Working With Eplan Propanel

EPLAN project EPLAN parts management EPLAN Data Portal

EPLAN Pro Panel

electrical devices fluid power devices mechanics components: cable ducts mounting rails and panels; enclosure Control Panel

In EPLAN PROPANEL you construct complex 3D mounting layouts of control panels by placing electrical engineering and fluid power devices from the EPLAN project, parts management or from the Data Portal also mechanical components such as cable ducts, mounting rails and panels or an entire enclosure are placed to finish off the design. You can generate 2D model views of the mounting panels and enclosures mounted in the layout space, and these are inserted on project pages. Reports such as enclosure legends and bills of materials are useful for calculating and planning materials requirements.

Layout space navigator Presents a logical overview of your project data within a 3D mounting layout and allows you to: 

create layout spaces in order to view and to place devices independently of project pages in a 3D view.

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activate mounting spaces for placing devices

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filter the display and switch between Tree and List views

3D mounting layout navigator This is used to list the devices available in the project so that they can be placed in a layout space.

Note: The layout space navigator and the 3D mounting layout navigator are the central tools for configuring layout diagrams for mounting panel in the 3D mounting layout The layout space navigator lists the layout spaces and their structure The 3D mounting layout navigator lists the intended equipment items The layout space navigator shows the hierarchical dependencies between all the items. If a superior item (such as a mounting rail) is moved or deleted, the devices that are placed on it will be moved or deleted as well.

Layout space This is the 3D display area that shows the placed device. This display is independent of any project page. The 3D model is displayed in a layout space that allows the 3D bodies and their editing to be viewed in

isometric view with shading (body surfaces filled with color and shaded differently according to the angle). It therefore required that to work with 3D components that a layout space be first created in the layout space navigator. This is the environment for the 3D data and the functional logic that connects it. You can insert, edit, delete, or place devices in the layout spaces.

Layout space navigator with tree structure (left) and layout space (right) You can delete layout spaces from the project without at the same time removing the devices contained in the layout spaces from the project.

3D Macros 3D macros can be generated in the following ways Manually by saving selected objects from a layout space Manually or automatically from imported STEP files (*.ema only) Manually or automatically from a macro project. Note: 

3D macros are managed in a macro project.

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3D window macros (*.ema) and 3D symbol macros (*.ems) can be generated and used.

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3D macros are assigned to a part in the parts management. This allows the part to be displayed in a detailed and realistic manner. If there is no graphic macro for the part, the graphic is implemented as a cuboid by entering the height, width, and depth.

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If the 3D macro is assigned to an enclosure, then the graphic of the enclosure is not generated automatically on placement; instead the content of the graphical macro defines the graphic.

For the sake of optimal performance you should save 2D and 3D data in separate macro files. This way you can ensure that 2D users do not necessarily have to access the extensive 3D data volume. The files could be distinguished, for example, on the basis of name extensions (e.g., 3D macro ABC.12345_3D.ema and the corresponding 2D macro ABC.12345_2D.ema). In all actions in the 3D environment for which a part macro is used (e.g., Insert devices), it is the "graphical part macro" that is checked first. If on the Mounting data tab a graphical macro has been entered for the part, and if it contains the desired "3D mounting layout" representation type, this macro will be used. If not, the "technical part macro" defined on the Technical data tab will be used.

3D macros in the layout space

Device Logic 3D mechanical or electromechanical devices that are to be used in the 3D mounting layout must have the following properties (device logic) that allow them to be used in the mounting layout: The objects can be placed in the layout space and on other objects. Other objects can be placed on the 3D objects. The placed objects fit in with the logical structure of the items. There are a number of functions available for creating and editing the device logic. These functions are used following the use of graphical import and editing functions and prepare the 3D graphic - which immediately after import has no logic functions - for use as a 3D macro for devices. To ensure correct placement it is necessary as a minimum to define a placement area; the other logic functions are optional.

Graphic definition for devices The following functions define a 3D graphic: 

Layout space > Import > 3D graphic

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Edit > Graphic > Unite

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Edit > Graphic > Rotate around axis

These functions can be used in the schematic project and in the 3D macro project.

Logic definition for devices

The following functions define the device logic. They can be accessed under the Edit > Device logic menu items. The points and surfaces defined with the following functions are only visible in a 3D macro project: 

Placement area > Define / Turn around / Move / Rotate: Definition of an area on an item on which the 3D object itself is placed and aligned.

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Mounting point: Definition of points which as 3D snap points allow other components to dock to the 3D object.

The following functions can be used in the schematic project and in the 3D macro project: 

Mounting surface: Definition of surfaces on which components can be placed; these surfaces are found by automatic activation or can be selectively activated.

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Handle: Definition of points by which the 3D object is moved on the cursor on placement; these points can dock to other 3D objects if placed on 3D snap points.

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Base points: Definition of points on which accessory parts can be placed automatically at fixed defined positions in enclosures.

Handles and mounting points: Interactive points, lines, and areas in the device logic The functions for defining the device logic work with interactive points, lines, and areas. User-defined points and surfaces can be used to create dependencies in the assembly of 3D components. Interactive points can also be added if necessary to components that have been imported from external 3D CAD systems using the STEP exchange format, to control placing options or to define degrees of freedom in the rotation and alignment of components to one another. Interactive points always consist of two corresponding parts: 

Handles look for associated mounting points. They define points or areas which can only be moved and placed on the corresponding mounting points.

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Mounting points and mounting surfaces only allow the associated handle to be snapped to, moved to and placed on them. Mounting points may be points, lines, or areas.

Base Points: Principle Base points are components of the device logic that are used in working with enclosure accessories. Base points are fixed defined mounting points in a layout space. You can use base points to install enclosure items (e.g., side panels, base) at a fixed defined location in the accessories management. These items cannot be moved subsequently anymore. A distinction is made between automatically generated base points and user-defined base points. You can use automatic base points to place enclosures and matching accessories from accessories management, without having to generate detailed macros for this purpose. But there is also the option

to store user-defined base points in a macro and to use them in accessories management as the property of an accessory placement.

Automatic base points Automatic base points are generated for all enclosures that are generated directly without macro from the parts database. (Product group "Enclosure", Product subgroup "Component" and "Body"). The automatic base points are used only for the automatic placement of the accessories and are not calculated in the event of a manual placement. In the data transfer of accessory parts from EPLAN Cabinet, the existing base points are applied and converted to automatic base points. Automatic base points are generated at the following part placements: Frame profile horizontal floor The following base points are generated: 

Frame profile down: Left front

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Frame profile down: Left rear

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Frame profile down: Right front 

Frame profile down: Right rear.

Frame profile horizontal cover The following base points are generated: 

Frame profile up: Left front

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Frame profile up: Left rear

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Frame profile up: Right front

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Frame profile up: Right rear.

User-defined base points User-defined base points are mounting points manually placed in a macro by the user with predefined properties. They can be inserted via the Edit > Device logic > Base points menu items. Similar to the definition of mounting points, a point is selected in the layout space at which the base point is to be defined. Placement options can be used for this. In the Properties: Base point dialog that is displayed subsequently, all base points are shown as available that are also generated as automatic base points.

Base point scheme

For enclosures that have been imported in the layout space as STEP data, all base points must be placed manually. However, base points for Rittal enclosure series (e.g., "TS8") are always at the same positions. In connection with the creation of enclosures of the Rittal series "TS8", "AE", and "CM", it is possible to place the base points automatically in a manner suitable for the enclosure series. Using the Edit > Device logic > Transfer base point scheme menu items, the base points are generated automatically in a manner suitable for the selected enclosure series.

Automatic Enclosure Interpretation: Principle Automatic enclosure interpretation transfers the existing logic of an enclosure to another enclosure of the same design. The objective is to minimize the expenditure of related to the creation of master data. The preparatory step is always the detailed manual assignment of the logic to the first enclosure of the design with the functions of the device logic: 

Import of the 3D graphic via interfaces (e.g., STEP)

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Definition of the individual items of the enclosure (function definition, layer, transparency, etc.)

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Definition of the placement area

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Definition of mounting surfaces on the items.

The first enclosure of a design defined in this way will be used as a model for the automatic definition of the other enclosures of this design. You must keep in mind that this sample enclosure and subsequently defined enclosures must always be of the same design (e.g., AE, CM, TS8). After the sample enclosure has been defined, Automatic enclosure interpretation is launched. An item definition "Enclosure" is generated from the items selected in the layout space. The following properties are defined automatically: 

Function definition: Enclosure, general

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Item designation: Enclosure

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Transparency: From layer

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Color: From layer

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Layer: EPLAN560, 3D graphic. Enclosure.

Then, you must select the sample enclosure whose logic is to be transferred to the new item definition. In the last step, the program analyzes the sample enclosure and the new enclosure, and defines automatically at the new enclosure the items including mounting surfaces as well as all other properties: 

Function definition

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Mounting surfaces

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Transparency

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Color

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Layer

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Item designation

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Item description

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Property Item is fastened unmovably to the superior item Property arrangements.

Limitations in the application of automatic enclosure interpretation can occur in case of different numbers of doors or significant differences in size between the model enclosure and target enclosure. In this case, some items may not be able to be assigned, so that these items may have to be defined manually at the target enclosure.

Mounting Lists: Principle In EPLAN Pro Panel, you can generate the Mounting list report for 3D part placements of a layout space. Mounting lists are used to map in a report the hierarchical structure of a mounting layout in the layout space. The report can be done for a very specific part placement (mounting panel, enclosure, busbar, etc.). In such a function-based report, the 3D part placements are evaluated for which the Create mounting list (ID 36032) property has been activated in the property dialog. This property can be selected via property selection for all 3D objects (except for mounting surfaces). For a device with the activated property, all devices of the hierarchy level immediately below are listed in the output mounting list. The listed objects are sorted by legend item by default. To create a mounting list, you can use the "Mounting list" report type available from the Select report dialog. As with other function-related reports, too, when outputting the mounting list you can make a manual selection. In the subsequent Manual selection dialog, all 3D part placements are listed for which the Create mounting list property has been activated.

Example: If the Create mounting list property has been activated, for example, for an enclosure, the device data of the enclosure will be output to the header of the report. In the data area, all devices are listed that are arranged in the layout space in the hierarchy level immediately below this enclosure. For a mounting panel placed in this enclosure, the related devices located on a lower hierarchy level are not output. If this is to be done, the Create mounting list property will have to be activated also for the mounting panel. In this case, a second mounting list with the data of the mounting panel and the

devices placed on it will be output.

Forms for mounting lists In creating the mounting list, the form is used that was specified in the project-specific Settings: Output to pages dialog for the "Mounting list (*.f32)" form type. You can select placeholder texts from the following elements for the forms of this type in the Placeholder texts - Mounting list dialog: 

Parts data

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Part placements

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Part reference data

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Device data

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Record.

The same placeholder texts are available for selection in both the header and data area.

Filtering in the layout space navigator If you want to know which devices have been set aside for the generation of the mounting list, create a new filter for the layout space navigator and select for such filter the Create mounting list property as a filter criterion.

Creating and Deleting a Layout Space You can create new layout spaces or delete existing layout spaces in the Layout space navigator dialog. But you must have at least a project opened.

Creating a layout space Select Layout space > New: a dialog opens

Delete a layout space Select the relevant space(s) in the Layout space navigator

Make changes to field(s) as required

Select Popup menu (right mouse click) > Delete

Enter further properties if required.

The selected layout space is deleted from the project

Click [OK]. The new layout space is opened in the graphical editor.

Note

Positioned items are not always completely removed when the layout space is deleted. If the device concerned has also been placed at other project locations (e.g. a mounting panel in the schematic), then it is not completely deleted; only the placement in the 3D mounting layout is deleted. The item remains and can be placed again. If the item concerned has only been placed in the layout space (e.g. in a mounting rail), it is completely removed once the layout space is deleted. You can also select several layout spaces and delete them together, with Popup menu > Delete or [Del].

Opening a Layout Space (in t he project and new window)/ Closing the Layout Space You can open and close layout spaces in the 3D display area, or in a separate window from the Layout space navigator. However you must have at least project opened with at least one layout space.

Open a layout space

Close a layout space

Select Layout space > Open.

Select Layout space > Close.

The new layout space is opened

The 3D display area of the selected layout space is closed.

Note: You can also double-click on the layout space node in the navigator, or select Popup menu > Open layout space.

Open layout space in new window Select Popup menu > Open layout space in new window. The selected layout space is shown in a separate window of the 3D display area, and opened for editing. None of the previously active layout spaces are closed, and remain displayed

Navigating 3D View of the Layout Space Once you have opened a project, the layout space navigator and a layout space is opened. The following functions can be performed.

Zooming can be performed using any of the two options below Select the menu items View > Zoom > In / Out. The view zooms in or out, step by step, starting from the position of the coordinate system. Hold the cursor over the 3D view and turn the mouse wheel forward or backward. The view zooms in or out, step by step, starting from the cursor position.

