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User Guide Version 1.8 04/2007
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Page 1: Userguide EPLAN Cabinet En

User Guide Version 1.8

04/2007

Page 2: Userguide EPLAN Cabinet En

EPLAN Cabinet is a product of EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG. Errors and omissions excepted. Subject to change without notice. EPLAN Software & Service GmbH accepts no liability for any technical or printing error or defect in this technical information document or for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly through the provision or use hereof. This document contains proprietary information subject to copyright. All rights reserved. This document shall not, except with the prior written consent of EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG, be passed on, duplicated or translated in whole or part. The software described by this document is licensed. Use and dupli-cation of the software are exclusively governed by the licence. The EPLAN Cabinet licence cannot be used independently of the associated dongle. Loss of the dongle automatically entails loss of the licence. The graphics in this document were created with the complete software package and do not reflect the capabilities of individual modules. Copyright © 2007 by EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG. Windows ® / Windows 2000 ® / Windows XP ® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Inc. ACIS® is a registered trademark of SPATIAL TECHNOLOGY INC. 3D DCM is a registered trademark of D-Cubed Ltd. Note: The hardware requirements stated by your operating

system vendor apply. Combinations of hardware components that may give rise to compatibilities according to producer’s information may also impair the proper functioning of EPLAN Cabinet, which requires a fault-free system with all hardware, operating system components and hardware drivers (graphics adapter drivers etc.) properly installed. The information on ambient operating conditions and permitted use stated by hardware manufacturers applies by extension to EPLAN Cabinet.

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Contents

EPLAN Cabinet system principles--------------------- 1

Creating and editing projects and drawings ------- 2

Activating and displaying components -------------- 3

Placing and modifying structural components---- 4

Placing and modifying devices ------------------------5

Project and system organization----------------------6

Output from EPLAN Cabinet----------------------------7

Routing --------------------------------------------------------8

Drilling NC ----------------------------------------------------9

Graphical editor------------------------------------------- 10

Creating standard sheets------------------------------ 11

Parts and drilling patterns in the parts management database --------------------------------- 12

Creating and using graphical macros------------- 13

User-defined drilling contours----------------------- 14

Index---------------------------------------------------------- 15

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles

EPLAN Cabinet 1-1

1 EPLAN Cabinet system principles..............................1-2 1.1 Starting EPLAN Cabinet ............................................................ 1-2 1.2 EPLAN Cabinet toolbars............................................................ 1-3 1.2.1 File toolbar .............................................................................................. 1-4 1.2.2 Placement toolbar................................................................................... 1-5 1.2.3 View toolbar ............................................................................................ 1-6 1.2.4 Edit toolbar.............................................................................................. 1-7 1.2.5 External Enclosure Templates toolbar.................................................... 1-8 1.2.6 Information, Organization and Security toolbar ...................................... 1-9 1.2.7 Output toolbar ....................................................................................... 1-10 1.2.8 Viewpoints toolbar ................................................................................ 1-11 1.2.9 Views toolbar ........................................................................................ 1-12 1.2.10 Tools toolbar ..................................................................................... 1-13 1.3 EPLAN Cabinet menu bar........................................................ 1-14 1.4 Navigator................................................................................... 1-15 1.4.1 EPLAN Cabinet Navigator node ........................................................... 1-17 1.4.2 Searching in the Navigator ................................................................... 1-18 1.4.3 Navigator bookmarks............................................................................ 1-18 1.4.4 Minimizing the Navigator ...................................................................... 1-19 1.5 Selecting commands in EPLAN Cabinet................................ 1-20 1.6 Mouse input .............................................................................. 1-21 1.6.1 Picking with the mouse ......................................................................... 1-21 1.6.2 Entering points with the mouse............................................................. 1-22 1.6.3 Mouse stroke input ............................................................................... 1-23

1.6.3.1 Stroke movements without holding ............................................ 1-24 1.6.3.2 Stroke and hold movements ...................................................... 1-25

1.7 Freehand symbols.................................................................... 1-26

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles Starting EPLAN Cabinet

1-2 EPLAN Cabinet

1 EPLAN Cabinet system principles

1.1 Starting EPLAN Cabinet

To start EPLAN Cabinet, double-click its program icon. The EPLAN Cabinet program window opens with a menu bar and a number of toolbars.

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles EPLAN Cabinet toolbars

EPLAN Cabinet 1-3

1.2 EPLAN Cabinet toolbars

EPLAN Cabinet works entirely through toolbar commands. The toolbars group commands by function: • File (project and drawing commands) • Placement (components) • View (display options) • Edit (modify components) • External Enclosure Templates (create and use cabinet templates) • Information, Organization and Security (device, database and parts list

options) • Output (Printing and DXF output of drawings and parts lists)

Opening toolbars

To show a toolbar that is not currently displayed, right-click a toolbar or the grey toolbar region and choose Toolbars on the context menu that then opens. You can then select from a list of all toolbars that opens to the right of the menu. If the list is too long for all toolbars to be displayed, use the arrows at the top and bottom to view the remainder. The ticked toolbars are already displayed. Holding the cursor over a ticked toolbar in the list highlights it on the screen. Selecting an unticked toolbar in the list displays it.

Hiding toolbars

In the list Select a ticked toolbar to hide it. On the menu Right-click a toolbar and choose Hide in the context menu. The toolbar will then be removed from the screen. "Close" button An "undocked" toolbar has a Windows title bar, complete with a close button, [x], which can be used to hide it.

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles EPLAN Cabinet toolbars

1-4 EPLAN Cabinet

1.2.1 File toolbar

Commands on the File toolbar, from left to right:

Create and edit project

Open drawing

Save drawing

Close drawing

Picklist

Exit EPLAN Cabinet

Exit command

Undo last change

Restore last undone change

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles EPLAN Cabinet toolbars

EPLAN Cabinet 1-5

1.2.2 Placement toolbar

Commands on the Placement toolbar, from left to right:

Open device browser and place device

Insert universal part

Place mounting rail

Place duct

Place cable clamp rail

Place busbar system

Select and place Enclosure from database

Place mounting panel

Place user-defined component

Place user-defined holes

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles EPLAN Cabinet toolbars

1-6 EPLAN Cabinet

1.2.3 View toolbar

Commands on the View toolbar, from left to right:

Activate component and rotate into view, hiding other components

Switch to ISO view

Activate component

Switch to Enclosure views

Enable zoom (select a detail for viewing)

Disable zoom (display entire drawing)

Zoom in (150%)

Zoom out (75%)

Reposition text

Display device tag labels

Display item number labels

Enable shading

Disable shading

Refresh hidden lines

Delete hidden lines

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles EPLAN Cabinet toolbars

EPLAN Cabinet 1-7

Set grid

Rotate view

1.2.4 Edit toolbar

Commands on the Edit toolbar, from left to right:

Copy Enclosure

Change device placement

Move device

Move Enclosures, ducts and rails

Change length of ducts and rails

Change project structure

Delete

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles EPLAN Cabinet toolbars

1-8 EPLAN Cabinet

1.2.5 External Enclosure Templates toolbar

Commands on the External Enclosures toolbar, from left to right:

Create Enclosure template from drawing

Define mounting area

Create custom enclosure components

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles EPLAN Cabinet toolbars

EPLAN Cabinet 1-9

1.2.6 Information, Organization and Security toolbar

Commands on the Information, Organization and Security toolbar, from left to right:

Device information

Place blocking surface

Check drawing: Find surplus devices

Renumber components

Parts database

Update project parts list

Change project assignment

Parameter settings

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles EPLAN Cabinet toolbars

1-10 EPLAN Cabinet

1.2.7 Output toolbar

Commands on the Output toolbar from left to right:

Print drawing

Print layout parts list

Print variable parts list

Graphical DXF export to EPLAN/file

Graphical export of parts list to EPLAN/file

Project parts list configuration

Generate project parts list

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles EPLAN Cabinet toolbars

EPLAN Cabinet 1-11

1.2.8 Viewpoints toolbar

Commands on the Viewpoints toolbar from left to right:

Top view

Bottom view

Front view

Rear view

Left view

Right view

Isometric view

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles EPLAN Cabinet toolbars

1-12 EPLAN Cabinet

1.2.9 Views toolbar

Commands on the Views toolbar from left to right:

Create view

Move view

Centre view

Resize view

Fit geometry to view size

Delete view

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles EPLAN Cabinet toolbars

EPLAN Cabinet 1-13

1.2.10 Tools toolbar

Commands on the Tools toolbar from left to right:

Measure

Insert OLE object

Configuration

NC configuration

Graphical editor

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles EPLAN Cabinet menu bar

1-14 EPLAN Cabinet

1.3 EPLAN Cabinet menu bar

All EPLAN Cabinet commands can also be accessed in a menu bar. If a different menu bar is active when you start EPLAN Cabinet, click the Options menu, choose Menu Bar, select "EPLAN Cabinet" and click [OK] to install the EPLAN Cabinet menu bar.

The menus are arranged to match the toolbars, and the commands on each menu match those on the corresponding toolbar.

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles Navigator

EPLAN Cabinet 1-15

1.4 Navigator

The Navigator is the control centre of EPLAN Cabinet. It lists all parts of projects, drawing elements, viewpoints and views. The Navigator can be used to select, display and edit parts of a drawing. The context menus are described with the command they apply to. Features: • Each drawing that is opened for editing has its own separate Navigator. • The Navigator is activated automatically when a drawing is opened. • The Navigator works with all drawings, in both 2D and 3D. • All changes to a drawing are simultaneously shown in the Navigator.

Hierarchical display

The information displayed in the Navigator is structured in a series of levels making up a hierarchy. If there is a level beneath an item, a [+] or [-] is displayed next to it. An item with one or more levels beneath it is a node. As in Windows Explorer, the tree beneath a node can be expanded by clicking the [+] and collapsed again by clicking the [-].

