascovalve.ca
Page
Automation Direct
www.automationdirect.com
Baldor Electric Company
www.baldor.com
36
Baumer Electric Inc.
www.baumer.ca
34
Brecoflex Corp. LLC.
www.brecoflex.com
27 7
31
Canadian Standards Association www.shop.csa.ca
IP67 design withstands temperatures -40 to +100C Industry leading precision and shock handling
Field programmable resolution and output voltage
Baumer Inc. · 4046 Mainway Drive · Burlington · Ontario · L7M 4B9 Phone 905-335-8444 · sales.ca@baumer.com · www.baumer.ca
October | 2011
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Clippard Instrument Laboratory
www.clippard.com
Daemar Inc.
www.daemarinc.com
30
Encoder Products
www.encoder.com
18
Exair Corp.
www.exair.com
19
GTC Falcon Inc.
www.gtcfalcon.com
20
Henkel Canada Corp.
www.loctite.com
11
Master Bond Inc.
www.masterbond.com
15
Myostat Motion Control Inc.
www.myostat.ca
Omega Engineering Inc.
www.omega.ca
8,31
12 3,32
Proto Labs Inc.
www.protolabs.com
25
Reid Tool Supply Company
www.reidsupply.com
33
Ringball Corp.
www.ringball.com
15
Rosta Inc.
www.rostainc.com
29 10
RotoPrecision Inc.
www.rotoprecision.ca
Schaeffler Canada Inc.
www.ina.com
Schneider Electric Canada
www.schneider-electric.com
13
Seal Master Corp.
www.sealmaster.com
32
Siemens PLM
www.plm.automation.siemens.com
Swagelok Company
www.swagelok.com
21
Tsubaki Canada
www.tsubaki.com
23
Wainbee Ltd.
www.wainbee.com
17
4
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CanadianInnovator
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NCR Canada’s Director of Engineering Susan Carreon displays her team’s Scaleable Deposit Module, an ATM that simultaneously accepts bills and checks for deposit.
Cashing in New Canadian technology makes ATM line-ups a whole lot faster. By Treena Hein
B
anking took a giant leap forward when the ATM appeared; their ability to get cash out and put cheques in anytime was a huge hit. When on-line banking came on the scene, banking again became more convenient, but ATM’s were still needed. However, when a person has to deposit a bunch of items at once at the ATM, it can take quite a while. That’s why a team at NCR Canada in Waterloo Ontario, headed by Director of Engineering Susan Carreon, has developed a new ATM that allows consumers to rapidly deposit an assortment of up to 50 banknotes and cheques all at once, no envelopes needed. It’s been welcomed by U.S. banks and will be arriving in Canada soon (after enabling legislation is passed). When dollar bills and cheques are fed in, the NCR ‘Scaleable Deposit Module’ separates each item, straightens it so the best image can be taken and then passes it through camera and sensor arrays. “If it’s a banknote, the technology determines the denomination and checks security features,” says Carreon. “If it’s a cheque, the machine ‘reads’ the magnetic codeline at the bottom and the handwritten amount.” The system then displays cheque images, along with a summary of the cash deposit and total deposit for the consumer to confirm. This same information, including thumbnail images of cheques, is provided on the receipt. The whole process for an average deposit takes under 60 seconds. www.design-engineering.com
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The NCR scanning system is a two-sided full colour image scanner with specialised magnetic, transmissive and invisible spectrum sensors for currency and cheque validation. Errors occasionally can happen, but they’re prevented in several ways. “The first is the ability of the consumer to review and correct the deposit on the screen,” notes Carreon. “If the handwriting is too messy, the system will display the image of the cheque and prompt the consumer for the amount.” If the bills or cheques are in very poor condition, the system will return them. “Occasionally, the system can jam on damaged items, and in that case, the ATM will automatically send for service help,” adds Carreon. The other failsafe is in the bank’s final processing, where cheques and currency are cleared and any discrepancies picked up on. Carreon says that, although they’ve been working on cheque processing technology at NCR Waterloo for almost 40 years, it’s only been in the last seven years that the technology has been inexpensive and reliable enough to be able to adapt it to an ATM. Among the many challenges involved, two stand out. “How to create a system that physically handles cheques is something we had a lot of experience with, but building one that can handle cheques and banknotes intermixed was tricky,” she says. “Cheques are made of stiff paper, and dog-ears and creases are common, so the transport mechanisms have to be able to overcome that. Dollar bills, especially older ones, can be very soft, and that requires different handling. We had to devise mechanisms that could manage both.” The second challenge was quick recognition. “There’s a lot of processing that has to go on in a very short span of time to gather and process all the images and sensor data from the note or cheque; be able to decide which it is; denominate and validate the notes and read the amounts on the cheques; and then move the items to the correct location inside the machine,” Carreon says. “If the transaction time took a lot longer than the current envelope deposit system, there wouldn’t be any point. It was one thing to get quick processing in place, but the technology also had to be inexpensive and reliable enough.” Overcoming these challenges requires a highly multi-disciplinary team, which Carreon loves leading. “The mechanics, electronics, firmware and software required to make this system work are tightly interconnected and we’re constantly discovering new ways to make the system better,” she says. She also thinks it’s fascinating to see new types of currency and different features and to stay on top of ways to process them. “We have so many ideas on how to make the SDM faster, more reliable, cost-effective and globally-applicable,” she says. “I don’t think we’ll ever stop innovating.” DE www.ncr.com
Treena Hein is a Pembroke, Ont.-based freelance writer. October | 2011
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The Industrial Choice
When it comes to industrial electric motors, power transmission products and drives, no other manufacturer offers more than Baldor...that is why Baldor is The Industrial Choice! Whether your application requires a fractional or 15,000 Hp motor, a variable frequency drive, mounted bearings or gearing, a pulley or sheave or even a standby generator, Baldor is the choice most preferred by industry.
• Superior Reliability
When your next project demands the most reliable and energy efficient products available, look to Baldor as your one source for more industrial solutions.
• Local Sales and Support
baldor.com
• Quickest Delivery Available
479-646-4711
• Unmatched Quality
©2011 Baldor Electric Company
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