Changing viewpoint You can generate different orthogonal (top, bottom, left, right, front, back) or isometric views (southwest, south-east, north-east, north-west) of your layout space by:

Select View > 3D viewpoint. Select one of the available views from the submenu. The content of the layout space display is refreshed according to which view is selected.

Note: You can use the user setting Rotate when changing the viewpoints, to animate the view and is rotated into the new position and also switch it off, so that the viewpoint is changed without rotation.

Rotate viewpoint This allows you can change the viewpoint of the graphic by moving the mouse. 1. Select View > Rotate viewing angle. 2. Click in the 3D view and keep the left mouse button pressed. 3. Holding the button down, move the mouse in the direction in which the viewpoint is to be changed. The display in the layout space follows the movement of the mouse, and rotates in the corresponding direction. 4. Once the required viewing angle is set, release the mouse button and exit the action. The content of the layout space is displayed with the selected viewing angle until you select a different viewpoint.

Simplified representation It’s possible to reduce the detail shown in the graphic of the parts placed in the layout space. You can

set which items are to be shown in a simplified representation using Options > Settings > User > Graphical editing > 3D dialog: 

Terminal strips (block definition)

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3D macros.

These settings apply to all items already placed and to all subsequently placed items. In the layout space navigator, right click and select Simplified representation from the popup menu. 3D macros will be replaced by rectangular bodies in the dimensions of the items previously used. Terminal strips are combined into a block; the individual terminals are no longer displayed. The labeling of the terminal strip is displayed instead of the labeling for the individual terminals. The position of the components placed on the items does not change.

Changing the background colors for the 3D view You can specify a single color or two colors (for the background to the 3D view), between which a horizontal color gradient is generated. 1. Select Options > Settings > User > Graphical editing > 3D. 2. In the Color selection group box, use [...] in the Shading - Background 1 and Shading Background 2 fields to open the Color selection dialog. 3. Select the desired colors. If you have selected two different colors, the background will be drawn with a color gradient. The first color defines the starting color in the upper window pane and the second color stands for the end color in the lower window pane. If you have selected two identical colors, the background will be drawn with one single color.

Note: that you can also change the colors for indicating collisions and active mounting surface from the dialog box opened above.

Display and hide drilling view Drilling view refers to the display of all mechanical working steps (designs). This does not concern manually placed cut-outs. 1. Select the menu items View > Drilling view. The transparency of all part placements is set to 50%. All drilling patterns stored on the parts are displayed on the mounting surfaces where they have been placed. The visualized drilling patterns fully penetrate the components below to be drilled, which becomes clear in the side view. 2. Again select the View > Drilling view menu items to hide the drilling view.

Exporting 3D Graphic Data in STEP or VRML Format It is possible to export 3D graphic data in either STEP or VRML format using identical steps. The STEP export writes the faceted geometry of a layout space's 3D bodies into a file in the STEP format excluding information on analytic surfaces or volumes. The exported data can be imported into external CAD systems or used as 3D macros or items for placement in Pro Panel projects on the basis of the STEP import. The VRML export writes the geometry of a layout space's 3D bodies into a file in the VRML format and can displayed as 3D models in browsers, rotated all around and zoomed. With each VRML export, in parallel to the generated VRML file, a file is generated with the file name extension *.wri. In there, all items that have a part number or DT are attached with a number in the form "ID000001". The number is incremented from 1 to n. You can adjust the settings for the STEP or VRML export under Options > Settings > User > Interfaces > STEP or VRML export.

Once a project is opened and the layout space navigator is open, then you can do the following: 1. Select the layout space whose content is to be exported from the layout space navigator. 2. Select Layout space > Export > STEP or VRML. The STEP or VRML export dialog is displayed. 3. In the File name field enter a name for the STEP or VRML file to be generated, or use the [...] button to define a directory and file name. 4. Click [OK]. The 3D graphic data is exported to a STEP file or VRML file and a WRI file using the previously set name.

Activating Mounting Surfaces Automatically Placing devices correctly on mounting panels, mounting rails, doors, walls, etc., requires that the correct mounting surface or item be identified for placement. Two options are available in the Layout space navigator dialog to this effect viz - activate surfaces automatically or directly. Automatic activation is suitable for all surfaces and items that are not covered by other components. To activate mounting surfaces automatically you must 

Have a project opened.

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The layout space navigator opened and a layout space opened too.

1. In the layout space navigator tree view, select the desired item or desired mounting surface. 2. Right click > Go to (graphic). Only the item you have selected and the components arranged on it, are displayed. 3. Select the Insert > Mounting rail / Wire duct / Device menu items to call up a device or a mechanical component for placement. 4. Select the part required for placement from the Part selection dialog. The selected part hangs on the cursor. 5. Take the cursor over the surface to be activated or over an item placed on it. The surface or item beneath the cursor is highlighted in color. 6. Once you have found the surface or item where you would like placement to occur, hold the cursor still for about 1 second, without clicking or using the keyboard. The surface or item beneath the cursor changes color. The surface or item has been activated. It is now only possible to move the cursor on the activated surface.

7. Use one point entry to place the device, or two point entries to place a mechanical component. 8. To change the surface or item to be activated, again right click > Go to (graphic) from the layout space navigator, and activate a different surface as described above.

Activating Mounting Surfaces Directly Use direct activation to access the mounting surfaces of covered components or components that are at the back, from the layout space navigator. This is not possible in the graphical representation without hiding the covering components. The viewpoint is toggled to the front view. All components that are not involved are hidden. To activate mounting surfaces directly you must 

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Have a project opened. The layout space navigator opened and a layout space opened too.

1. Select a mounting surface in the layout space navigator tree view. 2. Select Popup menu > Activate directly. The selected mounting surface and the components arranged on it are displayed in the front view. All other components contained in the layout space are hidden. A grid is displayed on the mounting surface. 3. Select the Insert > Mounting rail / Wire duct / Device menu items to call up a device or a mechanical component for placement. 4. In the Part selection dialog, select the part required for placement. The selected part hangs on the cursor. It is now only possible to move on the activated surface. 5. Use one point entry to place the device, or two point entries to place a mechanical component. 6. To change the surface or item to be activated, again select Popup menu > Activate directly from the navigator.

Cancel direct activation 1. In the navigator dialog, select the menu item Popup menu > Cancel direct activation. The directly activated mounting surface is released. It is again displayed in its normal color. The grid is hidden. You can now work with automatic activation once more.

Placing Mounting Panels in the 3D Mounting Layout When placing mounting panels in the 3D mounting layout, a distinction is made between placement of a part from parts management and placement as a device. The same part is placed in both cases. In the

first method an automatic filter is set on the "Housing" part group. In the second method part selection is opened at the highest hierarchy level, and you can navigate in the tree structure to the part you require.

Placing mounting panels for 3D mounting layout from parts management Once you have: 

A project opened.

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The layout space navigator and a layout space are opened.

1. Select the menu items Insert > Mounting panel. The Part selection dialog opens, with the "Housing" hierarchy level already open in the tree view. 2. Select the mounting panel part you require. 3. Click [OK]. The mounting panel hangs on the cursor as a transparent preview. The size is as defined for the part. The four possible handles are marked by gray squares. The current handle is displayed in red at the bottom left. 4. Press [A] to change the handle.

Each time you press [A], the handle changes clockwise from the "Bottom left" position to "Top left", "Top right", and "Bottom right". 5. Select Popup menu > Placement options to call up the Placement options dialog. 6. Insert the mounting panel by entering a point at the desired location.

The mounting panel is inserted. The selected part remains at the cursor and can be placed again. 7. If you want to place the mounting panel on an enclosure profile or on a second mounting panel, move the mounting panel to the vicinity of a corner point of the second mounting panel or an enclosure profile.

A red 3D snap point symbol appears at the corner point. The mounting panel to be placed snaps in at this point. Enter a point to place it directly at this position.

Placing Free Mounting Panels in the 3D Mounting Layout

It is possible to place an individual mounting panel in the layout space without surrounding enclosure profiles and without selecting from parts management. The free mounting panel has the same properties and editing options as the mounting panel associated with a specific part. The part selection allows the mounting panel to be retrospectively assigned a part. Once you have: 

A project opened.

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The layout space navigator and a layout space are opened too.

1. Select the menu item Insert > Free mounting panel. The Free mounting panel dialog opens. 2. Enter values for the Width, Height and Depth of the free mounting panel, or accept the suggested values. The dimensions must not be left blank; otherwise the free mounting panel cannot be placed. 3. Click [OK]. The free mounting panel hangs on the cursor in the specified size as a transparent preview. The handle is on the bottom left and [A] can be used to change it. 4. Select Popup menu > Placement options to call up the Placement options dialog. Here you can choose the handle and enter an offset.

5. Place the free mounting panel in the same way as mounting panels from parts management. The free mounting panel is created. 6. Select Popup menu > Properties. The Properties (components): Mounting panel dialog is opened. The text designation "Mounting panel" appears in the Item field. This text cannot be changed.

Placing Enclosures in the 3D Mounting Layout The parts management dialog provides various predefined series of enclosures – in two different types (separate product subgroups); you can select enclosures from them to be placed. With both enclosure types, the elements are grouped and fixed to the enclosure by the "Item is fastened unmovably to the superior item" property. 

Body type: The enclosure consists of several 3D objects (housing, door, mounting panel). The housing is a single 3D object. The individual elements can be deleted in the layout space navigator. AE and CM series enclosures are body-type enclosures.

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Component type: The enclosure consists of several 3D objects (profiles, walls, doors, mounting panel). All the elements of the enclosure can be individually deleted in the layout space navigator. TS 8 series enclosures are component-type enclosures.

Once you have: 

A project opened.

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1. Select the menu items Insert > Enclosure. The Part selection dialog opens, with the Mechanics component hierarchy level already open in the tree view. 2. Select the enclosure part you require. 3. Click [OK]. The enclosure hangs on the cursor as a detailed preview with the height, width and depth defined for the part. The currently selected handle is displayed in red, and is also identified by a red square as a snap point. 4. Press [A] to change the handle. Each time you press [A], the handle changes from the "Back left" position to "Back right", "Front right", and "Front left".

5. Select Popup menu > Placement options to call up the Placement options dialog. Here you can define an offset between the handle and the cursor position, and enter spacings for arranging multiple enclosures in series.

6. Enter the placement point for the enclosure at the desired position. The enclosure is inserted. The grouping identifier 'S' is automatically entered in the navigator and is inherited by all components of the enclosure and by all components placed in the enclosure. All enclosure add-on parts placed with the enclosure are grouped logically. When you move an enclosure or an enclosure item, all the components placed on it are moved as well. The selected part remains at the cursor and can be placed again.

Placing Mounting Rails in the 3D Mounting Layout Mounting rails are normally placed on mounting panels or on the mounting surfaces of enclosure profiles. The automatic activation or direct activation options are available for accurate placement of

the part. The handle of the mounting rail can be changed before placement. Mounting rails can be inserted in one of two ways, which differ in the method by which the length is entered: 

Variable-length placement by entering the start and end point; here the length is defined by the distance between the two points.

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Adoption of the length of an already placed item; here the mounting rail is placed by entering a single point.

The second method allows the mounting rail to be automatically positioned centrally between two already placed items.

Variable-length placement of mounting rails Once you have: 

A project opened.

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1. Select the menu items Insert > Mounting rail. The Part selection dialog opens, with the 'Housing accessories, internal extension' hierarchy level already open in the tree view. 2. Select the desired mounting rail part. 3. Click [OK]. The mounting rail hangs on the cursor as a transparent preview with the height defined for the part but with no defined length. The currently selected handle is displayed in red, and is also identified by a red square as a snap point. 4. Press [A] to change the handle. Each time you press [A], the handle changes from the "Center" position to "Top", and "Bottom".

5. Select Popup menu > Placement options to call up the Placement options dialog. Here you can choose the handle and enter an offset. 6. Enter the starting point of the mounting rail at the desired position. 7. Move the cursor to the right or left, up or down, and draw the mounting rail to the desired length like a line. The mounting rail is displayed transparently at its current length up to the cursor position.

8. Enter the end point of the mounting rail at the desired position. The mounting rail is inserted. The selected part remains at the cursor and can be placed again.

Mounting rail placement with length adoption Once you have: 

A project opened.

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There is at least one mounting rail or wire duct on the same mounting surface on which you wish to place the item.

Select Insert > Mounting rail 1. Select the mounting rail part you require in the Part selection dialog and click [OK]. 2. Change the handle in the same way as for variable-length placement. 3. Choose Popup menu > Adopt length. 4. Click a mounting rail or wire duct that has already been placed.

The new mounting rail to be placed adopts the length of the rail you clicked and hangs on the cursor. The mounting rail can only be moved with the cursor parallel to the clicked item. 5. Move the rail to the desired position parallel to the clicked item and place it by entering a point. The mounting rail is inserted. The selected part remains at the cursor and can be placed again.