Using the Navigator with two or more drawings

If two or more drawings are active on the same screen, they are each displayed on different tabs in the Navigator. Clicking a drawing’s tab in the Navigator switches to that drawing.

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles Navigator

1-16 EPLAN Cabinet

Undocking the Navigator

Clicking the blank area above the tabs undocks the Navigator, and you can move it around the screen. If the Navigator shows multiple drawings, one Navigator window is displayed for each drawing. Double-click the blank area or the title bar of a Navigator window to dock it again.

Context menus

Select a node or an item under a node and right-click to open a context menu with commands specific to the type of item you have selected.

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles Navigator

EPLAN Cabinet 1-17

1.4.1 EPLAN Cabinet Navigator node The EPLAN Cabinet project is shown in the Navigator under a separate node with a red e icon. Right-click the icon to open a context menu with the main view and project commands.

The component nodes further down the tree also have context menus: Enclosure node

Cabinet component node

Component layer node

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles Navigator

1-18 EPLAN Cabinet

1.4.2 Searching in the Navigator The Search command in the Navigator finds text anywhere in the Navigator, for example names of parts and solids.

Search button

The usual search options are available: • Whole word only • Match case • Direction • Search again

1.4.3 Navigator bookmarks Navigator bookmarks are nodes that are marked and named for easy navigation between them.

Setting a bookmark Click this button to assign a bookmark to a node. The node changes colour.

Editing bookmarks Click this button to open the Edit Bookmarks dialogue, with option to: • Delete a bookmark (select it and click the Delete button) • Delete all bookmarks (click the Delete All button) • Display bookmarks (double-click the Display button) • Rename bookmarks (click a bookmark twice or click the Edit Name button)

Deleting a bookmark Click this button to delete the selected bookmark.

Next/previous bookmark Click this button to select the next or previous bookmark in the Navigator and the corresponding element in the drawing.

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles Navigator

EPLAN Cabinet 1-19

1.4.4 Minimizing the Navigator You can minimize the Navigator to make space for drawing windows. Double-click the drawing name tab at the bottom of the Navigator to reduce it to about a quarter of its normal height. You can then resize the Navigator like a normal window by dragging its sides or corners, and can move it by dragging its title bar. Double-click the drawing name tab again or the title bar to restore the Navigator to normal size and return it to the left-hand side of the screen.

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles Selecting commands in EPLAN Cabinet

1-20 EPLAN Cabinet

1.5 Selecting commands in EPLAN Cabinet

Various ways of selecting commands are described in this manual. Commands selected on a toolbar or in a main menu are shown as follows:

File

Project Wizard

EPLAN Cabinet

Project Wizard Left: Command on a toolbar The name of the toolbar is shown above the icon, to the right of which is the name of the command.

Right: Command on a menu The name of the menu bar is shown above a symbol for a menu bar, to the right of which is the name of the command.

Commands selected from secondary parts of the user interface such as dialogues are shown as follows:

Project Wizard | Create a new Enclosure project

Project Wizard | Create new project

Selecting commands in the Navigator

Commands that are only available on context menus in the Navigator are shown with a Navigator symbol:

Enclosure node | Cabinet dimensions

Using freehand symbols to select commands

A freehand symbol is a way of selecting a command by moving the mouse in a specific figure with the left mouse button pressed down. If a commands can additionally be selected with a freehand symbol, the figure is shown:

Project Wizard

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles Mouse input

EPLAN Cabinet 1-21

1.6 Mouse input

1.6.1 Picking with the mouse The basic mouse input commands are as follows: • Tap mouse button • Press and hold • Press and stroke • Press plus stroke and then hold • Double-click • Right-click • Middle mouse button (if present) • Mouse wheel (if present) EPLAN Cabinet supplements the usual Windows selection methods such as tapping an element with two additional method: "search" and "stroke".

Search

• Place the cursor near to the point you want. • Press and briefly hold down the mouse button. The cursor jumps exactly onto the point.

Stroke (Ctrl-tap)

To stroke an element, "paint" it with a downward motion of the mouse while holding the mouse button pressed down.

1

2

3

1) Press, 2) Drag, 3) Release

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles Mouse input

1-22 EPLAN Cabinet

1.6.2 Entering points with the mouse

Entering a point

To enter a point in your drawing, tap at the location where you want the point.

Search for a point

For drawing commands, you can use a point that already exists in a drawing as a start or end point: • Move the cursor near to the point you want • Briefly hold the mouse button pressed down The cursor will now jump to precisely the point you want. The system detects the difference between tapping and prolonged pressing through a internal time factor.

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles Mouse input

EPLAN Cabinet 1-23

1.6.3 Mouse stroke input A variety of commands can be selected using stroke movements. The simplest of these patterns are strokes in the four primary directions: • Up • Down • Left • Right A different command will be selected depending on whether you carry out this movement with a stroke and a brief press, or keep the mouse button pressed down for a short period after the stroke movement.

Icons in user manuals

In these user manual, mouse movements are indicated by a line. The direction is shown with an arrow. For a stroke-and-hold movement, the solid circle is replaced by an arrow. The illustration shows the possible stroke movements and the commands they select. Stroke movements without holding are shown on the left, and stroke and hold movements on the right.

UNDO

No

YesReturn

OK

Pick

ParametersParameter Manager

LineDelete

Pick reference point

Start again

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles Mouse input

1-24 EPLAN Cabinet

1.6.3.1 Stroke movements without holding

Element

This movement is mainly used for picking elements and is known as "stroking" an element. Use it to pick an element in a drawing that you want to manipulate, measure or continue editing. To perform the stroke movement, press near the element and stroke down over it.

Start Again

An upwards stroke will restart the last command you selected. Start Again works with all EPLAN Cabinet commands. Example: You want to draw a number of lines next to one another. Select the Line command by tapping on the digitizer. Enter the start point and one or more end points until the set of lines is finished. If you now want to draw a further set of lines next to the first set, it is much quicker to draw an upward stroke than to reselect the Line command. The upward stroke restarts the last command you selected.

Undo/No

Stroke left while applying slight pressure to select the Undo command, which reverses your last action. EPLAN Cabinet stores up to 50 actions that you can undo in sequence by using this command. You can undo any drawing operation and any move, copy, cut or delete. The leftward stroke also saves you stopping to type "no" on the keyboard when prompted.

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles Mouse input

EPLAN Cabinet 1-25

Yes/Return/OK

Stroking to the right is equivalent to clicking [OK] and is used to enter "yes" or confirm a prompt.

1.6.3.2 Stroke and hold movements Strokes of this type are performed in the same way as strokes without holding, but end by briefly holding down the mouse button.

Picking a reference point

To choose a reference point, stroke down near the point you want and then briefly hold down the mouse button. The program leaves normal point-input mode for the duration of one input. You can then specify a new point by specifying its distance in X and Y from the reference point. You can use this command wherever point input is allowed. A pair of X and Y direction arrows appears at the point found. You can then enter a pair of coordinates relative to this reference point, and continue drawing at the point defined by the coordinates. If the coordinate cross appears at a point that is not the one you want to use as a reference point, specify the point you want by using the normal point input method. The reference point must be one that already exists in your drawing.

Parameters

In some drawing functions, stroke up and then briefly hold down the mouse button to select the parameters command. A dialogue box opens with parameters for the current command. The system settings will appear if no command is active.

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles Freehand symbols

1-26 EPLAN Cabinet

Delete

Stroke left and briefly hold down the mouse button to select the Delete command.

Line

Stroke right and briefly hold down the mouse button to select the Line command. 1.7 Freehand symbols

EPLAN Cabinet recognizes a number of gestures that select important commands. With a little practice, these "freehand symbols" help speed up your work and also allow you to do most work with one hand. The symbols match the commands they select, making them easy to remember.

Freehand symbols without holding

To draw the freehand symbols shown with arrows, briefly press the mouse button in the direction of the arrow. Then release the mouse button. Two arrows indicate that a symbol can be drawn in either direction.

Freehand symbols with holding

To draw the freehand symbols shown with dots, hold down the mouse button a little longer at the dot. Two dots indicate that a symbol can be drawn in either direction. If two or more drawing windows are open, screen and window-related freehand symbols apply in the window where the cursor is.

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles Freehand symbols

EPLAN Cabinet 1-27

Freehand symbols available

Start again Settings Stroke element Pick reference

point

No / UNDO Delete Yes / Return / OK Line

Refresh screen Refresh all screen

windows All elements Whole drawing

Exit Exit Detail Last detail

Dimensioning Measure Text Text

Project wizard Device browser Shading On Shading Off

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EPLAN Cabinet system principles Freehand symbols

1-28 EPLAN Cabinet

Freehand symbols additionally available in the Graphical editor

Open drawing Sketch Close Save as

Circle Circle Arc Arc

Move Move with copy Rotate Rotate with copy

T-trim A-trim

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Creating and editing projects and drawings

EPLAN Cabinet 2-1

2 Creating and editing projects and drawings .............2-2 2.1 EPLAN Cabinet projects ............................................................ 2-4 2.1.1 Creating a new enclosure project ........................................................... 2-4

2.1.1.1 Creating a project inside an EPLAN project................................. 2-4 2.1.1.2 Creating a project from a file........................................................ 2-6 2.1.1.3 Selecting an enclosure from the database................................... 2-8

2.1.2 Creating a new enclosure project from a template ............................... 2-10 2.1.3 Creating a new enclosure project by copying ....................................... 2-10 2.1.4 Opening an existing enclosure project.................................................. 2-12 2.1.5 Deleting an existing enclosure project .................................................. 2-13 2.2 EPLAN Cabinet drawings ........................................................ 2-14 2.2.1 Adding a new drawing to a current project ........................................... 2-14 2.2.2 Adding a template drawing to the current project ................................. 2-15 2.2.3 Saving a current drawing as a template ............................................... 2-16 2.2.4 Deleting a drawing from an enclosure project ...................................... 2-17 2.3 External enclosure templates ................................................. 2-18 2.3.1 Creating an enclosure template from a drawing ................................... 2-18 2.3.2 Specifying mounting panels in enclosure templates............................. 2-20

