Configurator for designing electronics cabinets

Jon Lawson

Pentair is launching the next generation configurator for designing Schroff Novastar electronics cabinets.

This user interface allows for easy operation, features a real-time visualisation and compatibility check and enables immediate CAD data generation and CAD data download in more than 30 native formats.

The configurator can be used in two ways. Users either select a preconfigured standard cabinet with the corresponding dimensions and cladding parts from the product line as the basis for a customised configuration or adjust it using the configurator.

Alternatively, users can configure their own customised cabinet from the ground up starting with the rack selection and adding all of the desired additional components to the design. Brief text instructions in the configuration menu give the user specific operating instructions.

Components selected in the green libraries such as rack, enclosure, assembly and accessory parts are moved to a configuration area on the right using the drag and drop feature. In this configuration area, all steps are displayed graphically as 2D models.

The user sees the current status of the cabinet configuration and design at all times. Errors are eliminated in the configuration as a result of the real-time visualisation and compatibility check; only appropriate parts can be assembled together. The current bill of materials can be displayed or hidden from view at any time.

Clicking on the green bar in the modification area provides the user with the option of choosing from approximately 20 unique cabinet colours using the drag and drop feature, adding customised cutouts in all configured cladding parts as well as positioning text fields for printing and defining text properties (font, font size, etc).

In addition to customised cutouts, predefined cutouts are also available in a library, such as for specific fans. The current state of the configuration can be viewed as a 3D model from all sides at any time and individual components can be displayed or hidden using the function menu.

Another useful feature for users: The ability to generate 2D or 3D CAD data files for the cabinet model assembled directly in the configurator and the option to transfer the model directly into a CAD system. Over 30 native CAD formats as well as the usual exchange formats such as STEP or DXF are available here. Furthermore, creating a 3D PDF data sheet is also possible with a 3D preview of the configured cabinet including a bill of materials and separate 2D views for the cladding parts provided with cutouts. This PDF file also makes it possible to view the cabinet from all sides, to zoom in on the cabinet model and to display or hide the individual components.

While not required, if you have registered as a user, the configuration is kept in your user profile and can be opened or modified at any time. The configuration is also stored and automatically transferred to the online shopping cart at schroff.pentair.com using the "Create CAD and complete configuration" menu item. The subsequent inquiry and order process follows the same procedure as standard products. This also takes the same amount of processing time. The individually configured cabinet receives its own part number, which can be used to call up the part again, process it, copy it or edit it.