Centered mounting rail placement with length adoption Once you have: 

A project opened.

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There are at least two mounting rails or wire ducts on the same mounting surface on which you wish to place the item.

Select Insert > Mounting rail 1. Select the mounting rail part you require in the Part selection dialog and click [OK]. 2. Choose Popup menu > Adopt length. Click a mounting rail or wire duct that has already been placed. The new mounting rail to be placed adopts the length of the rail you clicked and hangs on the cursor by the selected handle. 3. Select Popup menu > Place centered. 4. Click a second mounting rail or wire duct with the left mouse button. The new mounting rail to be placed is placed centrally between the two selected components.

Placing Wire Ducts in the 3D Mounting Layout Wire ducts are normally placed on mounting panels or on the mounting surfaces of enclosure profiles. Just like the mounting rails you can utilize the automatic activation or direct activation options for accurately placing the part. The handle of the wire duct can be changed before placement. Wire ducts can be inserted in one of two ways, which differ in the method by which the length is entered: 

Variable-length placement by entering the start and end point; here the length is defined by the distance between the two points.

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Adoption of the length of an already placed item; here the wire duct is placed by entering a single point.

The second method allows the mounting rail to be automatically positioned centrally between two already placed items.

Variable-length placement of wire ducts Once you have: 

A project opened.

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1. Select the menu items Insert > Wire duct. The Part selection dialog opens, with the Mechanics component hierarchy level already open in the tree view. 2. Select the wire duct part you require. 3. Click [OK]. The wire duct hangs on the cursor as a transparent preview with the height defined for the part but with no defined length. The currently selected handle is displayed in red, and is also identified by a red square as a snap point. 4. Press [A] to change the handle.

Each time you press [A], the handle changes from the "Center" position to "Top", and "Bottom".

5. Select Popup menu > Placement options to call up the Placement options dialog. Here you can choose the handle and enter an offset. 6. Enter the starting point of the wire duct at the desired position. 7. Move the cursor to the right or left, up or down, and draw the wire duct to the desired length like a line. The wire duct is displayed transparently at its current length up to the cursor position. 8. Enter the end point of the wire duct at the desired position. The wire duct is inserted. The selected part remains at the cursor and can be placed again.

Wire duct placement with length adoption Once you have: 

A project opened.






There is at least one mounting rail or wire duct on the same mounting surface on which you wish to place the item.

Select Insert > Wire duct 1. Select the wire duct part you require in the Part selection dialog and click [OK]. 2. Change the handle in the same way as for variable-length placement. 3. Choose Popup menu > Adopt length. 4. Click a mounting rail or wire duct that has already been placed. The new wire duct to be placed adopts the length of the rail you clicked and hangs on the cursor. The wire duct can only be moved with the cursor parallel to the clicked item. 5. Move the wire duct to the desired position parallel to the clicked item and place it by entering a point. The wire duct is inserted. The selected part remains at the cursor and can be placed again.

Centered wire duct placement with length adoption Once you have: 

A project opened.






There are at least two wire ducts or mounting rails on the same mounting surface on which you wish to place the item.

Select Insert > Wire duct 1. Select the wire duct part you require in the Part selection dialog and click [OK]. 2. Choose Popup menu > Adopt length. Click a wire duct or mounting rail that has already been placed. The new wire duct to be placed adopts the length of the rail you clicked and hangs on the cursor by the selected handle. 3. Select Popup menu > Place centered. 4. Click a second wire duct or mounting rail with the left mouse button. The new wire duct to be placed is placed centrally between the two selected components

Placing Busbar Systems in the 3D Mounting Layout Busbar systems are available for placement in a layout space from the following sources: 

Menu items Insert > Busbar system



Part master data navigator



Bill of materials navigator



Menu items Insert > Device



Device list



Window macros



Data Portal

Busbar systems are usually placed on mounting panels, but can also be placed on any other mounting surface. Selection and placement are similar to those of mounting rails and wire ducts: 

Upon opening, only those parts from parts management are displayed that have also been classified as busbar systems.



Use Automatic activation or Direct activation.



Switch the handle to "Center", "Top" or "Bottom" by pressing the [A] key.



Place length-variable components by entering a start and end point in the horizontal or vertical direction.



Apply/Adopt the length of an item already placed.



Position the rail in the center between two items already placed.



A collision check is performed during the placement.

Busbar systems have extended features compared to individual rails: 

With busbar systems, the actual busbars and the additionally required supports are placed in a single work step. The number of supports is adjustable and can be modified subsequently. It is also possible to place items without supports.



A busbar system already placed can be modified subsequently without losing any items placed on it.



A drilling pattern can be assigned to the supports of the busbar system via parts management.



When placing a busbar system, delivery lengths can be taken into consideration automatically.



Devices can be placed directly on the poles of a busbar system.



The individual poles of a busbar system have their own part numbers and can be modified individually in terms of length. In practice, the individual poles are often of different lengths. This is also considered in the report of a bill of materials.



Poles are manufactured individually. To connect the other copper parts and cables, the poles are drilled.



Prior to placement a check is run to see whether the busbar system can be calculated from the entries defined in parts management. If the part properties necessary for a placement are incomplete in parts management, a message will be displayed and the placement will be canceled.

Variable-length placement of busbar systems Once you have: 

A project opened.




1. Select the menu items Insert > Busbar system. The Part selection dialog opens, with the "Mechanics > Component > Busbars" hierarchy level already open. 2. Open the "System" hierarchy level and below select the required part. 3. On the Busbar system tab of the Part selection dialog, check whether entries exist in the Rails group box for the fields Part number and Part variant. If this is not the case, use the [...] button to select a part for the rails to be used. 4. Click [OK]. The busbar system hangs on the cursor as a transparent preview with the height defined for the part but with no defined length. The currently selected handle is displayed in red, and is also identified by a red square as a snap point. 5. Press [A] to change the handle. Each time you press [A], the handle changes from the "Center" position to "Top edge", and "Lower edge".

6. Select the Placement options popup menu item to call up the Placement options dialog. Here you can choose the handle and enter an offset. 7. Enter the starting point of the busbar / busbar system at the desired position. 8. Move the cursor to the right or left, up or down, and draw the busbar to the desired length like a line.

The busbar is displayed transparently at its current length up to the cursor position. 9. Enter the end point of the busbar at the desired position.

The Busbar support dialog opens. "2" is preset in the Quantity field. Wider systems require more supports, but it is also possible to place the rails without supports. 10. Enter the desired quantity or change the value using the two arrow keys, and click [OK].

The busbar system is inserted. The selected part remains at the cursor and can be placed again.

Example: Placed busbar system with four busbars and three supports

Busbar system placement with length adoption Once you have:



A project opened.



The layout space navigator and a layout space opened.



At least one mounting rail, busbar or wire duct on the same mounting surface on which you wish to place the item.

Insert > Busbar system 1. Select the required part in the Part selection dialog and click [OK]. 2. Change the handle if needed using the [A] key. 3. Select the Adopt length popup menu item. 4. Click a mounting rail, busbar or wire duct that has already been placed.

The new busbar system to be placed adopts the length of the rail you clicked and hangs on the cursor. The busbar can only be moved with the cursor parallel to the clicked item. 5. Move the busbar to the desired position parallel to the clicked item and place it by entering a point. 6. Select the desired number of supports and click [OK]. The busbar system is inserted. The selected part remains at the cursor and can be placed again.

Place busbar system centrally with length adoption Once you have: 

A project opened.



The layout space navigator and a layout space opened.



There are at least two mounting rails, two busbars or two wire ducts on the same mounting surface on which you wish to place the item.

Insert > Busbar system 1. Select the required part in the Part selection dialog and click [OK]. 2. Select the Adopt length popup menu item. 3. Click a mounting rail, busbar or wire duct that has already been placed. The new busbar system to be placed adopts the length of the rail you clicked and hangs on the cursor by the selected handle.

4. Select the Place centered popup menu item. 5. Click a second mounting rail, busbar or wire duct with the left mouse button. 6. Select the desired number of supports and click [OK]. The new mounting rail to be placed is placed centrally between the two selected components.

Placing C Horizontal Rails in the 3 D Mounting Layout C horizontal rails can be placed in a layout space from the following sources: 

Menu items Insert > C horizontal rail














Device list Data Portal

C horizontal rails are usually placed on mounting panels, but can also be placed on any other mounting surface. Selection and placement are similar to those of mounting rails and wire ducts: 

When called up, only those parts are displayed from parts management that have also been classified as C horizontal rails.












Apply the length of an item already placed.







C horizontal rails have extended options compared to the mounting rails:



The profile of a C horizontal rail can be generated from the part dimensions width and depth automatically, or can be defined by a user-defined outline that is created in the outline editor and saved in the parts data.



When placing a C horizontal rail, delivery lengths can be taken into consideration automatically.



The length of the C horizontal rail can be modified subsequently, that is, after the placement.



It is possible to assign to a C horizontal rail a drilling pattern in parts management.



Devices can be placed directly on the C horizontal rail.



Prior to the placement a check is run to see whether the C horizontal rail can be calculated from the entries defined in parts management or the user-defined outline. If the part properties necessary for a placement are incomplete in parts management, a message will be displayed and the placement will be canceled.

Place C horizontal rails in a length-variable manner Once you have: 

A project opened.



The layout space navigator and a layout space are opened. 1. Select the Insert > C horizontal rail menu options. The Part selection dialog opens, with the "Mechanics > Component > Housing accessories, internal extension > C horizontal rails" hierarchy level already open. 2. Select the required part. 3. Click [OK]. The C horizontal rail hangs on the cursor as a transparent preview with the height defined for the part but with no defined length. The currently selected handle is displayed in red, and is also identified by a red square as a snap point. 4. Press [A] to change the handle.

Each time you press [A], the handle changes from the "Center" position to "Top", and "Bottom".

5. Select Popup menu > Placement options to call up the Placement options dialog. Here you can choose the handle and enter an offset. 6. Enter the starting point of the C horizontal rail at the desired position. 7. Move the cursor to the right or left, up or down, and draw the C horizontal rail to the desired length like a line. The C horizontal rail is displayed transparently at its current length up to the cursor position. If a delivery length has been defined on the part, the C horizontal rail can be pulled open up to this maximum length. 8. Enter the end point of the C horizontal rail at the desired position. The C horizontal rail is inserted. The selected part remains at the cursor and can be placed again.

Example:

Placed C horizontal rail

Place C horizontal rail with length adoption Once you have: 

A project opened.






At least one C horizontal rail, mounting rail, busbar or wire duct on the same mounting surface on which you wish to place the item.

Insert > C horizontal rail 1. Select the required part in the Part selection dialog and click [OK]. 2. Change the handle in the same way as for variable-length placement. 3. Select the menu item Popup menu > Adopt length. 4. Click a mounting rail, busbar or wire duct that has already been placed.

The new C horizontal rail to be placed adopts the length of the rail you clicked and hangs on the cursor. The C horizontal rail can only be moved with the cursor parallel to the clicked item. 5. Move the C horizontal rail to the desired position parallel to the clicked item and place it by entering a point. The C horizontal rail is inserted. The selected part remains at the cursor and can be placed again.

Place C horizontal rail centrally with length adoption Once you have: 

A project opened.






At least two rails or wire ducts on the same mounting surface on which you wish to place the item.

Insert > C horizontal rail 1. Select the required part in the Part selection dialog and click [OK]. 2. Select the menu item Popup menu > Adopt length. Click a rail or wire duct that has already been placed. The new C horizontal rail to be placed adopts the length of the rail you clicked and hangs on the cursor by the selected handle. 3. Select Popup menu > Place centered. 4. Click a second rail or wire duct with the left mouse button. This functionality is only available for certain module packages.

Placing User-Defined Rails in the 3D Mounting Layout

User-defined rails can be placed in a layout space from the following sources: 

Menu items Insert > User-defined rail














Device list Data Portal

User-defined rails are usually placed on mounting panels, but can also be placed on any other mounting surface. Selection and placement are similar to those of mounting rails and wire ducts: 

When called up, only those parts are displayed from parts management that have also been classified as user-defined rails.












Apply the length of an item already placed.







User-defined rails have extended options compared to the mounting rails: 

Using the 2D outline editor, you can create an outline with the profile of the user-defined rail on a 1:1 scale. This outline with the part property Macro is assigned to a part as a macro in parts management on the Technical data tab. During the placement, the 2D outline is extruded along the entered length and thus forms the rail.



When placing a user-defined rail, delivery lengths can be taken into consideration automatically.



The length of the user-defined rail can be modified subsequently, that is, after the placement.



It is possible to assign to a user-defined rail a drilling pattern in parts management.



Devices can be placed directly on the user-defined rail.



Prior to the placement, a check is run to see whether the user-defined rail can be calculated with the outline assigned in parts management. If the outline does not exist or is incorrect, a message will be displayed and the placement will be canceled.

Place user-defined rails in length-variable manner Once you have: 

A project opened.