2.3.2.1 Field size.................................................................................... 2-22 2.3.2.2 Space available for population................................................... 2-22

2.4 Using custom 3D models as enclosure templates ............... 2-24 2.4.1 Importing a 3D enclosure model........................................................... 2-25 2.4.2 Correcting the orientation of the enclosure........................................... 2-31 2.4.3 Creating an enclosure template from an imported model..................... 2-35 2.4.4 Specifying enclosure components ........................................................ 2-37 2.4.5 Specifying an origin for the enclosure................................................... 2-48 2.4.6 Saving an enclosure as a template....................................................... 2-52 2.5 RiCAD 3D enclosures .............................................................. 2-54 2.5.1 Installing RiCAD 3D.............................................................................. 2-55

2.5.1.1 Running RiCAD 3D from CD...................................................... 2-55 2.5.1.2 Running RiCAD 3D from hard disk ............................................ 2-55

2.5.2 Using RiCAD 3D data ........................................................................... 2-57 2.5.3 Finding an enclosure in RiCAD 3D....................................................... 2-60 2.5.4 Additional information on RiCAD 3D enclosure models ....................... 2-67 2.5.5 Detail level for displaying parts in RiCAD 3D........................................ 2-68 2.5.6 Transferring an enclosure to EPLAN Cabinet....................................... 2-69 2.6 Baying enclosures ................................................................... 2-73

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Creating and editing projects and drawings EPLAN Cabinet projects

2-2 EPLAN Cabinet

2 Creating and editing projects and drawings

A project in EPLAN Cabinet contains all data used in designing and laying out an enclosure. Each project is kept in a project directory identified by the name of the project with an .ECB extension. A project directory contains an EPLAN parts data-base, project control files, an EPLAN parts list file (EPLAN.PBF), an EPLAN ad-ministration list, and EPLAN Cabinet drawings. Only one project can be open at a time. It is not possible to have multiple projects open for editing.

File

Project Wizard

File | Project Wizard

Freehand symbol

The Project Wizard contains all commands needed for creating and editing EPLAN Cabinet projects and for adding drawings and enclosures to them.

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Creating and editing projects and drawings EPLAN Cabinet projects

EPLAN Cabinet 2-3

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Creating and editing projects and drawings EPLAN Cabinet projects

2-4 EPLAN Cabinet

2.1 EPLAN Cabinet projects

2.1.1 Creating a new enclosure project

Project Wizard | Create new project

File | Project Wizard | Create new project

You can create an enclosure project inside an existing EPLAN project or on its own without reference to an EPLAN project.

2.1.1.1 Creating a project inside an EPLAN project In the "Import data from EPLAN" box, select the EPLAN version you want to import EPLAN component data from: • EPLAN 5 • EPLAN 21 Note: in Eplan 21, parts can be assigned a width, depth and height. When a pro-ject parts list is exported or updated with the Eplan 21 default settings, the depth is omitted. To include it, select the following in Eplan 21: Browser | Utilities | Parts Management ���� Parts List (Device Tags) | Settings tab | […] and drag ‘Depth’ to the left-hand side. Select a project drive A logical drive (e.g. "P") should be assigned in EPLAN Cabinet so that it points to the EPLAN project directory.

The data in the EPLAN project directory can be imported into the enclosure project.

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Creating and editing projects and drawings EPLAN Cabinet projects

EPLAN Cabinet 2-5

Choose the drive that is assigned to the EPLAN project directory:

Click [OK] to go on to the directory selection, where you choose the directory in which the EPLAN Cabinet project will be stored.

Click [OK] to go on and name your project. You can either accept the name of the EPLAN project or type a name of your own.

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Creating and editing projects and drawings EPLAN Cabinet projects

2-6 EPLAN Cabinet

2.1.1.2 Creating a project from a file In the "Import data from EPLAN" box, choose "File". Then click [OK] to create a project that is based on a parts list file but is not related to an existing EPLAN pro-ject.

Select folder containing parts list

Select the directory containing the source data - that is, a parts list (EPLAN.PBF or FORM.ASC) with data for enclosure components. If you want to create a new folder, right-click to open the context menu and choose "Create new folder".

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Creating and editing projects and drawings EPLAN Cabinet projects

EPLAN Cabinet 2-7

Select folder for EPLAN Cabinet project

Choose a folder in which the custom EPLAN Cabinet project will be stored.

Name the project

In the Project Name dialogue, type a name for the enclosure project.

Click [OK] to save the named project in the selected folder. In the example shown, a subdirectory ECDNeu2.ECB is created in the selected folder, TestProjekt. A drawing is automatically created and a dialogue opens for you to select a basic enclosure from the database.

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Creating and editing projects and drawings EPLAN Cabinet projects

2-8 EPLAN Cabinet

2.1.1.3 Selecting an enclosure from the database Once you have named the project, the enclosure models in the EPLAN Cabinet da-tabase are displayed in a list.

In this window, you can: • Select a standard enclosure as the base unit for your drawing. • Select a cabinet from a template drawing. • Specify how many copies of the selected enclosure you want to insert in your

drawing. If you decide not to place an enclosure in your drawing, click [Cancel].

Selecting from the database

Select an enclosure in the list. If you want to insert two or more cabinets of the sa-me type, enter the number in the Number box.

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Creating and editing projects and drawings EPLAN Cabinet projects

EPLAN Cabinet 2-9

Selecting an enclosure template

Click the button next to the Cabinet Template box to open a file selection dialogue and select an enclosure drawing you have stored as a template for use as a stan-dard enclosure model in addition to those in the database. The name of the selected drawing is copied into the box.

Placement point

You are next asked to specify a placement point for inserting the enclosure in your drawing. The cabinet is placed with its rear bottom left corner at the specified point and displayed to fill the window in the 3D model.

With this enclosure as your starting point, you can now go on to add drawing ele-ments and equipment.

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Creating and editing projects and drawings EPLAN Cabinet projects

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2.1.2 Creating a new enclosure project from a template

Project Wizard | Create new project from template

File | Project Wizard | Create new project from template

This command creates a new project directly from a selected template drawing. The procedure is the same as for creating a new project in an existing EPLAN pro-ject or from a file, except that there is no selecting a basic enclosure from the data-base. • Select the project type and then an EPLAN project or parts list file. • Select a folder to create the project in. • Name the project. • Instead of the database browser, a file selection dialogue opens for you to se-

lect a template drawing. Select the cabinet you want. • Specify a placement point for inserting the cabinet in your drawing.

2.1.3 Creating a new enclosure project by copying

Project Wizard | Create new project by copying

File | Project Wizard | Create new project by copying

This command copies an existing enclosure project. It copies all EPLAN Cabinet data from the source project to a new EPLAN project or new parts list. The procedure depends on whether you choose to copy the data from a file or from an EPLAN project.

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EPLAN Cabinet 2-11

Copying EPLAN data from a file

• Select the folder containing the EPLAN parts list (EPLAN.PBF or FORM.ASC).

• Specify a folder to create the project in. • Name the project. • Select an existing EPLAN Cabinet project to copy. • A new project is created in the specified folder and with the specified name.

Copying data from EPLAN 5/EPLAN 21

Select an EPLAN project First, select the EPLAN 5 project from which you are going to copy data to an enclosure project.

Select an enclosure source project Next, select an existing enclosure pro-ject directory to copy (enclosure project directories can be recognized by the .ECB extension):

The drawings in the copied enclosure project are opened in the new EPLAN 5/21 target project.

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2.1.4 Opening an existing enclosure project

Project Wizard | Open project

File | Project Wizard | Open project

Select the project you want:

Click [OK] to confirm your selection and load the project drawing.

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2.1.5 Deleting an existing enclosure project

Project Wizard | Delete project

File | Project Wizard | Delete project

In the directory list, select the project you want to delete. Click [OK] and answer the confirmation prompt to delete the project together with all associated drawings and system files.

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2.2 EPLAN Cabinet drawings

2.2.1 Adding a new drawing to a current project This command adds a drawing to an existing enclosure project, for when you want an enclosure project to include more than one drawing. First, be sure that the exist-ing project is already loaded.

Project Wizard | Add new drawing to current project

File | Project Wizard | Add new drawing to current project

The new drawing is given the name of the project followed by a sequential number such as _2. The enclosures in the database are then listed for selection.

Select an enclosure model and specify a placement point to insert the cabinet in your drawing. The additional cabinet drawings will be opened automatically the next time you o-pen your project.

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2.2.2 Adding a template drawing to the current project You can add project drawings to your project from template drawings.

Project Wizard | Add template drawing to current project

File | Project Wizard | Add template drawing to current project

Select the drawing you want in the templates directory.

Click [Open] to open the template drawing in the current project, rename it and sa-ve it to the project directory.

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2.2.3 Saving a current drawing as a template This command saves the active drawing in the currently loaded project as a tem-plate. For example, you could save a drawing containing a partly fitted enclosure as a template for use as a starting point in other projects.

Project Wizard | Save current drawing as template

File | Project Wizard | Save current drawing as template

Choose the directory you want and enter a file name. Click [Save] to save the draw-ing in the selected directory.

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2.2.4 Deleting a drawing from an enclosure project This command removes a drawing from a project that is not currently loaded. If you select the command when a project is loaded, you are prompted to close it first.

Project Wizard | Delete drawing from a project

File | Project Wizard | Delete drawing from a project

The drawing files in the selected project are listed.

Click [Open] and answer the confirmation prompt to delete the selected drawing from the project directory and to remove all reference to it in the project file.

