Alignex is teaming up with Rockwell Automation to offer more complete solutions in assembly line design and complex machinery development by Mike Bailey
Earlier this summer, Alignex and Rockwell Automation combined for a unique seminar that showcased tools and techniques for developing complex machinery and assembly lines. These types of engineering projects often face challenges because the Design, Manufacturing, Electrical and Control teams lack common tools to be able to work together. We defined this type of collaboration “Mechatronics” and it became the theme for our seminar.
The seminar began with a demonstration of some features in SolidWorks Simulation Professional that allows full assembly simulation to ascertain the needed torques and speeds of motors as well as event based simulation within the assembly. Users also saw how to simulate the effect that the machines’ motion had on the overall structure, related to resonance.
The seminar continued with a presentation from Rockwell Automation on their Motion Analyzer product which allows Control Team members the ability to optimize a motion control system and link mechanics to controls within the same design window that the design team is using. This level of collaboration alleviates the need for multiple prototypes and provides a shorter time to operation for the design.
The registrations for the seminar were greater than expected and Alignex hosted a full house for the presentation. Those in attendance were impressed and enjoyed the format. Many in the Control and Electric teams who didn’t normally work with SolidWorks agreed that a unified tool is needed to improve their process.
There are more seminars on this topic being planned for late summer at the locations of Rockwell’s main distributors. If you are interested in attending or speaking with Alignex on the collaboration tools available between your Mechanical, Electrical and Control teams, please contact your Alignex Representative or fill out our Mech Product Interest form.