1. Select the Insert > User-defined rail menu items. The Part selection dialog opens, with the "Mechanics > Component > User-defined rail > General" hierarchy level already open. 2. Open the hierarchy levels below and select the required part. 3. Click [OK]. The user-defined rail hangs on the cursor as a transparent preview with the height defined for the part but with no defined length. The currently selected handle is displayed in red, and is also identified by a red square as a snap point. 4. Press [A] to change the handle. Each time you press [A], the handle changes from the "Center" position to "Top", and "Bottom".

5. Select the Placement options popup menu item to call up the Placement options dialog. Here you can choose the handle and enter an offset. 6. Enter the starting point of the user-defined rail at the desired position. 7. Move the cursor to the right or left, up or down, and draw the user-defined rail to the desired length like a line. The user-defined rail is displayed transparently at its current length up to the cursor position. If a delivery length has been defined on the part, the user-defined rail can be pulled open up to this maximum length.

8. Enter the end point of the user-defined rail at the desired position. The user-defined rail is inserted. The selected part remains at the cursor and can be placed again.

Example:

Placed user-defined rail and basic outline

Place user-defined rail with length adoption Once you have: 

A project opened.






At least one user-defined rail, C horizontal rail, mounting rail, busbar or wire duct on the same mounting surface on which you wish to place the item.

Insert > User-defined rail 1. Select the required part in the Part selection dialog and click [OK]. 2. Change the handle in the same way as for variable-length placement. 3. Select the Adopt length popup menu item.

4. Click a rail or wire duct that has already been placed. The new user-defined rail to be placed adopts the length of the rail you clicked and hangs on the cursor. The user-defined rail can only be moved with the cursor parallel to the clicked item. 5. Move the user-defined rail to the desired position parallel to the clicked item and place it by entering a point. The user-defined rail is inserted. The selected part remains at the cursor and can be placed again.

Place user-defined rail centrally with length adoption Once you have: 

A project opened.






At least two rails or wire ducts on the same mounting surface on which you wish to place the item.

Insert > User-defined rail 1. Select the required part in the Part selection dialog and click [OK]. 2. Select the Adopt length popup menu item. Click a rail or wire duct that has already been placed. The new user-defined rail to be placed adopts the length of the rail you clicked and hangs on the cursor by the selected handle. 3. Select the Place centered popup menu item. 4. Click a second rail or wire duct with the left mouse button. The new user-defined rail to be placed is placed centrally between the two selected components.

Inserting Cut-Outs in the 3D Mounting Layout Cut-outs are manually placed openings in construction items, mounting panels and sheets that are drilled or manufactured by NC robots. Cut-outs do not actually model the 3D body in which they are inserted, but rather are visualized by a placeholder that penetrates the item and contains all the information on coordinates and material thickness. NC machines can interpret such information and implement it as manufacturing steps. Cut-outs of the following types can be inserted individually or in multiples: 

Drill hole



Threaded hole



Rectangle



Slotted hole



Hexagon



Octagon





User-defined outline From drilling pattern.

Every cut-out type has a dialog where you can define the required values. You can use placing aids with all types during the placement: 

Use of automatic activation



Switching between nine handles.

Once you have: 

A project opened.






A layout space that contains a mounting panel and / or construction items.

Insert a cut-out In this manual out of the eight cut-out types, only the insertion of a drill hole will be explained by way of an example. The other types are placed in the same manner, and only differ in the type of the values to be entered in the dialog. 1. Select the menu items Insert > Cut-out > Drill hole. The “Drill hole” dialog is displayed. 2. In the “Drill hole” dialog enter the value for the diameter or select a value from the drop-down list. [OK]. The drill hole hangs on the cursor in the specified size as a transparent preview. The currently selected handle is displayed in red, and is also identified by a red square as a snap point. 3. Press [A] to change the handle. Each time [A] is actuated, the handle changes from the "Center" position to one of the eight surrounding positions.

4. Select Popup menu > Placement options to call up the Placement options dialog. 5. Place the cut-out by clicking on the desired position. The cut-out is inserted in the layout space and entered in the navigator. The selected part remains at the cursor and can be placed again.

Drawing Restricted Placing Areas in the 3D Mounting Layout Mounting surfaces on components in the layout space (mounting panels, enclosure profiles, walls, doors) can be locked for positioning so that part placements cannot occur on them. This may be necessary if holes are to be subsequently drilled at these points or if the space is needed for devices that are mounted from other sides. These can include top-mounted cooling units, which project from above into the enclosure, or monitors and control elements on a door which have a relatively large mounting depth. Locked areas are independent 3D objects drawn as rectangles. Once you have: 

A project opened.



An enclosure or a mounting panel has been placed.

1. Select the menu items Insert > Locked area > Restricted placing area. 2. Move the cursor to the area to be locked to activate it automatically, or activate a mounting surface directly in the layout space navigator. The automatically or directly activated mounting surface is identified in color. Input is now only possible on this area. 3. Draw the rectangle that represents the restricted placing area. The locked area is drawn.

Note: As soon as a part placement is attempted in a locked area, the placement is prevented, and an appropriate message is displayed. If the initiating check run P026012 has the setting "Prevent errors", then placement is prevented automatically on confirmation of the message

Drawing Restricted Drilling Areas in the 3D Mounting Layout

Restricted drilling areas exclude the affected area from the calculation of drilling coordinates. Drill holes within these areas are not displayed in the drilling view or output with NC data and so are not drilled. User-defined drill holes cannot be placed on restricted drilling areas either. Restricted drilling areas are placed in the same way as restricted placing areas. In contrast to restricted placing areas, however, the restricted drilling areas penetrate the entire item and are also visible and effective on the opposite side. Precondition: Once you have: 

A project opened.




1. Select the menu items Insert > Locked area > Restricted drilling area. 2. Move the cursor to the area to be locked to activate it automatically, or activate a mounting surface directly in the layout space navigator. The automatically or directly activated mounting surface is identified in color. Input is now only possible on this area. 3. Draw the rectangle that represents the restricted drilling area. The locked area is drawn. The restricted drilling area is also visible on the back of the item and has the same effect there as it does on the front

Placing Devices in the 3D Mounting Layout Devices are placed as defined devices on mounting rails, mounting panels or on the mounting surfaces of enclosure profiles. To help you place them accurately, you can utilize the automatic activation or direct activation options. The handle of the device can be changed before placement. The device dimensions are specified in the part definition or in the assigned graphical macro, and cannot subsequently be changed. Once you have: 

A project opened.



A layout space navigator and a layout space are opened.

1. Select the Insert > Device menu options. The Part selection dialog is opened, the top hierarchical level, "Part", is selected. 2. Navigate through the tree structure, and select the desired device part. 3. Click [OK]. The device hangs on the cursor as a transparent preview. If the device is defined with the Height, Width and Depth part properties, it is displayed with the dimensions specified in the part. If a 3D macro is defined in the device, this is displayed on the cursor. The currently selected handle is displayed in red, and is also identified by a red square as a snap point. 4. Press [A] to change the handle. Each time [A] is actuated, the handle changes from left to right, or to the next of the 9 possible points on the base. 5. Select the Placement options popup menu item to call up the Placement options dialog. Here you can choose the handle and enter an offset. 6. Click to place the device. The device is inserted. The selected part remains at the cursor and can be placed again.

Tip: Devices can be electrical engineering devices as well as mechanical and fluid power devices. You can also place mounting panels, mounting rails, cable ducts and other mechanical components as devices when selecting in the 3D mounting layout.

Notes: 

If an enclosure base is to be placed from the Accessory placement dialog that is defined in parts management by means of the properties Width, Height, and Depth, the values of the Depth and Height properties of the part must be replaced, so that the accessory part is placed in the correct position.



Apart from the part properties Width, Height, and Depth, EPLAN Pro Panel also allows for devices and items to be visualized through qualified 3D graphical macros. To create your own devices, items, and 3D graphical macros, you can import 3D model data into EPLAN Pro Panel in the STEP format. This data, mostly provided by component manufacturers, is usually based on the CAD construction data of the component manufacturer and are often complex as well as detailed.

The use of complex and detailed 3D models as a basis for EPLAN 3D graphical macros, accordingly, is more RAM-intensive, and may affect the performance of the program adversely during project editing in EPLAN. To obtain further information and recommendations on this subject, please contact EPLAN Support.

Duplicating Objects in the 3D Mounting Layout Using the Duplicate command, you can insert multiple copies of 3D objects in the layout space very easily at the same time. Duplication only works within the layout space, not across layout spaces. Once you have: 

A project opened.



A layout space is open.

1. Select the object or group of objects to be duplicated by drawing a border around these objects, and select the menu items Edit > Duplicate.

The objects hang on the top left handle on the cursor. Press [A] to change the handle. 2. Select Popup menu > Placement options to open the Placement options dialog and set the angle, handle and offset values, and confirm your settings by clicking [OK]. 3. Place the first copy. 4. In the Duplicate dialog, enter the total number of elements to be created. 5. In the subsequent Insertion mode dialog enter how the structure identifiers of the duplicated objects are to be handled, and then confirm your settings by clicking [OK]. EPLAN automatically generates the specified number of copies and places them at the distance selected for the first copy. In the layout space navigator the copies are entered in the hierarchy parallel to the source objects.

Tip: You can also generate a single copy by holding down the [Ctrl] key and clicking the object and then dragging the copy to its new position.

Rotating Objects about the X-Axis, Y-Axis and Z-Axis

The Rotate around X-axis, Rotate around Y-axis and Rotate around Z-axis functionalities rotate one or more objects in the layout space (enclosures, mounting panels, mounting rails and the devices and other parts placed on them) around one of the preselected axes through the center of the body. The viewpoint selected is not important for the rotation; rotation is always central around the absolute axes. With this functionality, it is not possible to use an edge as the axis of rotation. Once you have: 

A project opened.




1. Select the Edit > Graphic > Rotate around axis > X-axis / Y-axis / Z-axis menu items. The form of the cursor shows that the rotation function is activated: 2. Click the objects to be rotated, to select them. The object is selected. 3. If you want to select multiple objects which lie next to one another, open a border around the desired group with the mouse. All objects within this frame are selected. 4. Enter the rotation angle in the input box. Possible values for the rotation angle can be positive or negative. Note: Depending on the setting, the input box appears at the cursor immediately, or after the first number has been entered. If the input box is always to be displayed for every possible entry in 3D, select Options > Settings > User > Graphical editing > Input box / Mini toolbars, and select the Always show input box (3D) check box.

5. Use [Enter] to confirm the entered rotation angle.

The selected objects are rotated around the entered angle without the need for further input. The viewpoint changes to the view that is perpendicular to the selected axis of rotation. Object selection is removed. The rotation function remains active and you can select other objects to rotate. Each individual rotation can be canceled with Undo.

Example:

Changing the length of objects in the layout space The length of mounting rails and wire ducts placed in the layout space can be modified subsequently. The length can always be changed only for an individual object; it is not possible to select several objects. Different forms of input can be used to define the new length: 

Free point entry by clicking



Snapping a projection point to another object



Entering a positive or negative value in the input box.

Once you have: 

A project opened.






The layout space contains at least one variable-length item (mounting rail or wire duct).

1. Select the Edit > Graphic > Change length menu items. You are prompted to select an element for trimming. 2. Click the object to be changed on the end that is to be changed. The object is displayed at the current cursor position. A red snap point appears on the cursor at

the selected end. The end of the object that you clicked can be moved in both directions with the cursor. The 3D snap points of the mounting panel are displayed in blue; the snap points of the other components in the layout space appear as soon as the cursor touches them.

Clicking to change length 1. Move the cursor to the position to which the object is to be extended or shortened. The object representation follows the cursor. 2. Click or press [Enter] to specify the new end point for the object. The object is displayed in the new length.

Changing length by snapping a projection point 1. Move the cursor close to a displayed 3D snap point. The snap points on other objects of the same type appear if you move the cursor over them. The edges of mounting panels are also found without displaying a snap point. The cursor snaps onto the snap point it finds or onto an edge. The red cursor snap point is surrounded by a red square. The object representation is projected as far as the found point, and extended or shortened until it reaches it. 2. Click to specify the new end point for the object. The object is aligned at the projection point and displayed in the new length.

Changing length by entry in the i nput box 1. Click the object to be changed on the end at which the change is to take place. 2. Enter the value by which the object is to be extended or shortened in the input box. Values without a preceding sign or that are prefixed by "+" extend, values with a preceding "-" shorten. 3. Click [Enter] to confirm the entered value. The object is displayed in the new length. Note: Depending on the setting, the input box appears at the cursor immediately, or after the first number has been entered. If the input box is always to be displayed for every possible entry in 3D, select Options > Settings > User > Graphical editing > Input box / Mini toolbars, and select the Always show input box (3D) check box.