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2.3 External enclosure templates

2.3.1 Creating an enclosure template from a drawing When placing enclosures, you can either choose a model from the database or look in an enclosure template.

A enclosure template is a fully or partly fitted enclosure, or a enclosure component, stored in a separate drawing. To create an enclosure template, the drawing must contain a minimum of one component.

Saving a drawing as an enclosure template

A enclosure template does not belong to a project; instead, it is a separate tem-plate that can be incorporated into a project. In drawing, draw an enclosure (or insert one from a database or another template) or a component such as a mounting panel. The cabinet or panel can be unpopu-lated or it can be fitted with other components. Alternatively, you can import a model using a 3D interface such as SAT.

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Now create a template from your drawing:

External enclosure templates

Create template from drawing

In the Navigator, the drawing is displayed under an EPLAN Cabinet node as an en-closure drawing containing a cabinet component:

On this component, specify one or more mounting panels (see Specifying mount-ing panels in enclosure templates). Save the drawing in the directory @:\ECD Triga4\Schrankvorlagen. Now load a project. To use the template, incorporate it into your project, go to the Project Wizard menu and choose Add template drawing to current project.

Project Wizard | Add template drawing to current project

You can now use the template when you place an enclosure in your drawing.

Place

Select and place enclosure from database

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2.3.2 Specifying mounting panels in enclosure templates A mounting panel is an area for mounting other components. Specifying a mount-ing panel turns a graphical surface into a logical surface that is integrated into the EPLAN Cabinet hierarchy. It is then available for manipulation by special EPLAN Cabinet activation, display and placement commands.

External Enclosure Templates

Define mounting area

[Ctrl]-click to pick the surface you want. The surface is highlighted and you can name the component and the surface in a dialogue.

ID/Text (Component)

ID Selection of pre-set names designating the template component as a whole. An ID must be chosen or at least left as the default ID of "Cabinet component" because it is used to identify the part in the components database and elsewhere. Text The user-defined name entered here is shown in the Navigator and as a designa-tion in drawing views.

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ID/Text (Mounting area)

ID This identifies the surface of the template component on which devices can be mounted. An ID must be chosen or at least left as the default ID of "Cabinet com-ponent" because it is used to identify the part in the components database and elsewhere. Text The user-defined name entered here is shown in the Navigator and as a designa-tion in drawing views. Click [OK] to assign the specifications to the template component. The ID/text hier-archy is shown in the Navigator:

In this example, a enclosure template Platte3 ("Panel 3") is made up of a mounting panel Meine Platte ("My panel") with one active mounting area, Platte oben ("Pa-nel top"). The names are also shown when the template is inserted in a project:

Editing a mounting panel

The items under "Component" can be modified at any time. Right-click the compo-nent and choose "Define component" on the context menu. Choose the "Move" item on the menu if you want to move the mounting panel by specifying an offset to the right, upward or forward.

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2.3.2.1 Field size The "field size" determines the size of a field (such as a mounting panel) from a manufacturing point of view. It does not matter whether the mounting panel or other component is placed in the drilling machine with or without fitted parts. The field si-ze tells the machine the size of the component being processed. The command works the same as "Space available for population".

2.3.2.2 Space available for population For a given area (such as a mounting panel or a door), the "space available for po-pulation" is the area on which components can be mounted. This is normally the entire area (such as the entire mounting panel). Use this command if you want to change this so reduce the area available for mounting components. First, make certain that only the affected area is active. On the component"s Navi-gator node, choose "Space available for population". Two vertical and two horizon-tal lines are displayed, representing the space available.

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Tap one of the lines to move it and adjust the available space:

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2.4 Using custom 3D models as enclosure templates

Users often want to supplement the enclosures provided in the EPLAN Cabinet da-tabase and in RiCAD 3D with their own enclosure models. Custom enclosures can be added manually to the EPLAN Cabinet database, but this method is not suitable if you want to incorporate a detailed enclosure model from another system. For such cases, EPLAN Cabinet has commands for importing models and integrat-ing them with the EPLAN Cabinet database.

Requirements

To import a custom model into EPLAN Cabinet, you need: • EPLAN Cabinet • 3D interface • 3D model of the enclosure Custom enclosures models can be imported into EPLAN Cabinet version 4.2 or la-ter. The models must be in a supported 3D data format. Formats supported by EPLAN Cabinet: • SAT (interface included in EPLAN Cabinet) • DWG (interface included in EPLAN Cabinet) • STEP (interface has to be purchased separately) Note: The available information on an imported enclosure depends on the software used to create it. Only what is exported (into a file) will later be available for use in EPLAN Cabinet.

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2.4.1 Importing a 3D enclosure model Copy the 3D model file to your drawing directory, Z. You may want to create a sub-directory for the purpose (e.g. "3D models"). Example: This example uses a file called Schaltschrank1.stp, containing a model of an en-closure in STEP format. The file is in a subdirectory, "Z:3D Modelle\". Start EPLAN Cabinet and, on the menu, choose FILE - OPEN.

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Change the file type to "*.stp (STEP)".

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Double-click the "3D Modelle" directory to open it, then select the STEP file you want.

Choose [Open]. In the next dialogue, called "Import options", select both options.

Click [OK].

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In the standard sheet dialogue parameters, just click [OK] without making any changes.

EPLAN Cabinet will now create a new drawing and import the enclosure model. This may take some time depending on the size, detail and scope of the model. When "Select function" is displayed on the status bar, EPLAN Cabinet has finished opening the model. In the Navigator, double-click "Isometric 1 (ISO)" under "Viewpoints" to display the enclosure.

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The Navigator also shows the individual solids that make up the enclosure. In this example, these are three parameterless components (an enclosure and two mount-ing panels).

EPLAN Cabinet has now finished importing the custom enclosure.

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Save the drawing (e.g. in "Z:\3D Modelle").

Note: This is not yet a finished EPLAN Cabinet enclosure. The drawing saved here is only an intermediate stage.

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2.4.2 Correcting the orientation of the enclosure When they are first imported, all solids have the same orientation in 3D space as they had in the program used to create the model. You will probably need to correct the enclosure"s orientation for EPLAN Cabinet. In the example, the enclosure is rotated 180° from where it should be. The rear pa-nel and mounting panel are currently at the front. This must be corrected before going on any further. In this example, the enclosure must be rotated through 180° about the Z-axis. Note: A different model might require different treatment. The corrections needed depend on the model and the conditions that applied when it was exported from the program it was made in. Choose the Rotate command on the menu by selecting Edit - Sketches/Models - Rotate.

Edit | Sketches/Models | Rotate

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First, select the rotation axis. A suitable axis in our example is the right-hand verti-cal edge of the enclosure. To select this edge, press and hold down the CTRL key, point at the edge and click once.

Type "180" for the rotation angle in this example.

Now to select the elements to be rotated. These are the two solids in our example (the enclosure is one solid and the two mounting panels are two instances of the other).

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Using rectangle selection mode, select the elements you want.

Click inside the rectangle to confirm your selection.

If you are happy with the selection, choose [Yes].

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All solids in the example are rotated to their proper orientation in 3D space.

Save the drawing in its current form.

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2.4.3 Creating an enclosure template from an imported model The various solids in the drawing are not yet enclosure components: they are just solids without any logical information. The drawing itself is not yet an EPLAN Cabinet enclosure drawing. We will now do something about this. Note: In the next step, the drawing will be made into an enclosure drawing and all solids in it will become components of the enclosure. Because this step cannot be undone, you should first save your drawing in its current form so that you can come back to this point at any time. Choose the Create Template command.

External enclosure templates

Create template from drawing or sketch

Components | External enclosures | Create template

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The changes are displayed straight away in the drawing, with shading enabled. The separate solids are automatically made into enclosure components and so take on the transparency settings specified for such components in the EPLAN Cabinet pa-rameters. The enclosure object hierarchy is automatically displayed in the Navigator (you may need to refresh the Navigator to see it). In our example, the result is the three enclosure components in "Schaltschrank1".

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2.4.4 Specifying enclosure components First of all, you can rename the enclosure. To do this, right-click the enclosure in the Navigator and choose "Cabinet - Name".

Once you have changed the name, choose [OK].

So far, three "general" enclosure components are specified in the example. In reality, they are an enclosure and two mounting panels. We will next designate the two mounting panels in the example. Select the lower component in the Navigator. Note: Selecting a component in the Navigator also selects the corresponding solid in the drawing.

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Right-click the component to open the context menu, and choose "Define compo-nent".

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Under "Mounting part ID", select the type of component - "mounting panel" in our example. You can also enter a descriptive name under which the component will be stored.

In the case of a mounting panel, the two surfaces available for population are des-ignated automatically.

Note: Space available for population

For a given surface (like a mounting panel or a door), the "space available for population" is the area where components can be mounted. This is normally the entire surface (for example an entire mounting panel). Use this command if you want to change this and reduce the area available for mounting components.

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Right-click the mounting panel in the Navigator and choose "Space available for population".

The straight lines at the top, bottom, left and right mark out the space available for population. To restrict the available space further, click one of the lines, move it and click again to fix it in its new location.

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Tip:

Before you use this command, rotate the drawing to view the mounting panel from the front. This makes it easier to see what is going on as you work.

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Note: Field size

The "field size" determines the size of a routing field (such as a mounting panel) from a manufacturing point of view. It does not matter whether the mounting panel or other component is placed in the drilling machine with or without fitted parts. The field size tells the machine the size of the component being processed. The command works the same as "Space available for population". Right-click the mounting panel in the Navigator and choose "Field size". Specify the field size as described above. Once you have specified the space available for population and the field size, the component is fully defined and ready for use in EPLAN Cabinet. This is indicated in the Navigator by the black boxes around the symbols for the mounting panels.

Now repeat for the second mounting panel in our example. The result looks like this:

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We will now deal with the enclosure. Right-click to open the context menu, and select "Define component".

First, select "Enclosure" for the type of component under Component ID. Now type a description. Choose [OK].

With an enclosure, unlike a mounting panel, the mounting areas are not automati-cally designated. The next step is to identify these manually. Various parts of an enclosure (such as the top, side, rear and bottom panels) can be made available for mounting components. Note: In our example, we will specify the right side panel and the top. The same procedure applies for all surfaces.

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To specify mounting areas: On the toolbar, select the Define Mounting Area command.

External enclosure templates

Define mounting area

Components | External enclosures | Define mounting area

Note: Surfaces must be visible - and so capable of being selected - for them to be made into mounting areas. If the surfaces you want are not visible, select an ap-propriate view of the enclosure before selecting this command. Select the command and click the top panel of the enclosure.

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The panel is highlighted so you can verify your selection. The component type has been specified earlier, which is why the Component ID section is already filled in. It also already has a description. Note: The ID and description can be altered at this point if required.

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Now specify the mounting area and type in a description for it. The description is displayed in the Navigator.

Choose [OK].

Specify the space available for population and the field size for the new mounting area, as described earlier.

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Repeat for the right-hand side panel.

The result looks like this:

All required mounting areas are now specified.

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2.4.5 Specifying an origin for the enclosure So that the enclosure can be precisely placed in drawings, its append point for pla-cement must be carefully specified. The append point is specified as the origin of the enclosure drawing. The append point of an enclosure should always be at the bottom left of the rear panel. To specify the append point:

View

Rotate view

• Rotate the view so you can see the bottom left corner of the rear panel.

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View

Zoom

• Zoom in on the corner you want.

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• Select the corner by using point search (with no command active). The coor-dinate system is moved to the corner. Note: "Point search" means press and hold the left mouse button until the point is selected.

Note: If the coordinate cross will not move to the corner point, the default "novice" mode is probably still enabled. The coordinate system cannot be moved manually in this mode. To disable novice mode, on the menu, select Tools - Options - Working Pla-nes Auto/Manual. You will then be able to move the coordinate cross.

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• On the menu, choose Elements | Drawing Origin. • Use point search to select the corner you want.

• Press [RETURN] to confirm the selected origin.

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2.4.6 Saving an enclosure as a template The enclosure is almost finished. The final step is to make it available to EPLAN Cabinet for use as an enclosure template.

Project Wizard | Save current drawing as template

File | Project Wizard | Save current drawing as template

Open the Project Wizard. Select the "Save current drawing as template" option.

Choose "OK". EPLAN Cabinet automatically opens the appropriate directory. Type a name for the template drawing.

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Choose [Save]. The new enclosure is immediately available for use in EPLAN Cabinet projects. The enclosure can be: • Placed like a "normal" enclosure using the "Place enclosure" command.

• Used as a template for new projects.

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2.5 RiCAD 3D enclosures

RiCAD 3D is a program provided by Rittal for integrating Rittal CAD data into a de-sign drawing. EPLAN Cabinet is closely integrated with RiCAD 3D. The TS8, CM and AE enclosure series from the RiCAD 3D catalogue can be used in EPLAN Cabinet. You can select an enclosure straight from the catalogue and insert it in an EPLAN Cabinet project. The Rittal accessories included in the RiCAD 3D catalogue cannot yet be incorpo-rated into EPLAN Cabinet.

The following RiCAD 3D enclosures can be used in EPLAN Cabinet projects: • AE compact enclosures • CM compact system enclosures • TS8 modular enclosures • TS8 configurator

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2.5.1 Installing RiCAD 3D

2.5.1.1 Running RiCAD 3D from CD RiCAD 3D is supplied on a CD. There is no installation routine. The program does not need to be installed. You simply insert the CD and start work. This has the advantage that you can insert and use the CD as needed. The downside is that every user needs a CD or has to share one with others.

2.5.1.2 Running RiCAD 3D from hard disk The contents of the RiCAD 3D can be copied to any hard disk directory. The pro-gram can then be run from that directory at any time. This has the advantage that every network user can have direct access to the sa-me data. It also drastically reduces the administrative effort of installing updates. To copy the RiCAD 3D to hard disk: • Insert the RiCAD 3D CD. If the program automatically opens, close it. • Open Windows Explorer and click your CD drive. • Select the entire contents of the RiCAD 3D CD and then choose Edit -Copy. • Create a new directory on a network drive or on your hard disk, for example

Q:\RiCAD3D. • Click the new directory, and choose Edit - Insert. Windows will now copy the

entire contents of the CD to the new directory. • Switch to (or start) EPLAN Cabinet and select the parameter settings under

Information/Security - EPLAN Cabinet Parameters. • Choose the Eplan tab.

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• Change the RiCAD 3D parameter to the new directory. Click [OK] to save the new parameter setting. Repeat this parameter setting on all workstations.

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2.5.2 Using RiCAD 3D data There are three ways to access enclosure data in order to insert an enclosure in EPLAN Cabinet: • Enclosure from the EPLAN Cabinet database • Enclosure from a template • Enclosure from the RiCAD 3D enclosures catalogue These options are available whether you are creating a new EPLAN Cabinet pro-ject or inserting an enclosure into an existing project. When you select the placement command, the first option in the dialogue specifies the number of enclosures you want to insert:

Next, click the [RICAD 3D] button To select and place a RiCAD 3D enclosure.

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A dialogue opens for you to specify the placement mode and row spacing:

To choose freely where to place the enclosure, select "Place enclosure user de-fined" and specify a placement point. Alternatively, choose the "baying enclosure left" or "baying enclosure right" options to place one or more enclosures (as specified in "Quantity") so they are next to each other. Note: Enter the value for the spacing by hand. In the status bar, you are prompted to click the enclosure or profile. The placement point is always the bottom left rear corner of the enclosure. Specify the placement point. RiCAD 3D now starts up.

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The next step is to select an enclosure.

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2.5.3 Finding an enclosure in RiCAD 3D There are several ways to find and select an enclosure:

• Browse catalogue

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• Classes

• Favourites

Note: To create a favourite, right-click an enclosure in the hierarchy.

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• History

• Search

Type a search expression (for example a name) and click [Search].

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The search results are shown in the lower area. The search result is a list of objects matching the type of search:

To select one of the enclosures, double-click it in the list. RiCAD 3D then does calculations on the selected model and displays a further se-lection:

The upper area shows all enclosures of the selected model. If you want to narrow down the selection, there are various ways to do so:

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The main ways of filtering the selection are as follows:

• Filtering by column headings

Simply click a column heading. For example, if you want to select an enclosure by its width, click the column heading W for Width.

You can now filter the selection to show all enclosures matching a specific width or width range. You can also specify the sort order.

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Click [OK] to sort and redisplay the list. The current filter is displayed in the column heading.

A number of different filters can be combined:

To remove a filter, right-click the column-heading.

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• Filtering by individual values

Click a value, for example W = 800.

The list is filtered and sorted. The current filter is displayed in the column heading. Filter criteria can be combined. To remove a filter, right-click the column-heading.

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2.5.4 Additional information on RiCAD 3D enclosure models Additional information is available on the enclosure models in RiCAD 3D. To dis-play it, click [PDF Catalogue]. Note: To use this feature, you need to have Acrobat Reader installed.

Information on the selected product is displayed from the Rittal manual.

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2.5.5 Detail level for displaying parts in RiCAD 3D You have the option of specifying a detail level in RiCAD 3D. Simply click the box provided for the purpose:

The available detail levels are low, medium and high.

Note: Parts are currently always transferred to EPLAN Cabinet at "low" detail, re-gardless of the setting in RiCAD 3D.

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2.5.6 Transferring an enclosure to EPLAN Cabinet Once you have filtered the selection, you can select the enclosure you want. To do this, simply click the appropriate line number.

The selected enclosure is shown in various views in the lower portion of the screen.

All views can be enlarged in the usual way. Additionally details can be made visible when required.

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To transfer the enclosure to EPLAN Cabinet, choose Export - Export on the menu or click the Export button.

The system automatically returns to EPLAN Cabinet to insert the selected enclo-sure.

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Note: As well as importing a graphical representation of the enclosure, EPLAN Cabinet also integrates it into its component hierarchy. That is, the enclosure is given logi-cal data that identifies it as an enclosure, and its components are tagged and trea-ted as enclosure components. EPLAN Cabinet can automatically tell the difference between a mounting panel, a door, a profile, etc. The hierarchy is displayed in the Navigator:

You can work with an enclosure imported from RiCAD 3D exactly as you do with any other enclosure from the EPLAN Cabinet database. A RiCAD 3D enclosure has the major advantage, however, of being far more de-tailed and its data having been provided directly by the manufacturer.

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Creating and editing projects and drawings Baying enclosures

EPLAN Cabinet 2-73

2.6 Baying enclosures

EPLAN Cabinet can arrange one or more enclosures next to others in the drawing. There are three easy-to-use options for placing enclosures: • Place enclosure user defined • Baying enclosure left • Baying enclosure right The spacing between enclosures is taken from the database and can be modified before placement. Any side panels can be removed when arranging enclosures in a row. These features can be used with: • Enclosures from the EPLAN Cabinet database • Enclosure templates • Enclosures from RiCAD 3D Enclosure templates are always placed with the quantity set to 1. A dialogue opens when you select an enclosure for placement in a drawing:

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Creating and editing projects and drawings Baying enclosures

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You can still place the enclosure at any location by selecting the "Place enclosure user defined" option and entering a placement point. Alternatively, choose the "Baying enclosure left" or "Baying enclosure right" options to place one or more enclosures (as specified in "Quantity") so they are next to each other. Note: Any number of enclosures from the EPLAN Cabinet database or RiCAD 3D can be placed at a time by specifying a quantity. Enclosure templates are always placed one at a time.

Example

Existing drawing:

To place three TS8 enclosures so that they adjoin the TS8 enclosure already in the drawing:

• On the menu, choose Components - Enclosures and then "Place En-

closure".