Example:

Fitting Rails and Wire Ducts Fitting is about reconciling the lengths of length-variable items placed in parallel to each other (wire ducts, mounting rails, busbars, C horizontal rails, user-defined rails) with selectable points and edges. Possible uses are: 

All rails and wire ducts of varying lengths placed on a mounting panel are drawn towards an edge of the mounting panel in a suitable manner in a single work step.



All rails and wire ducts of varying lengths placed next to a vertical wire duct are drawn towards it in a suitable manner in a single work step.



All rails and wire ducts of varying lengths placed between two vertical wire ducts are drawn towards them in a suitable manner in two work steps.

Once you have: 

A project opened.






The layout space receives several length-variable items (rails and / or wire ducts).

1. Select the menu items Edit > Graphic > Fit rails / wire ducts. In the status bar, you are prompted to select an element for trimming. 2. Select the items to be fitted by surrounding them with a rectangle.

In the status bar, you are prompted to select an edge or point up to which the selected items are to be fitted. 3. Move the cursor over the edge of a vertical wire duct or over the side section of the mounting panel. When the cursor touches a suitable edge, it is highlighted. If the cursor touches a suitable point, it is displayed as a highlighted square. 4. Click to select the desired point or the edge. The selected items are lengthened or shortened jointly up to the selected edge / selected point. The function remains active. The selection of items is retained, and you can select another edge or point to be fitted.

Example:

Importing 3D graphic data You can import 3D graphic data from external CAD systems to create your own items and 3D macros. The item data must be available in the common international STEP format (STandard for the Exchange of Product model data). A new layout space is generated for each import, and is given the name of the imported STEP file. Once imported, the item data can be edited and given functional logic. Once you have: 

A project opened.



The layout space navigator opened.

1. Select Layout space > Import (3D graphic). The Open dialog is displayed. "STEP file (*.stp, *.step, *.ste)" is set as the file type. 2. In the Look in field, select a directory containing STEP files. 3. Enter the name of the required STEP file in the File name field, or select the file by clicking it in the file list. 4. Click on [Open]. The 3D graphic data will be imported to a new layout space with the description from the name of the STEP file. Function definitions are automatically generated for the individual 3D objects. 5. You can now edit the imported graphic and add functional logic, so that it can be used as an enclosure item, a device or a 3D macro. Use the menu items Edit > Graphic > Rotate around axis, Edit > Graphic > Unite, and Edit > Device logic > Mounting surface / Handle / Define mounting point / Placement area > Define to do this.

Note: As well as the part properties Width, Height, and Depth, EPLAN Pro Panel also provides the option of displaying devices and items using qualified 3D graphical macros. To create your own devices, items and 3D graphical macros, 3D model data can be imported into EPLAN Pro Panel in the STEP format. This data, normally provided by component manufacturers, is usually based on the component manufacturer's CAD design data, and is often complex and detailed. Using complex, detailed 3D models as the basis for EPLAN 3D graphical macros is correspondingly RAMintensive and can have a negative impact on the program's performance when editing projects in EPLAN.

Uniting Objects in the Layout Space A 3D macro (in other words a layout space in a macro project) can contain several individual bodies if there were several bodies included in the imported source file. Although a geometrical addition of bodies is not possible, there is a function available which merges all components of the layout space in such a way that a 3D macro is treated like one item. This function is only available in layout spaces and is differentiated from grouping in the 2D mounting layout.

Once you have: 

A project opened.






A layout space which contains imported 3D bodies or a 3D macro open for editing.

1. Select the menu items Edit > Graphic > Unite. A prompt to select the objects to be united is displayed in the status bar. 2. Use the mouse to draw a frame around the desired objects. All the objects within this frame are selected. If you have already selected objects before calling the function, there is no need to draw a frame. In the status bar you are prompted to select the handle for the united object. 3. Move the cursor over the selected objects and click the snap point you wish to use as the handle for the newly united item. The selected handle is stored in a new object. If you generate a 3D macro from this object, then it is moved to this point on the cursor and placed. Note:

For technical reasons united items can only be separated again immediately after executing the action, using Undo. Once this option is no longer available, the bodies cannot be separated.

Defining a Mounting Surface Mounting surfaces are surfaces of an item on which other components can be placed. We can define individual surfaces of bodies imported as 3D data as mounting surfaces. They are used for capturing the handles of rails, channels and components that are to be placed on them. The mounting surfaces can be activated automatically by touching them with the cursor or selectively from the popup menu of the layout space navigator. Mounting surfaces can be deleted in the navigator. Once you have: 

A project opened.




The layout space contains imported 3D bodies which are to be saved as a macro. 1. Select the menu item Edit > Device logic > Mounting surface. 2. Move the cursor over the surfaces of the 3D body. The surface beneath the cursor is automatically highlighted in color. 3. When you reach the surface you want, click it. The selected surface is defined as a mounting surface. In the layout space navigator a mounting surface entry is generated under the corresponding item node. A range of system-defined designation texts can be selected in the Properties dialog for this entry. The function remains active and you can continue to select additional surfaces. Then you can exit the function by pressing [Esc] or by clicking the Cancel button.

Generate type-specific mounting surfaces from function definition A part placement or a body imported as 3D data that does not yet have any mounting surfaces can be given mounting surfaces automatically that are generated as matching the set function definition. This is possible with the following function definitions from the areas "Enclosure systems" and "System accessories": 

Body, general



Mounting panel, general



Door, general



Panel, general



Partition, general



Floor sheet, general



Flange plate.

Select a logic item in the layout space navigator. Select the menu item Popup menu > Properties. The Properties (components): Part placement (3D) dialog is displayed. 

In the Function definition field select the [...] button. The Function definitions dialog is displayed.



Select one of the suitable function definitions from the areas "Enclosure systems" and "System accessories".



Click [OK].



Select Popup menu > Generate mounting surfaces in the layout space navigator. Matching the selected function definition, all mounting surfaces are generated on the item and entered in the layout space navigator with the suitable item designations.

Notes: 

The surface that is to be defined as a mounting surface must be limited by points which are geometrically in the same plane. Depending on the quality of the imported 3D data, surfaces may occur which do not meet this condition. Mounting surfaces cannot be defined on such surfaces.



The reference point of the mounting surface is usually in the bottom left. When surfaces are not perpendicular, the mounting surface also has to form a surrounding rectangle with a reference point in the bottom left. If - because the item has special shapes - the automatic alignment of the mounting surface fails, the Adjust X-axis and Adjust Y-axis functionalities can be used to correct the situation.



When creating macros with NC-relevant mounting surfaces, the field size is not entered automatically but must be defined manually. To do so, use the Field size function in the popup menu of the layout space navigator.

Defining a Handle

A handle is used to place a 3D macro. In addition to the handles, which are generated automatically for 3D bodies, there is a user-defined handle in the macro. When placing an item in the project, select this handle in the placement options in the Handle field under the name "Graphical macro". Once you have: 

A project opened.




The layout space contains imported 3D bodies which are to be saved as a macro. 

Object snap is switched on.

1. Select the Edit > Device logic > Handle menu items. 2. Move the cursor over the 3D geometry. The 3D snap points of the object are displayed. These are the end or center points of an edge or the corner points of a cuboid surrounding the object. 3. Click the required point. The handle is identified by an orange cuboid. 4. To move the handle to another location, execute the steps 1 to 3 again. Tip: In the Edit > Create window macro function, modify the handle in the Save as dialog, [Extras] button, using the Move handle menu item. 

To define the extended handle logic, edit the properties of the handle.

Defining Mounting Points Mounting points are used to define points, surfaces or lines on 3D objects on which other components can be placed. Mounting points can be used for the exclusive placement of a suitable handle on a 3D object. Example: Placement of the center of a mounting rail drill hole on the center of a drill hole on a support. A mounting point is therefore a snap point. Mounting points can have a direction and a rotation, which means that placement of the 3D objects can be controlled using a set of rules: 

The direction indicates the direction in which the object to be placed on the mounting point is to be oriented.



The rotation also allows the object to be placed to be moved around the selected direction axis.

Once you have: 

A project opened.



The layout space navigator and a layout space (containing 3D objects) are opened.

1. Select the menu items Edit > Device logic > Mounting point. 2. Move the cursor over the 3D objects. Points, edges or surfaces below the cursor are automatically highlighted. Snap points are displayed. 3. Click a point on the 3D object. The Properties: Mounting Point dialog opens. 4. Enter the values you wish to use in the Name, Description, Direction and Rotation fields. 5. When all the settings have been completed correctly, click [OK].

Defining Mounting Grids Mounting grids are assigned to individual areas of a 3D part placement, and during the placement of other components are displayed on these areas. Thus, placement is only possible on the intersections of the grid lines. Using the mounting grid, it is possible to represent a manufacturer and type-specific hole pattern, for example, on enclosure profiles, within which screw connections are set during the mounting. Once you have: 

A project opened.




The layout space contains imported 3D bodies which are to be saved as an enclosure or accessory part. 1. Select the menu items Edit > Device logic > Mounting grid. The Mounting grid dialog is displayed. 2. In the Mounting grid dialog enter suitable values for the grid points and grid rows in the X and Y direction. 3. Click [OK].

You are prompted to select a surface. 4. Move the cursor over the surfaces of the 3D geometry. The surface beneath the cursor is automatically highlighted in color. The srcin of the surface to which the grid points defined in the Mounting grid dialog refer is displayed in a coordinate system.

5. Click the selected surface to place the mounting grid. The mounting grid is saved at the part placement and is displayed in the layout space on the selected surface. The function remains active, and you can put mounting grids on additional surfaces. The properties of the placed mounting grid can be modified subsequently.

Defining and Changing Placement Areas 3D macros require information about the area with which they are placed and the direction in which they may have to be turned in order to ensure correct placement. This information is stored in the 3D macro by the definition of a placement area. The position of the placement area also determines the mounting

depth to which the 3D object is positioned on a mounting surface. Nine handles are then automatically generated on the placement surface. You can use these for positioning. In addition you can use Edit > Device logic > Handle to define another handle. This handle is always projected onto the defined placement area when placing it. Once you have: 

A macro project opened.



A layout space navigator and a layout space are opened. The layout space contains imported 3D bodies which are to be saved as a macro.

Define placement area 1. Select the menu items Edit > Device logic > Placement area > Define. 2. Move the cursor over the surfaces of the 3D body. The surface beneath the cursor is automatically highlighted in color. 3. When you reach the surface you want, click it. The selected area is defined as the placement area. Any area that projects beyond the limits of the selected area will appear transparent. Handles are created at the corners and centers of the limiting edges. When the area has been selected, the function ends. Note: The area that is to be defined as the placement area has to be limited by points that lie geometrically in a common level. Depending on the quality of the imported 3D data, surfaces may occur which do not meet this condition. Placement areas cannot be defined on such surfaces.

Example: The illustration shows a 3D macro with a placement area beneath the base plate. The handles are at the corners and centers of the edges.

The illustration shows a 3D macro with a placement area beneath the base plate. The handles are at the corners and centers of the edges.

Turn around placement area Turn around placement area rotates the placement area by 180° horizontally. 1. Select the menu items Edit > Device logic > Placement area > Turn around. The placement area is rotated by 180° without further entries. The 3D object is also rotated by 180°. Example:

The figure shows a 3D macro with a rotated placement area.

Move placement area Move placement area moves the position of the placement area in the Z-direction. This allows the mounting depth of the 3D macro to be varied. 1. Select the menu items Edit > Device logic > Placement area > Move. 2. Enter the value of the displacement on the keyboard. If a positive number or a number without prefix is entered, the placement area is moved upwards. If a negative number with a preceding "-" is entered, the placement area is moved downwards.

Example:

The figure shows a 3D macro with a placement area moved by 100 mm.

Rotate placement area Rotate placement area rotates the placement area vertically around its center. This allows rotated placement of the 3D macro.

1. Select the menu items Edit > Device logic > Placement area > Rotate. 2. Enter the radius of the rotation on the keyboard. If a positive number or a number without prefix is entered, the 3D object is moved counterclockwise on the placement area. If a negative number with a preceding "-" is entered, the 3D object is moved clockwise on the placement area.

Example:

The figure shows a 3D macro with a placement area rotated by -15°. The handles remain unchanged on the base area.

Defining Base Points User-defined base points are mounting points with predefined properties manually placed in a macro by the user that can be used as the property of an accessory placement in accessories management. This way you define the positions on frame profiles and housings where the macro may be placed as an accessory part. Once you have:









The layout space contains imported 3D bodies which are to be saved as a macro.



Object snap is switched on.

1. Select the Edit > Device logic > Base points menu items. The cursor is identified by a blue cuboid. 2. Move the cursor over the 3D geometry. The 3D snap points of the object are displayed in red. These are the end or center points of an edge or the corner points of a cuboid surrounding the object. 3. Select Popup menu > Placement options to enter for the placement of the point an offset in the X, Y and Z direction. 4. Click the required point. The Properties: Base point dialog is displayed. 

In the drop-down list select one of the predefined base points from the Name field.