• Choose an enclosure from the database and specify the quantity.

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• Choose [OK] to confirm. A dialogue is then displayed:

• Under "Mode", select "Baying enclosure right".

Note: The spacing between enclosures is taken from the database and can be modified before placement.

• In the status bar, you are prompted to click the enclosure or profile.

Click the enclosure in the drawing. The new enclosure will be placed next to the enclosure you click.

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• A message is displayed:

• Choose whether to remove the right-hand side panel of the enclosure already in the drawing (because a new enclosure will adjoin it). If you select [Yes], the right side panel of the existing enclosure and the left side panel of the first new enclosure will be omitted when the new enclosure is added. If you select [No], the first new enclosure will be placed with all side panels in-tact and the enclosure already in the drawing will remain unchanged.

Note: When you insert two or more enclosures, their side panels are always omitted. If this is not what you want, place the enclosures individually.

• Once you have made your selection, the enclosures are inserted in the draw-

ing.

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Result:

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Activating and displaying components

EPLAN Cabinet 3-1

3 Activating and displaying components .....................3-2 3.1 Activating a component ............................................................ 3-2 3.2 Activating a component exclusively ........................................ 3-7 3.3 Isometric view of all parts ......................................................... 3-9 3.4 Enclosure views ....................................................................... 3-10 3.4.1 Create view of parts available for mounting on..................................... 3-11 3.4.2 Creating custom views.......................................................................... 3-13 3.5 Modifying views ....................................................................... 3-14 3.5.1 Moving a view ....................................................................................... 3-14 3.5.2 Centring a view ..................................................................................... 3-14 3.5.3 Resizing a view..................................................................................... 3-15 3.5.4 Fit geometry to view size ...................................................................... 3-15 3.5.5 Changing the scale of a view................................................................ 3-16 3.5.6 Deleting a view ..................................................................................... 3-16 3.6 Zoom.......................................................................................... 3-17 3.7 Labels ........................................................................................ 3-19 3.7.1 Global parameter settings for labels ..................................................... 3-19 3.7.2 Visibility of labels .................................................................................. 3-21 3.7.3 Editing existing labels ........................................................................... 3-23 3.7.4 Showing and hiding labels .................................................................... 3-24 3.8 Displaying component labelling ............................................. 3-26 3.8.1 Item number labelling ........................................................................... 3-26 3.8.2 Device tag labelling............................................................................... 3-26 3.8.3 Renumbering components.................................................................... 3-26 3.8.4 Repositioning label text......................................................................... 3-27 3.9 Showing/hiding shading.......................................................... 3-29 3.10 Showing/hiding hidden edges ................................................ 3-30 3.11 Rotating a view......................................................................... 3-31 3.12 Set grid ...................................................................................... 3-33

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Activating and displaying components Activating a component

3-2 EPLAN Cabinet

3 Activating and displaying components

3.1 Activating a component

One of the basic features of working in EPLAN Cabinet is that a component is al-ways subordinate to another component. The other component can be part of the main enclosure, an auxiliary component such as a mounting rail, or an electrical component that has already been placed in the drawing. Before placing a component for the first time, its reference component must be ac-tivated.

View

Activate component

View | Activate component

The activation method can be toggled between two modes: Edge A component is activated by holding down [Ctrl] and tapping one its edges. This is the usual method and is best suited for mounting panels, side panels and doors. Surface A component is activated by holding down [Ctrl] and tapping one of its surfaces. Hold down the [Ctrl] key and tap an edge or surface of a component. The view in modelling space and the viewing plane remain unchanged, but the working plane is set to the reference component so that subsequent input when placing a component takes effect on that plane.

The colour of the activated component can be selected as a parameter.

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Activating and displaying components Activating a component

EPLAN Cabinet 3-3

When you place a subsequent component, such as a mounting rail, it is highlighted in colour and the name of the activated component is displayed.

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Activating and displaying components Activating a component

3-4 EPLAN Cabinet

Mounting rail placed on mounting panel:

The mounting rail can now be fitted with other components. If the mounting rail is activated, all subsequent components are placed in its working plane.

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EPLAN Cabinet 3-5

Special case: Inward-facing surfaces in a closed cabinet

When components are activated by tapping a surface, note that surfaces located behind others are only available for activation when they are visible. One situation in which this effect becomes noticeable is when the enclosure door is closed. If the wanted surface is not visible, tapping it will select the visible surface located in front of it, so an attempt to activate the rear panel of a enclosure when the door is closed will result in the door being selected instead:

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3-6 EPLAN Cabinet

In such cases, switch to Edge mode and try activating the rear panel by tapping one of its edges. If this fails, hide the door and use the "Activate component exclu-sively" command.

View toolbar | Activate component exclusively

Navigator: Another easy way to activate any component is by using the Naviga-tor. The context menu for each surface of a component includes "Acti-vate" and "Activate exclusive" commands:

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EPLAN Cabinet 3-7

3.2 Activating a component exclusively

The "Activate component exclusively" command activates a component as a refer-ence component for use when placing other components and at the same time dis-plays it "exclusively" from the front: All other components of the enclosure not re-lated to the activated component or not placed on it are hidden. Activation and exclusive display of a component is not saved with the drawing.

View

Activate component exclusively

View | Activate component exclusively

The activation method can be toggled between two modes: Edge A component is activated by holding down [Ctrl] and tapping one its edges. This is the usual method and is best suited for mounting panels, side panels and doors. Surface A component is activated by holding down [Ctrl] and tapping one of its surfaces. Hold down the [Ctrl] key and tap an edge or surface of the component you want to activate. The activated component, e.g. a mounting panel, is shown from the front. All side panels, profiles, doors and components fitted to them are hidden. Components be-longing to the activated component remain visible.

The colour of the activated component can be selected as a parameter.

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3-8 EPLAN Cabinet

When a mounting panel is activated, the ducts, mounting rails and other compo-nents attached to it remain visible.

Components can be moved during placement on the mounting rail:

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Activating and displaying components Isometric view of all parts

EPLAN Cabinet 3-9

3.3 Isometric view of all parts

The Isometric View command switches back from an exclusive front view of the ac-tivated component to an isometric view of the modelling space. All parts and placed components are shown.

View

Change to ISO view

View | Isometric view

The activated component remains activated. Change to isometric view

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Activating and displaying components Enclosure views

3-10 EPLAN Cabinet

3.4 Enclosure views

Views are standardised elevations on 3D space. A drawing can contain several views. Enclosure views can only be used for displaying a drawing; they are needed in particular for DXF drawing data exports to EPLAN. Unlike other ways of display-ing a drawing, editing is not possible in enclosure views; the commands for activat-ing components are not available.

View

Enclosure views

View | Enclosure views

EPLAN Cabinet includes three predefined views to display the enclosure or parts of it at various scales: • Front view of the door/cabinet front • Front view of the mounting panel • Isometric view of the enclosure

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EPLAN Cabinet 3-11

The views are shown under the Views node in the Navigator and are saved with the drawing.

Selecting or clearing the checkbox next to a view icon shows or hides the view. Hidden views are not included in DXF data exports. After a DXF export, you can switch back to another viewing mode.

3.4.1 Create view of parts available for mounting on A view of enclosure parts available for mounting on - such as the side panels, rear panel, profile, mounting panel and door - can be generated in the Navigator. The view shows the selected component front-on.

Navigator | right-click layer available for mounting on | Create view

The display switches from model to view. Specify the bottom left and top right-hand corner of the view border. You can now create a view just for the selected element (profile, mounting panel, door, etc.). If you click [Yes], the selected component is shown in the view together with all parts on it, including parts that extend beyond the component"s edges.

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Example 1: View of a mounting panel

If you click [No] and a component fitted with devices spans multiple enclosures, the view will show the entire array. Example 2: View of a mounting panel (left) and all elements in an array

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EPLAN Cabinet 3-13

3.4.2 Creating custom views The default enclosure views can be supplemented with additional standard views and various types of custom views.

View | 3D views | Create views

Creates a single view. The type of view is selectable.

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Activating and displaying components Modifying views

3-14 EPLAN Cabinet

3.5 Modifying views

3.5.1 Moving a view

View | 3D Views | Move

View border | Move

To move a view, select this command and tap in the view to move. You can then drag the view across the screen with the cursor. [Return] toggles between free movement in any direction, movement in X only and movement in Y only. Drop the view at its new location.

3.5.2 Centring a view

View | 3D Views | Centre

View border | Centre

Centres the elements • In one view, by tapping the view. • In all views, by pressing [Return].

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3.5.3 Resizing a view

View | 3D Views | Resize

View border | Resize

To change the window size of a view, select this command, tap inside a corner of the view and drag its border in or out.

3.5.4 Fit geometry to view size

View | 3D Views | Fit Geometry to View Size

View border | Fit geometry to View Size

This is the reverse of the Optimum Size command. The size of the view remains unchanged, while the geometry in the view is zoomed to fit in the view. Pick the view you want press [Return] for all views.

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3.5.5 Changing the scale of a view

Right-click view border | Scale

Different views in a 3D drawing can have different scales: you can choose the dis-play scale for each view. You can also re-centre the geometry in the view after re-scaling so that it can be seen in its entirety. Select the command and pick the view to rescale. You then have the following op-tions: Enlarge To enlarge the displayed size of the geometry enter a larger scale (e.g. 1:2 instead of 1:1). Reduce To reduce the displayed size of the geometry enter a smaller scale (e.g. 2:1 instead of 1:1). Use drawing scale Press [Return] to use the current drawing scale. Press [Return] when you are done if you wish to centre the geometry in the view.

3.5.6 Deleting a view

View | 3D Views | Delete

Navigator | Right-click View node | Delete

View border | Delete

Select this command and pick the view you want to delete.

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Activating and displaying components Zoom

EPLAN Cabinet 3-17

3.6 Zoom

Zooming with the mouse wheel

Turn the mouse wheel

You can zoom in or out to any magnification by turning the mouse (or pen) wheel towards or away from you. [Alt] for slow zoom Hold down the [Alt] key while turning the mouse wheel to zoom at a slower rate.

Zooming out with the right mouse button

Move the mouse backwards with the right button held down

Hold down the right mouse button and move the mouse backwards or backwards and to the left. A box is displayed, with arrows pointing to it from the corners of the current detail. The detail is zoomed out to the area enclosed by the box.

Zooming in with the left mouse button

Hold down the right mouse button and move the mouse forwards to the left or right to draw a box. The detail zooms in on the area covered by the box.

Panning with the middle mouse button

Move the mouse with the middle button held down

Moving the mouse in any direction with the middle button held down pans the detail from the point in it where the mouse button was pressed. The detail is not zoomed in or out at the same time.

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Activating and displaying components Zoom

3-18 EPLAN Cabinet

The four zoom buttons on the EPLAN Cabinet View toolbar help find your way a-round the drawing in any view (isometric view, exclusive component view or enclo-sure views).

Enable zoom

Zooms a specific area in the drawing window. If two or more drawings are open, tap the window you want to zoom first. Tap to define the bottom left corner of the area you want to zoom, move to the top right corner and tap again. The specified area is enlarged to fill the window.

Disable zoom

Returns to displaying the entire drawing. If two or more drawings are open, tap the window you want to restore first. The entire drawing is displayed again.

Zoom in (150%)

Zooms-in the centre of the current view in the drawing window to 150%. Tap the drawing window you want. All views can be zoomed, including enlarged views created with the Enable Zoom command.

Zoom out (75%)

Zooms-out the centre of the current view in the drawing window to 75%. Tap the drawing window you want. All views can be zoomed, including details and the entire drawing.

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Activating and displaying components Labels

EPLAN Cabinet 3-19

3.7 Labels

Many objects can have labels in EPLAN Cabinet, including devices, ducts, various rails and user-defined components. These labels are permanently assigned to each component and are placed automatically. The behaviour of the various types of label can be configured before and after pla-cement. These settings affect all components that have already been inserted in drawings and all that are inserted in future. Labels on components already in the drawing can also be modified in various ways. These include specifying a font size, fixed positioning, moving to a user-defined position, and showing and hiding individual labels independently of the glo-bal visibility setting.

3.7.1 Global parameter settings for labels Global settings can be specified for text labels in the EPLAN Cabinet parameters.

Information, organization and security

Parameters

Information/security | EPLAN Cabinet parameters

Click the Colours and Text tab

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In the marked areas, you can change the font colour and the font size for individual components. Note: These settings only affect new components placed from now onwards. Once you have clicked [OK], the settings are saved and will continue to apply the next time you start EPLAN Cabinet. Note: All settings are stored in a file, ecdapp.ini. This .ini file is stored in the ECDTRIGA4 subdirectory of the start directory. Settings can be transferred from one workstation to another by copying this file.

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Activating and displaying components Labels

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3.7.2 Visibility of labels The visibility of labels can be controlled separately for devices and ducts/rails. Select the command on the menu bar, under View - Configure Text.

You can choose separately for devices and ducts/rails whether to display: • Device tags • Item numbers • No labelling

Note:

"Devices" include: • Devices from the parts list (placed using the browser) • Universal components • User-defined components "Ducts and rails" include: • Ducts • Mounting rails • Busbar systems • Cable clamp rails These settings are applied to the currently open project as soon as they are con-firmed.

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Activating and displaying components Labels

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Each project has its own settings.

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Activating and displaying components Labels

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3.7.3 Editing existing labels Labels on placed components can be modified at any time. The modifiable parameters are: • Font size • Alignment • Fixed position It is also possible to specify a user-defined position. Note: Only the format and location of the labels are modified, not the text. On the menu, select View - Reposition Text.

The "automatic above", "automatic centred" and "automatic below" positioning op-tions can be applied to several components simultaneously. The "freely selectable" option can only be used on one component at a time. Choose the options you want, then select the components to apply them to. For multiple components, select them in rectangle selection mode.

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Activating and displaying components Labels

3-24 EPLAN Cabinet

To freely move a component"s label, choose the "freely selectable" option and specify an append point. Click the component. You can now move the label with the cursor and click again to set it down. The alignment and append point can still be modified.

If you alter the length of a duct or a rail, the label returns to its original position. The same happens if you exchange a duct or rail.

3.7.4 Showing and hiding labels You can show and hide labels of components that have already been placed in a drawing. The command applies for one component at a time. You will find it on the context menu that opens when you right-click a component.

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Activating and displaying components Labels

EPLAN Cabinet 3-25

Example:

Label shown:

Label hidden:

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Activating and displaying components Displaying component labelling

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3.8 Displaying component labelling

3.8.1 Item number labelling View

Display item number labelling

By default, components are labelled with their item number from the parts list asso-ciated with the project. Clicking the button a second time hides component item numbers.

3.8.2 Device tag labelling View

Show device tag labelling

Switches component labelling to device tags. Clicking the button a second time hi-des component device tags.

3.8.3 Renumbering components Information, Organization and Security

Renumber components

EPLAN Cabinet sequentially numbers all components as they are placed in an en-closure. Subsequently added components are given a number at the end of the se-quence. Gaps in the numbering resulting on component deletion are not automati-cally closed. Use the Renumber command to remove such discrepancies.

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Activating and displaying components Displaying component labelling

EPLAN Cabinet 3-27

3.8.4 Repositioning label text The positioning of label text on components is modifiable. For the sake of better readability, it may be necessary to change the position, alignment and font size of specific component labels from the default.

View

Reposition text

A dialogue opens with three options: Text position Placement of the text relative to the component: • Centre (default) • Above the component • Below the component Text alignment • Horizontal (default) • Vertical Text size • 12 pt (default) • Custom value Modify the settings and click [OK] to confirm. The dialogue closes and you can pick the components you want to apply the settings to. Individual components can be picked by tapping them one after another until you press [ESC] to stop. Multiple components can be picked by specifying a box that encloses them. Enter a point for the bottom left corner of the box, then press and hold the left mouse but-ton for about 1 sec. Move to the top right corner and tap to enter a point for that corner. To confirm: • Tap inside the box. This selects all components that are fully inside the box. • Tap next to the box. This selects all components that the box touches, including

ones outside it. You are then prompted to confirm your selection or to add other elements by tap-ping them. Choose [Yes] to apply the specified modification to the labels of all selected com-ponents.

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Example:

In the picture, the components inside the box are selected and their label texts are changed from centred to above.

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Activating and displaying components Showing/hiding shading

EPLAN Cabinet 3-29

3.9 Showing/hiding shading

View

Shading on View

Shading off

Shaded view shows the enclosure and its components with coloured surfaces. The top, side panels and door are 50% transparent. You can continue to work without restriction in shaded view. The transparency can be adjusted in the EPLAN Cabinet parameters.

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Activating and displaying components Showing/hiding hidden edges

3-30 EPLAN Cabinet

3.10 Showing/hiding hidden edges

View

Recalculate hidden edges View

Delete hidden edges

Hidden edges are edges of components that are concealed by surfaces between them and the viewer. The default view is isometric view with hidden edges dis-played; the enclosure and all components appear transparent. When you change to a different view, the information on which edges are visible in isometric view is lost. Correct display of the non-transparent parts is restored by re-calculation. Deleting redisplays the hidden edges.

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Activating and displaying components Rotating a view

EPLAN Cabinet 3-31

3.11 Rotating a view

"Rotate view contents" rotates the contents of a view or the model about all three axes.

View

Rotate view

Specify the view and centre of rotation

First, specify the view to rotate and the point about which it is to be rotated. Tap The centre of rotation is the centre of the space shown in the view. <Search> <Search> any point to make it the centre of rotation. The centre of rotation is marked with a cross.

Specify the rotation range

The possible rotation range is 360 degrees in each direction, i.e. it has the form of an imaginary sphere. There are two ways to control the rotation: 1) Tap Tap next to the centre of rotation to determine the size of the sphere. This also af-fects the rotation speed: the bigger the sphere, the slower the rotation of the view contents. The direction of rotation is determined by where you tap the sphere. Press [Return] to accept your settings; the rotation stops. 2) Drag Tap once to determine the size of the sphere and hold down the mouse but-ton/pen. You can now rotate the view contents on the imaginary sphere by moving the mouse or pen. When you let go of the mouse button/pen, the view stops rotating and is left at its current position. If you let go while moving, the rotation continues, leaving the view contents rotating around the specified point.

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Rotating with keyboard control

If you want to rotate the view contents manually in shaded or wireframe view, first specify a centre of rotation. Then specify an angle for the rotation increment. For example, if you enter 10°, each time you press the left or right cursor key and each time you tap in the view causes the view contents to be rotated by 10°. The PgUp and PgDn keys move the view contents closer or further away.

Stopping rotation

There are two ways to stop a view rotating: [Esc] Restores the view to its original orientation. [Return] Retains the current orientation.

Resetting a rotated view

To reset a rotated view to isometric view, right-click in the edge of the view and se-lect the "ISO view" option on the context menu.

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Activating and displaying components Set grid

EPLAN Cabinet 3-33

3.12 Set grid

When placing mounting panels and rails freehand, a grid can be enabled so that i-tems can only be positioned at points on the grid. The grid is displayed and used while making inputs. The grid is not found when you <search> for a point or enter position data using the keyboard.

View | Grid

View toolbar

The grid can be configured in a dialogue. Grid on Enables the grid for use. Grid spacing The default grid spacing is 1 mm. This can be changed by selecting or entering a different spacing. Start point for mounting surfaces On mounting panels, the first grid point is defined relative to the bottom left or the bottom right of the panel. On mounting rails, the grid always starts at the left.