Enter the values you wish to use in the Description, Direction, and Rotation fields.



When all the settings have been completed correctly, click [OK]. The base point is placed as a green cuboid with a 3D coordinate system at the selected position.

Transferring a Base Point Scheme

In connection with the creation of enclosures of the Rittal series "TS8", "AE", and "CM", which have been imported into the layout space as STEP data, it is possible to place the base points automatically in a manner suitable for the enclosure series. Once you have: 







The layout space contains the imported 3D graphic that is to be saved as an enclosure.



The four lateral vertical profiles as well as the cover and floor profiles have a corresponding function definition and item designation.

1. Select the 3D graphic in the layout space or the layout space navigator. 2. Select the Edit > Device logic > Transfer base point scheme menu items. The Transfer base point scheme dialog is displayed. 3. In the Transfer base point scheme dialog, activate the option button in front of the name of the enclosure series whose base point scheme is to be transferred to the 3D graphic. 4. Click [OK]. The base points of the selected enclosure series are defined at the 3D graphic automatically.

Interpreting and Carrying over Enclosure Logic Using the Automatic enclosure interpretation you transfer the existing logic of an enclosure to another, newly to be defined, enclosure of the same design. This way you can substantially simplify and speed up the work steps to create your own enclosure series. Once you have: 




The project contains a completely defined enclosure.






The layout space contains imported 3D bodies which are to be saved as an enclosure.

1. Select the Edit > Device logic > Automatic enclosure interpretation menu items. You are prompted to select the objects for a new enclosure. 2. Surround the 3D geometry with a rectangle. The Select sample enclosure dialog opens up. 3. In the tree view of the Select sample enclosure dialog, select a layout space and, inside of it, an enclosure whose properties you want to apply to the 3D geometry. 4. Click [OK]. The 3D geometry is combined in the navigator under the "Enclosure" node. The item definitions of the sample enclosure are applied to the new enclosure. The logic elements of the sample enclosure are generated on all item definitions (handles, mounting surfaces, mounting points). 5. Create a 3D macro from the new enclosure that you can assign to a corresponding part in parts management. Tip: You can also first select the objects and then start the Automatic enclosure interpretation function.

Defining Connection Point Pattern in Layout Space Part placements receive information about their connection points mostly from the definition of the connection point pattern on the part. If in the properties of the part placement on the Connection point pattern tab the Local connection point pattern check box is activated, the connection points defined on the part will be copied to this part placement. Subsequently, the referencing to the parts data is canceled, and the connection points can be modified individually. If the placed part does not have predefined connection points, it is possible to define the connection points on the part placement graphically. These graphical connection points are also local and apply to the edited part placement. Like all local connection points, the graphically defined connection points, too, can be modified individually (position, connection point direction). The modified connection point data of local connection points can then be used again in order to transfer them to connection point patterns in parts management. Once you have:



A project opened.






The layout space contains 3D part placements.

Define connection points graphically 1. Select the menu items View > Connection points. The predefined connection points and those to be newly defined of the part placements are displayed as red cuboids. 2. Select the Edit > Device logic > Connection point pattern menu items. The connection point is represented by a red cuboid and hangs on the cursor. 3. Move the cursor over the 3D geometry. The 3D snap points of the object are displayed; the connection point can also be placed outside the snap points. 4. Select Popup menu > Placement options to enter for the placement of the connection point an offset in the X, Y and Z direction. 5. Click the required point. The Properties (components): Part placement dialog is displayed. On the Connection points tab, a new row is entered that contains the coordinates of the point entered. 

Enter a connection point designation in the Connection point designation field of the new connection point.



Select the required direction of the connection point in the Direction field. 

Enter other properties of the connection point, as needed, in the other fields. All properties of the connection point can be modified subsequently.



When all the settings have been completed correctly, click [OK]. The new connection point is placed in the selected location at the part placement. Now you can define other connection points. The function remains active until you exit via Cancel action.

Transfer a local connection point pattern to parts management The local connection point data of the part placement can also be used in parts management in order to define connection point patterns as defaults for other part placements. For this purpose, the complete row with connection point data is merely copied and pasted into parts management. 

Via Popup menu > Properties open the Properties (components): Part placement dialog of a part placement.



Select the Connection point pattern tab, and select with the mouse all fields in the row of a connection point that you wish to copy. 

Press [Ctrl] + [C]. The connection point data is copied to the clipboard.



Close the dialog with [OK] or - if you have not made any changes - with [Cancel].



Select the menu items Utilities > Parts > Management.



In parts management select a connection point pattern that is to receive the copied connection point data.



Open the Connection points tab of the selected connection point pattern.



With the mouse select all fields in the row of a connection point that you wish to fill with the copied values.



Press [Ctrl] + [V]. The data from the copied row is pasted into the highlighted row in the connection point pattern.

Using Collision Check The collision check checks whether items overlap or penetrate each other during placement and editing. It always kicks in when items are placed, moved, copied, duplicated, rotated or extended. Resulting collisions are visualized by coloring the affected items. The color used in this context can be set under Options > Settings > User > Graphical editing > 3D. 

The collision check includes all item types, regardless of whether they are displayed or hidden.



The collision check can be turned off at any time.



When placing length-variable items, the collision check is activated after defining the first placement point.



Intentional collisions are not treated as collisions (e.g., a monitor integrated into a door).



The safety areas (mounting clearances) defined on a part are evaluated and t aken into account by the collision check.



There is a check run to check for collisions subsequently.

An example is the collision check when inserting a mounting rail. Once you have: 

A project opened








The layout space contains part placements. The 3D mounting layout navigator is open.

1. Select the menu items Options > Collision check. The collision check is enabled and can be used with the next placement. 2. Select the menu items Insert > Mounting rail, and select a mounting rail for placement. 3. Set the first placement point, and pull the mounting rail apart in such a way that it touches a part already placed.

As soon as the two items merely touch each other, the snap points are displayed.

4. Pull the mounting rail further apart so that it extends over the part already placed. Both items involved are highlighted in color by the collision check. The collision is reported in the status bar. The second placement point cannot be entered anymore; the placement of the mounting rail is prevented.

5. Place the part in a suitable location.

Displaying Mounting Clearances In parts management, the width, height and depth for a mounting clearance can be defined in the part properties on the Mounting data tab. This mounting clearance ensures that an acceptable thermal loading is maintained when parts are placed next to or on top of each other. To monitor this, the specified mounting clearances can be shown during placement. They are shown as transparent, surrounding bodies. In the placement options, the handle of a part to be placed can be set relative to the edges of the item (default) or to the mounting clearances. Once you have: 

A project opened






The layout space contains part placements.

1. Select the View > Mounting clearances menu items. A transparent body is shown around part placements that have a defined mounting clearance. Example:

Displaying Mounting Aids Mounting aids are the following elements of device logic: 

Handles



Mounting points



Base points



Mounting grid.

These elements are visible in a schematic project only if they are in use, that is, during the placement in a layout space. Sometimes you may want to render mounting aids visible even outside of placement actions, so that they can be edited. Using the View > Mounting aids menu items, you can control the visibility of mounting aids in the schematic project as needed. Once you have: 

A project opened






The layout space contains 3D part placements.

1. Select the menu items View > Mounting aids. All existing handles, mounting points, base points, and mounting grids are displayed, and can be selected as well as edited. 2. Select again the menu items View > Mounting aids. All displayed handles, mounting points, base points, and mounting grids are hidden.

Drawing Auxiliary Lines 3D lines can be placed in the layout space as auxiliary lines. Auxiliary lines can be used to build a symmetrical or also irregular grid whose intersections can be used as positioning aids when inserting mounting rails, wire ducts, and devices. 3D lines are placed on mounting surfaces; but placement outside of mounting surfaces is also possible. In contrast to 2D lines, the starting and end points of 3D lines have a Z coordinate containing information on their position in the space. There are two different types of auxiliary lines: 

Line Through 2 points (defined by starting and end points)



Line Parallel through point (defined as parallel to an existing line or edge by a placement point).

End and center points of auxiliary lines are found when object snap is turned on. "Real" intersections of auxiliary lines are also found when the lines are at the same height in the space. Auxiliary lines can be moved, copied, duplicated and deleted like 2D lines. Auxiliary lines are displayed in model views. Once you have: 

A project opened







Draw line through 2 points 1. Select the menu items Insert > Line > Through 2 points. A red cuboid is displayed on the cursor. 2. Move the cursor to the required mounting surface to activate it automatically, or activate a mounting surface directly in the layout space navigator. The automatically or directly activated mounting surface is identified in color.

3. Enter the first point of the line. You can use all customary methods when entering points (Object snap, Placement options, Relative coordinates, Grid, Input box). 4. Pull the line apart and enter the second point of the line. The 3D line is drawn.

Draw line parallel through point 1. Select the menu items Insert > Line > Parallel through point. A red cuboid is displayed on the cursor. In the status bar, you are prompted to select an edge or line. 2. Move the cursor to an existing line or the edge of a 3D object. The line or edge beneath the cursor is highlighted in color. 3. Select the highlighted line or edge by clicking it. A copy of the line or edge hangs on the cursor and can be moved in a parallel manner. In the status bar, you are prompted to select a point where the parallel is to be placed. 4. Move the cursor to the required mounting surface to activate it automatically, or activate a mounting surface directly in the layout space navigator. The automatically or directly activated mounting surface is identified in color. 5. Enter the placement point of the parallel line. You can use all customary methods when entering points (Object snap, Placement options, Relative coordinates, Grid, Input box). The 3D line is drawn.

Using Connection Preview The connection preview is useful when placing devices on the 3D mounting layout navigator. A blue line shows which device, already placed, is electrically connected to the device that is about to be placed in the project plan. The connection preview makes it easier to group associated devices and helps avoid unnecessarily long wiring. Once you have: 

A project opened









The 3D mounting layout navigator is open.

1. Select a device in the 3D mounting layout navigator. 2. Select Popup menu > Place. The part that is to be placed hangs movably from the cursor as a preview. 3. Select the menu item View > Connection preview. A blue line appears between the part to be placed and the device with which it is electrically connected. 4. Place the part in a suitable location.

Example:

Measuring in the Layout Space The Measuring functionality is available for checking the equipment of the mounting panels and enclosures in the layout space. The distance from points and edges can be measured, and the measurement result is displayed in a dialog. This contains the coordinates of the measured elements, the distances of the measured points and the shortest distance between the two measured elements. The measurement of the coordinates and the distance from points and edges is output relatively, parallel

to a common mounting surface. If the measured points are not on a common mounting surface, the measured values are relative to the srcin of the layout space. Once you have: 

A project opened.







1. Select the Layout space > Measuring menu items. The Measuring result dialog is displayed. You are prompted to select the first point or the first edge. 2. Move the cursor over the objects in the layout space. When the cursor touches a measurable edge, it is highlighted. If the cursor touches a measurable point, it is displayed as a highlighted square. Tip: If you want to measure points or edges on an enclosure, then press the [Shift] key, to display the grouped elements individually. 3. Click to select the desired first point or the first edge. You are prompted to select the second point or the second edge. 4. Click to select the desired second point or the second edge. The Measuring result dialog displays the measured coordinates and length values. The measured points and the end points of measured edges are displayed in the layout space. A connecting line is drawn between the measured points.

Example: Measuring points and edges

Updating Main Elements All the part references of all the associated part placements can be transferred to the main function in the 3D mounting layout as well. This replaces the part references in the main function with the part references contained in the part placements. As in the 2D mounting layout, identification is by the complete device tag. Once you have: 

A project opened.



There is a part placement on a mounting surface with a complete device tag in a layout space of a project.



The placement is assigned to one of the following function definitions: fluid devices, fluid distributor, black box, terminal, terminal strip, PLC card, busbar, plug, normal item.



A symbol with the identical, complete device tag is placed on a page in the same project. The symbol has the property Main function.

1. Select one or more layout spaces in the layout space navigator. 2. Select Popup menu > Update main elements. The part references of all the associated part placements are transferred to the main function. Note: If the current selection does not contain a part placement that can be updated, a message is displayed noting this.

Updating Part Dimensions

When the part number is exchanged in a part placement in a layout space, it is necessary to update the part dimensions if this causes the part dimensions to change, would change the macro name, or has changed the image file name. It is only possible to update the part dimensions for devices, mounting rails and wire ducts on mounting surfaces, and for individually inserted mounting panels and free mounting panels. Once you have: 

A project opened.




You have exchanged the part number in one or more part placements in the layout space. 1. Select one or more nodes in the layout space navigator. 2. Select Popup menu > Update part dimensions. The highlighted element and all the elements below the highlighted element in the tree view are updated. The graphic is adjusted to the dimensions of the new part, provided all the requisite part properties of width, height and depth are available for it. Note: Each update must first be confirmed by the user. The complete device tag and the part number of the elements to be updated are displayed in the Confirm dialog for this. If you click the Do not show this dialog again check box in the dialog, confirmation is suppressed, and the update is performed immediately.

Editing Legend Items The 3D mounting layout also has the option of editing legend items and changing numbering. Once you have: 

A project opened.




1. In the layout space navigator, select a layout space with legend items to be edited. 2. Select Popup menu > Edit legend item. The Edit legend item dialog opens. 3. Change the entries in the Legend item column manually, or use [Number] to open the Number dialog. There you can change the numbering settings and renumber the legend items. 4. Click [OK].

Creating 3D macros The following operations are performed in order to create 3D macros: 

Manually by saving selected objects from a layout space



Manually or automatically from imported STEP files (*.ema only)



Manually or automatically from a macro project.

Create a 3D macro by saving selected objects Once you have: 

A project opened



A layout space is opened.



The layout space contains 3D part placements or objects that have been loaded via Layout space > Import 3D graphic.

1. Select the menu items Edit > Create window macro. You are prompted to select the objects that should belong to the macro. 2. Draw a border around the objects that should belong to the macro. The Save as dialog is displayed. 3. In the File name field, enter an identifying name for the 3D macro. You must enter the file name, but further description text in the Description field is optional. In the Representation type field, the entry "3D mounting layout" is displayed, which cannot be modified. 4. From the Variant field select the required variant for the macro. "Variant A" is the default setting. You can generate further variants by rotating the macro geometry, or by changing the handle and saving the 3D macro under the same name, but as a different variant. 5. Select the Edit > Device logic > Handle menu items. The cursor will be surrounded by a square, that you can set to 3D snap points on the geometry, to define the handle. Once the handle is placed, the Save as dialog reappears. The defined handle is always projected onto the placement area. 6. Click [OK]. The 3D macro is saved to the set directory. It can then be called up for placement.

Create a 3D macro from an imported 3D graphic 3D graphic files can be imported in STEP format. You can generate files of this type with a 3D CAD system, or obtain them from the storage mediums of various manufacturers. Once you have: 

A project opened.



A layout space is opened.

1. Select the Layout space > Import 3D graphic menu items. The Open dialog is displayed. In the File type field, the default is set to "STEP file (*.stp, *.step, *.ste)". 2. Select a directory and in this, select a file containing the 3D graphic in STEP format to be imported, and click [Open]. The 3D graphic from the STEP file is loaded in the layout space and displayed as a 3D object. 

Depending on the quality of the source data, the 3D graphic may have to be edited, before it can be saved as a 3D macro. Use the Edit > Graphic > Rotate around axis and Edit > Graphic > Unite menu items to do this.



Save the 3D macro via the Edit > Create window macro menu items.

Generate a 3D macro from 3D files This function works in the same way as Generating macros from DXF / DWG files. 1. Select Utilities > Generate macros > From 3D files. 3D window macros (*.ema) are generated directly from single or multiple STEP files, without being loaded into a layout space and edited before saving.

Generate a 3D macro from a macro project In the same way as 2D macros, 3D macros can be generated automatically from macro projects. 

Select the menu items Utilities > Generate macros > Automatically from macro project. All 3D macros or each individually selected one are saved from the macro project layout spaces as *.ema or *.ems files.

Note: For the sake of optimal performance in your work with the EPLAN platform, you should save 2D and 3D data not in a single macro file, but only in separate macro files. This way you can ensure that 2D users do

not necessarily have to access the extensive 3D data volume. We recommend that you store the macro file with the 3D data and the "3D mounting layout" representation type in parts management on the Mounting data tab in the Graphical macro field. The macro file with the 2D data and the other representation types (Multi-line, Overview, etc.) should be entered, as before, in the Technical data tab of parts management in the Macro field. The files could be distinguished, for example, on the basis of name extensions (e.g., 3D macro ABC.12345_3D.ema and the corresponding 2D macro ABC.12345_2D.ema). In all actions in the 3D environment for which a part macro is used (e.g., Insert devices), it is the "graphical part macro" that is checked first. If on the Mounting data tab a graphical macro has been entered for the part, and if it contains the desired "3D mounting layout" representation type, this macro will be used. If not, the "technical part macro" defined on the Technical data tab will be used.

Inserting 3D Macros 3D macros are placed in the layout space in the same way as devices. Once you have: 



A project opened. The layout space navigator is open and a layout space is open.

1. Select the Insert > Window macro menu items. The Select macro dialog is displayed. 2. Select the *.ema file that you would like to place in the layout space. The name of the 3D macro file is transferred to the File name field. The macro description text is displayed in the dialog. Click the Preview check box to display the graphical preview of the 3D macro. 3. Click [Open]. The 3D macro hangs on the cursor. The handle defined in the 3D macro file is displayed as an orange cuboid. 4. Press [A] to change the handle. Each time pushbutton [A] is actuated, the handle changes from the srcinal position to one of the other possible handles. The handle currently selected is colored red. 5. Move the 3D macro close to a mounting panel or another object. As when placing devices, the mounting surface or mounting rail under the cursor is automatically

activated. 3D snap points are also displayed. 6. Click at the required position to place the 3D macro. 7. Set the desired numbering options in the Insertion mode dialog and click [OK]. The 3D macro is inserted. The macro remains on the cursor and you can keep placing it until you use [Esc] to cancel placement.

Changing the Rotation Angle when Inserting 3D Macros When inserting a 3D macro, you can rotate the angle of the macro at the handle in 90° steps. In conjunction with changing the handles, this means that you can implement as many as 40 different mounting positions for a single 3D macro. This also applies to devices that have a 3D macro assigned to their parts. Once you have: 

A project opened.



The layout space navigator is open and a layout space is open.

1. Select the Insert > Window macro menu items, and open a 3D macro for placement. The macro will be taken to the currently selected handle on the cursor. 2. Select the Options > Change rotation angle menu items. The position of the 3D macro will be rotated 90° counterclockwise. Each time the Options > Change rotation angle menu items are selected, the macro is rotated a further 90°.

3. Click [A] to change the handle. 4. At the changed handle, select the Options > Change rotation angle menu items again. You can set four different rotation angles at each available handle. This means that with nine default handles and one user-defined handle, as many as 40 possible positions can be implemented.

Tip: You can also use the [Ctrl] + [Shift] + [R] shortcut key to change the rotation angle while

inserting.

Generating Routing Connections Routing means generating routing connections of the "3D mounting layout" representation type. These connections can be routed in the layout space. A routing connection has all the properties that a multiline connection has, but it also contains information on its routing track. It is generally multi-line connections being routed for whose targets there is a placed 3D part placement. The routing generates a routing connection if only an existing multi-line connection is routed. For connections of a single-line representation type, routing is not possible, and the menu item is deactivated. Routing connections are displayed in the layout space in their conductor color and with their external diameter. If neither is defined, a default representation will be displayed. Routing yields the following information: 

Tracks for wiring



Length of wires



Termination processing of wires



Fill capacity of wire ducts.

The following reports can be generated on the basis of the calculated routing connections: 

Wires parts list as mounting instruction for the wiring of the enclosure



Control files for wire fabrication machines that manufacture the wires of the length determined, print them, and equip them with the appropriate wire terminations.

Generating Routing Connections: Principle Connections are routed in several consecutive steps: 

Definition of connections in the schematic, assignment of a part to the connection



Placement of 3D part placements of the objects involved in the layout space



Definition of a routing path network that is available for the routing of the connection



Generation of routing connections



Determination of the routing track (total number of routing paths, wiring cut-outs or routing ranges that a connection routed in the layout space runs through).

The routing affects highlighted objects to which connections are connected. It is possible to select objects in the layout space and in all project data navigators. In the navigators, you can select connections individually or also several at once. If the routing path network in the layout space is not current, the routing path network will be recalculated automatically prior to the routing. It is multi-line connections being routed for whose targets there is a placed 3D part placement. It is recommended to store parts at the multi-line connections. 

Multi-line connections that do not have an assigned part generate routing connections as lines, because there is no information on the external diameter.



If the multi-line connection has an assigned wire part, the routing connection will be generated in color and diameter according to the default from the part, and is thus also prepared for the ordering or manufacturing of the wires.

Function definitions of the connections Only connections with the following function definitions are routed: 

Conductor / wire



Connection general



Tube



Pipe



Non-electrical connection



Optical fiber



Wire jumper



Process engineering.

Properties of the routing connections The following properties are entered at the connection during routing:

Property

Meaning Length of the connection from the source to the target. The length is determined

Length

from all routing paths and routing ranges that have been passed through, including the additional length from the connection point pattern, the extra length of wiring

cut-outs and bending radii. Here, the routing paths, routing ranges, and wiring cut-outs that have been passed through from the source to the target are listed with the DT. The names are Routing track

separated by a semicolon. An empty Routing track property indicates a non-routed connection. If a route is removed, this property will be cleared again. The Routing track specification (layout space) connection property is filled by modifying the route manually. Subsequently, the connection filters are no longer taken into account for the routing of these connections.

Routing track specification

The routing track specification of a connection has priority. For example, if a voltage is not permitted, but the routing path / routing range has been entered in the routing track specification, the routing path / routing range will be used and routed without taking into account any other connection filters.

Wire termination processing source / target

The intended processing of wire terminations is entered for routing connections according to the settings.

Connection size

During routing, the connection size is carried over from the properties of the part

source / target

placement (Connection point pattern tab) to these two properties. The routing directions, e.g., "To the right, move down", are determined

Routing direction

automatically on the basis of the completed routing of the connection. They reflect

source / target

the direction of the routing of the wire from the devices to the routing track, and provide important information for the wirer.

Dual sleeve prescribed (source / target)

This property is imported from the properties of the part placement (Connection point pattern tab) or part (from the assigned connection point pattern).

Displaying Connection Points Graphically Connection points at 3D part placements can be rendered visible in the layout space. This allows you to better estimate whether their position and connection point direction are suitable for existing routing paths and wire ducts, so that routing connections can find the connection points reliably. If this is not the case, you must modify either the connection point direction or the course of the routing paths. In the graphical display, connection points cannot be deleted, moved or duplicated. Connection point data is modified in the property dialog of the part placement.

1. Select the menu items View > Connection points. The connection points of the part placements are displayed as a red cuboid. The transparency of all part placements with connection points is set to 50%. If the cursor touches a connection point, a tooltip is displayed showing the plug DT and connection point designation.

Inserting Routing Paths Routing paths are automatically or manually inserted default paths along which connections can be routed. Graphically, the routing paths are displayed as blue lines with snap points at the starting/end points and the center. Automatic routing paths are generated when you execute the Generate routing path network action on the basis of placed wire ducts, routing ranges, and wiring cut-outs. Manual routing paths are not linked to wire ducts, etc.: 

Manual routing paths define the routing track by means of any starting and end points of the user's choice.



A manual routing path is drawn like a line.



Starting and end points of a manual routing path can be connected to snap points of existing routing paths (automatic and manual).



Manual routing paths are assigned a Routing path cross-section property that indicates the fill capacity. Here, you can enter a value manually, which is used as a basis for calculating the fill capacity. If no routing path cross-section is entered, the fill capacity will not be calculated.



All routing paths are assigned the properties Length and Length (automatic). Length (automatic) corresponds automatically to the geometric length. In the Length property, you can enter a value manually if a length reserve is necessary for moving the connection (e.g., connection of a door to a mounting panel).

1. Select the menu items Insert > Routing path. The status bar shows a prompt "Starting point of the routing path". 2. Move the cursor close to an existing routing path end. The routing path end of the existing routing path is captured.

3. Place the starting point by clicking the captured point. The status bar shows a prompt "End point of the routing path". 4. Pull the routing path apart in the desired direction like a line. 5. Place the end point freely or by capturing a further point on another routing path. The manual routing path is displayed in the layout space. Like with a polyline, the end point of the last routing path becomes the starting point of the next routing path. The function remains active until you exit the action with [Esc] or the Cancel action popup menu item. Tip: If the end point of the routing path to be placed is located on a spatially distant item (e.g., on the back of a door), then during placement use the Rotate viewing angle function or change the 3D viewpoint in order to recognize the change in direction and the target of the routing path in the 3D representation correctly.

Inserting Routing Ranges Routing ranges are part of the routing path network. In routing ranges, connections are not routed along a routing path, but always it is the shortest possible and direct connection that is routed. This way, for example, it possible to implement wiring on the back of a mounting panel. 

The placement of routing ranges is similar to that of locked areas.



A cuboid with transparent representation is generated.



No items may be located in or protrude into routing ranges, because they are not taken into

account during routing. This condition is checked by a check run (P026036). 

Routing ranges placed next to each other are not connected with each other automatically. The connection must be established through manual routing paths that terminate at the edges.

1. Select the menu items Insert > Routing range.

The status bar shows a prompt "Starting point of the routing range". When determining the starting and end point, you can use the Placement options popup menu item, and use the relative coordinate input. 2. Place the starting point of the routing range on an activated area. The status bar shows a prompt "End point of the routing range". 3. Pull the routing range apart in the desired direction like a rectangle. 4. Place the end point freely, or capture another point. The routing range is inserted as a transparent cuboid on the activated area.

Inserting Wiring Cut-Outs Wiring cut-outs are used to steer connections during routing to the back of mounting panels, partitions, or other enclosure items. 

The placement of wiring cut-outs is similar to that of locked areas.



Wiring cut-outs are inserted in the layout space as cuboids.



Wiring cut-outs have the Extra length property. If the value of this property is empty at the wiring

cut-out, the value from the Extra length wiring cut-outs project setting (under the Connections > Routing connections category, Route tab) is used. During routing, the extra length is added once to each connection that passes through. 

A wiring cut-out contains only a routing path. As a result, it can only receive connections from one direction.

1. Select the Insert > Wiring cut-out menu items.

The status bar shows a prompt "Starting point of the wiring cut-out". When determining the starting and end point, you can use the Placement options popup menu item, and use the relative coordinate input. 2. Place the starting point of the wiring cut-out on an activated area of a mounting panel. The status bar shows a prompt "End point of the wiring cut-out". 3. Pull the wiring cut-out apart in the desired direction like a rectangle. 4. Place the end point freely, or capture another point. The wiring cut-out is inserted in the item as a cuboid.

Using Connection Filters

Wire ducts, routing paths, routing ranges, and wiring cut-outs have the Connection filter property. The connection filter is used for routing to control which connections may be routed through the routing track. The values of such criteria can be color assignments of wires or voltage values. The assignment of values to the connections to be routed is purely textual. Free text is used to define the values, but it must also be added to the connection parts.

Set project settings for connection filters The values that can be activated or deactivated in the Connection filter dialog are set in the project settings. 1. To call up the settings of the connection filter, select the menu items Options > Settings > Projects > "Project name" > Connections > Routing connections. The Settings: Routing connections dialog is displayed. 2. In the Settings: Routing connections dialog, select the Connection filter tab. 3. Click the [...] button. 4. From the Criteria selection dialog select a connection property for which the values are to be displayed in the connection filter, e.g., Connection color / number, and click [OK]. 5. In the table in the Value column, enter text that describes the filter criterion, e.g., "Blue", "Red", "Black", "Yellow". You can use 15 lines for this. 6. Click [OK]. The set values are stored and displayed there when opening the Connection filter dialog.

Apply connection filter Apply the values defined in the connection filter to the objects that are involved in the routing process. 

In the layout space select one or several wire ducts or routing paths, and select the menu items Popup menu > Properties. The Properties (components): Part placement (3D) dialog is displayed.



Select the Connection filter property, and in the Value column click [...]. The Connection filter dialog is displayed. The table displays the values that you have defined in the project settings.



Activate the Active check box above the table in order to enable the connection filter generally. Now the individual values in the table can be activated or deactivated.



Activate or deactivate the Active check box in the table in front of each value that is to be applied to this connection.



Click [OK]. Dialog Properties (components): Part placement (3D) displays in the Value field of the Connection filter property all values that you have activated in the connection filter. During routing, only the connections are routed through the edited routing path that corresponds to the set values.

Generating a Routing Path Network The graphical objects in the layout space are the basis for creating the routing path network in which the connection is routed. Wire ducts are equipped with routing paths automatically. Wire ducts do not necessarily have to be placed at a distance = 0 from the next channel to locate a connection between the channels. Using the Distance tolerance for adjoining wire ducts project setting (under the Connections > Routing connections category, Route tab), you can set the distance tolerance to be bridged in routing between wire ducts. By adding appropriate routing paths, the routing path network can be extended, or several individual areas can be connected to each other, e.g., mounting panel and door. After modifying the course of the routing paths, the routing path network has to be generated anew. Once you have:



A project opened. A layout space is open.



You have highlighted objects in the layout space or layout space navigator.



1. Select the menu items Project data > Connections > Generate routing path network. An automatic routing path is routed through each wire duct.

The routing paths of wire ducts placed next to each other are connected; open duct ends are given a transverse routing path in order to receive connections. Routing ranges are incorporated without routing paths fully as part of the routing path network. Information on all routing paths found in the layout space (geometric position, direction, preceding routing path, subsequent routing path) is collected and compiled into a routing path network. This net is the information basis for calculating the routing track.

Note: A full report of the opened layout space is generated at the time the routing path network is generated. It is also possible to select several layout spaces in the layout space navigator in order to generate a joint report of all of them. For this purpose, a separate routing path network is calculated for each layout space; routing from one layout space to another, therefore, is not possible.

Deleting Automatic Routing Paths In generating routing path networks, automatic routing paths are generated within wire ducts, at the ends, and for the purpose of bridging intermediate spaces between wire ducts. These automatic routing paths cannot be selected and edited. If the routing track is only to be defined by manually placed routing paths, the automatic routing paths can be removed from the routing path network prior to routing. Once you have: 

A project opened.






You have calculated the routing path network in the opened layout space.

1. Select the menu items Project data > Connections > Delete automatic routing paths. All automatic routing paths of the wire ducts are removed for the opened layout space.

Optimizing Nets Automatically With automatic optimization, the connections of the net / daisy chains are redesigned in such a way that the following conditions are met:



All connection points continue to be connected.



The sum of the wires to be routed is as short as possible.



No more than connections terminate in a connection point.



A daisy chain is always generated.

Once you have: Created routing connections. In the layout space navigator or connections navigator, a component is highlighted that contains routing connections (layout spaces, enclosures, mounting surfaces, 3D part placements, connections). 1. Select the menu items Project data > Connections > Optimize nets automatically. The Optimize nets automatically dialog is displayed. If the selection did not contain a net, or contained an incomplete net, an error message will be displayed. In this case, repeat and modify your selection. 2. In the Optimize nets automatically dialog, select the settings for net optimization. 3. Click [OK]. The nets are analyzed. The Optimize nets automatically: Preview of result dialog is displayed. The dialog shows the results of the analysis and allows you to route the new connections derived from the optimization. 4. In the Optimize nets automatically: Preview of result dialog, click [OK]. The connections classified as status = "New" are routed in the new routing tracks.

Displaying Routing Path View Routing path view is defined as the highlighting of the currently valid routing path network. The routing path view can be displayed in full or filtered through the respective valid connection filter. 1. Select the menu items View > Connections > Routing path view. The routing path view is displayed. All channels, routing tracks, wiring cut-outs, and routing paths through which a connection can run are highlighted. The transparency of all part placements in the layout space is set to 50%. The wire ducts and routing ranges involved in the currently valid routing path network are excluded from the transparency highlighting to make them more clearly visible. Automatic routing paths are not highlighted.

Connection filter for routing path view In connection with the display of the routing path view, you can set in the connection filter the criteria to be considered for the routing path view. Connections that correspond to the activated criteria are hidden. Connections that correspond to the non-activated criteria are displayed as transparent. 

Select the menu items View > Connections > Filter. The Connection filter dialog is displayed.





Activate or deactivate the required criteria. Click [OK]. All ducts, routing tracks, wiring cut-outs and routing paths through which a connection can run are hidden if they meet at least one of the activated criteria. Tracks for which no criterion has been activated are represented as transparent.

Routing Connections Routing generates routing connections between the 3D part placements that follow the real course of the wires and cables in the routing path network. If there are no connection points defined for a part placement, they will be generated prior to the routing. Apart from the routing track, the length of wires is also determined. All information thus determined can be used as wiring instructions or to control wire fabrication machines. Once you have: 

A project opened.






The routing path network is generated.

1. Select the menu items Project data > Connections > Route. In the status bar, you are prompted to select the connections to be routed.

2. Enter the two corner points of a rectangle that comprises the part placements and connections to be routed. The most efficient routing track is calculated. The routing connections are displayed in 3D representation. The routing connections are assigned the properties Length, Routing track, Routing track specification, Connection size, Routing direction, Wire termination processing, and Dual sleeve prescribed. Example:

Changing a Route The routing track of a connection determined by routing can be influenced by modifying the route. 

Routed connections can be routed from a routing path to another routing path.



Non-routed connections can be placed on a routing path, so that routing connections are created from them

The Routing track specification (layout space) connection property is filled by modifying the route. Subsequently, the connection filters are no longer taken into account for the routing of these connections. Use the Routing points to modify a route. These points are displayed during manual modifications to the route. By moving a routing point to another, it is possible to modify the routing path of connections. If several connections run through the routing path or duct, a selection dialog will be displayed where you choose the connection that is to be moved into the new routing path / new duct. The routing paths and routing ranges are then entered in the Routing track specification (layout space) property at the selected connections.

1. Select the menu items Project data > Connections > Change route. On manual and automatic routing paths, and on visible non-routed connections, cuboid-shaped routing points become visible. In the case of routing ranges, a routing point becomes visible in the center of each routing range.

The status bar shows a prompt "Select source routing path". 2. Move the cursor close to a point that belongs to a routing path that you want to remove from the routing track. The routing point is framed with a red square as a snap point. 3. Click to select the snap point. The status bar shows a prompt "Select target routing path". 4. Move the cursor close to a point that belongs to a routing path through which the connection is to be re-routed. Between the initially selected routing point of the source routing path and the cursor, a white line is displayed. 5. Click to select the routing point of the target routing path. The Connections dialog is displayed, which lists all the connections routed through the source routing path. Displayed connections are already highlighted in the dialog. 6. Activate the check box in the Change route column for the connections that are to be re-routed in the selected target routing path. 7. Click [OK]. The selected connections are re-routed.

Displaying Fill Capacity After connections have been routed, the program will know the wire ducts and routing paths through which the wires run. If the dimensions of the wire ducts and external diameters of the wires are known, the program can estimate whether the routing paths are dimensioned sufficiently large in order to accommodate all wires. As the number of connections increases, so does also the number of wires in the wire duct increase. This can create space problems particularly in the junction area of wire ducts. The Display fill capacity function provides feedback on the space reserves in wire ducts and manual routing paths. This way, you can see where you must modify specific routes in order to force routing through less crowded routing paths even if another path would be shorter, but would result in over-allocation. In the case of automatic routing paths (wire ducts), the cross-section available to the routed connections is calculated from the dimensions of the wire ducts involved. This cross-section can be carried over to manual routing paths if they are connected to an automatic routing path. If not, then you must enter a default value in the Cross-section routing path property. The actual fill capacity is calculated from the available cross-section of the routing paths and the cross-section that is taken up by the routed connections. The fill capacity of wire ducts is indicated by a color identifier. In this context, three states are differentiated: 

Red: The channel / routing path is considered full.



Yellow: The fill capacity is below the fill capacity limit, but above the alert limit.



Green: The fill capacity is below the alert limit.

The fill capacity limit and alert limit are project settings and thus adjustable. By default, the fill capacity limit is at 80%, and the alert limit at 70%. 1. Select the menu items View > Connections > Fill Capacity. The transparency of all wire ducts is set to 80%. The fill capacity determined is displayed by way of color surfaces on the floor of the wire duct. Transparent cuboids are generated around manual routing paths whose base color indicates the fill capacity.

Update fill capacity After each modification to the routing path network of routed connections, the fill capacity has to be calculated again. 1. Select the menu items Project data > Connections > Update fill capacity.

The current fill capacity of the wire ducts and manual routing paths is calculated and indicated by color surfaces.

Bundling Connections The option of organizing and combining wires routed consecutively or in parallel into bundles and of making them available as labeled bundles for wiring accelerates the wiring process and streamlines further the entire enclosure manufacture.

There are two methods for bundling routing connections: 

In the case of Automatic bundling, bundle numbers are determined by the program and written into the Bundle property of the routing connections.



In the case of Manual bundling, bundle numbers are entered by the user manually in the Bundle property of the routing connections.

Using the interfaces for wire fabrication, you can evaluate this information and transfer to the manufacturing robots that produce the appropriate combined and labeled bundles.

Bundle connections automatically Once you have: 

A project opened and has generated several routing connections. Routing connections are highlighted in the connections navigator.

1. Select the menu items Project data > Connections > Bundle. The Bundle connections automatically dialog is displayed. 2. In the Start value field, enter the number from which to start incrementing the bundle numbers. 3. In the Increment field, enter the distance by which the respective next bundle number is to be incremented.

4. In the Criteria for bundle group box, activate the check boxes for the criteria according to which the bundles are to be generated. For example, using the criteria Source, Target, and Mounting surface, you can create bundles of connections that are to be wired on the same mounting panels. 5. Activate the Bundle by enclosures check box if you want to generate individual bundles for several enclosures. 6. Select the Apply to entire project check box if you wish to bundle all connections in the project. 7. Activate the Preview of result check box if you want to check the bundles to be generated beforehand and sort connections manually into other bundles.

8. Start automatic bundling using [OK]. The Bundle connections: Preview of result dialog is displayed. 9. Click [OK]. The connections are assigned to the bundles determined. The bundle number is entered in the Bundle property of each connection.

Working With Eplan Propanel

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