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Placing and modifying structural components

EPLAN Cabinet 4-1

4 Placing and modifying structural components .........4-2 4.1 Adding a new enclosure to the current drawing..................... 4-2 4.1.1 Adding a Rittal TS8 enclosure ................................................................ 4-3 4.1.2 Additional options for TS6 enclosures .................................................... 4-4

4.1.2.1 Inserting chassis/mounting rail..................................................... 4-5 4.1.2.2 Inserting partial mounting panel................................................... 4-6 4.1.2.3 Swap door hinging ....................................................................... 4-7

4.2 Placing a mounting panel.......................................................... 4-8 4.2.1 Modifying mounting panels after placement ......................................... 4-13 4.2.2 Insert mounting panel infill .................................................................... 4-14 4.3 Placing a mounting rail............................................................ 4-15 4.3.1 Creating mounting rails in parallel ........................................................ 4-19 4.3.2 Editing a mounting rail .......................................................................... 4-24 4.4 Placing a duct ........................................................................... 4-25 4.4.1 Editing a duct ........................................................................................ 4-29 4.5 Placing a cable clamp rail........................................................ 4-30 4.6 Placing busbar systems .......................................................... 4-33 4.7 Placing a user-specified component...................................... 4-35 4.7.1 Setting a drawing origin for user-defined parts ..................................... 4-37 4.7.2 Aligning a user-defined part.................................................................. 4-37 4.8 Place user-defined holes......................................................... 4-38 4.9 Changing the length of components ..................................... 4-42 4.10 Moving a structural component ............................................. 4-44

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4 Placing and modifying structural components

Structural components are elements that support and provide routing for electrical components and cables. They include: • Enclosures • Mounting rails • Ducts • Cable brackets • Busbar systems 4.1 Adding a new enclosure to the current drawing

Placement

Select and place enclosure from database

Components | Enclosure

Use this command to insert one or more additional enclosures in a loaded drawing. Choose the model you want and type a quantity (2 in this case):

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To place an enclosure flush with its predecessor, <search> for a bottom corner.

4.1.1 Adding a Rittal TS8 enclosure Placement

[RICAD 3D] | Place Rittal TS8 enclosure from Cadenas

If you have a Cadenas Standard parts system providing Rittal TS8 enclosures in-stalled on your computer, you can optionally use one of these as an enclosure tem-plate. Press the [Ricad 3D] button to start Cadenas. Then, select and place an enclosure.

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4.1.2 Additional options for TS6 enclosures Rittal TS 8 enclosures can be configured in RICAD 3D and inserted, fully fitted, into EPLAN Cabinet drawings. Some components can be added to a TS 8 enclosure that has already been inserted in a drawing: • Chassis • Mounting rails • Partial mounting panels

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Placing and modifying structural components Adding a new enclosure to the current drawing

EPLAN Cabinet 4-5

4.1.2.1 Inserting chassis/mounting rail A TS 8 enclosure from RICAD 3D can be fitted with additional parts in EPLAN Ca-binet - for example, a TS system chassis or an 18 x 38 mm TS mounting rail, say to carry a partial mounting panel or an intermediate panel.

Navigator | right-click TS 8 enclosure | Insert chassis/mounting rail

The 17 x 73 mm TS system chassis is selected by default. You will find the mount-ing rail under this selection. For the fitting location, you can select the profile level for attaching the chassis (left, right, rear left, right, outside rear). The chassis can be moved with the cursor anywhere in the selected plane. Set it down at the location you want on the profile. Chassis and mounting rail inserted at outside rear

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Placing and modifying structural components Adding a new enclosure to the current drawing

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4.1.2.2 Inserting partial mounting panel A TS 8 enclosure from RICAD 3D can be fitted with an additional partial mounting panel.

Navigator | right-click TS 8 enclosure | Insert partial mounting panel

The width of the partial mounting panel is determined from the enclosure width and automatically dimensioned. The height is selected in a dialogue. The available choices of location are the rear panel and the left or right side panel. The chassis can be moved with the cursor anywhere in the selected plane. Set it down at the location you want on the side or rear panel. Partial mounting panel inserted on right side panel

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4.1.2.3 Swap door hinging On a narrow TS 8 enclosure from RICAD 3D, it is possible to reverse the door so that the hinges are on the other side. The lock is moved together with the hinges.

Navigator | right-click door | Swap door hinging

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4.2 Placing a mounting panel

There is no need to activate a component before placing a mounting panel. A mounting panel is assigned to the enclosure and by default is placed at the bottom left of the rear panel.

Placement

Place mounting panel

Components | Mounting panel

Tap or stroke the cabinet or a profile belonging to the cabinet to select it for place-ment of the mounting panel. Then specify the model and position of the mounting panel in the dialogue.

The [Panel] button opens a list of mounting panels in the database for selection. Click the panel you want to select it. This selects the entire row.

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Click [OK] to select the panel. The model is inserted in the placement dialogue.

Placement options

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Location Default: Pre-set location on all standard enclosures (always at rear).

Position The exact position relative to the placement point at bottom left can be specified using the X, Y and Z offsets: • Offset towards right • Offset towards front • Offset towards top

Example

The figures show mounting panels placed with different offsets. Mounting panel placed with To right = 0 To front = 0 To top = 0

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Mounting panel placed with To right = 500 To front = 0 To top = 0

Mounting panel placed with To right = 250 To front = 100 To top = 0

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Mounting panel placed with To right = 250 To front = 0 To top = 100

Mounting pan-els with location left and right

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4.2.1 Modifying mounting panels after placement A mounting panel"s properties and parameters can be modified at any time after placement. Right-click the mounting panel in your drawing and choose "Edit pa-rameters".

Drawing | Right-click mounting panel | Edit parameters

Navigator | Right-click mounting panel | Edit parameters

Modifiable parameters: • Panel model (select from database) • Location • X, Y and Z offsets If there are other components on the mounting panel, they move with it when you change the location, angle or offset.

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4.2.2 Insert mounting panel infill Infills close the gaps between mounting panels on adjacent TS 8 enclosures. They can be fitted with parts like a normal mounting panel - including with parts that span multiple enclosures.

Navigator | right-click mounting panel | Mounting panel infill

The space between the mounting panels on the adjacent TS 8 enclosures is calcu-lated and an infill is inserted to close the gap. The front of the infill is flush with the mounting panels.

The infill is listed as an enclosure component in the Navigator. It can be edited by right-clicking it in the Navigator or the drawing. Define component This assigns the infill a part number that will appear in the parts list.

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Placing and modifying structural components Placing a mounting rail

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4.3 Placing a mounting rail

A mounting rail is usually attached to a mounting panel or a cabinet profile. Before placing one on a mounting panel or a side panel, activate the component it will be assigned to.

Activate component and rotate view to show it front on, hiding all other components

Activate component

Select and place component

Place mounting rail

Components | Mounting rail

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The database contains various sizes of mounting rail. Click a record in the data-base browser to select the one you want.

There are two ways to activate a component: Edge To activate a component (to select it as the component on which the mounting rail will be placed), [Ctrl]-click one of its edges. Surface To activate a component, [Ctrl]-click one of its surfaces. Mounting rails are always placed vertically or horizontally. There are several ways to enter the first placement point: Point <Search> for a point on a mounting panel or a cabinet profile or enter a user-defined point. Construction Enter X and Y values relative to the selected reference point. Stroke parallel component If the mounting panel already features a mounting rail or a parallel duct, etc., you can place the new mounting rail parallel to it by stroking the existing component.

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In either case, once you have entered the first point: • Press [Return] to toggle the append point at the cursor from left to middle to

right:

• Enter a user-defined second point or choose one by <search>ing:

• Or enter a number to specify the length of the mounting rail:

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The mounting rail is placed on the active mounting panel.

Isometric view of the rail:

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4.3.1 Creating mounting rails in parallel The ability to place mounting rails in parallel to existing parts means you can very quickly fit a mounting panel with precisely placed rows of mounting rails.

Place mounting rail

Components | Mounting rail

Select the mounting rail you want from the database.

Click [OK] to confirm your selection. Press and hold the [Ctrl] key and tap a rail to use its length and position. The new rail can now be moved with the cursor. You can specify a placement point manually or determine it by entering a distance. You can also change the append point for the new rail (right-left-middle).

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Calculation of spacing

A parameter specifies how the spacing is measured: • Between centres • Between edges

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Placing a mounting rail centred between parallel components

Pick a second parallel component (this can also be a duct or another rail) to place a new rail exactly centred between it and the first one. First point [Ctrl]-tap an edge of the first rail.

Second point [Ctrl]-tap an edge of the second parallel rail.

The new rail is placed in the middle between the two.

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Isometric view

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4.3.2 Editing a mounting rail There are two ways to modify a mounting rail: • Modify the length using "Modify component length" • Changing the model by choosing a different one from the database

Right-click mounting rail | Edit parameters

Choose a different model in the database browser. Click [OK] to replace the mount-ing rail with the selected model.

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4.4 Placing a duct

Before placing a duct, you need to activate the component it will be assigned to.

Activate component and rotate view to show it front on, hiding all other components

Activate component

Select and place component

Place duct

Ducts are drawn in the same way as mounting rails. The same features apply: • Select a model in the database browser • <Search> for a point or enter a user-defined point • Use [Return] to toggle the append point between middle/left/right • <Search> for a second point or enter a user-defined point • Alternatively enter a number to specify a length • [Ctrl]-tap a component to create parallel copies (use [Return] to toggle the ap-

pend point) • [Ctrl]-tap two parallel components to place a duct between them

Drawing with ducts

Select the duct you want in the database browser.

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Ducts should be positioned slightly inward from the components they are mounted on to avoid overlaps and collisions. To ensure this, use relative reference points: Press and hold [Alt Gr] and tap the top left corner of the rear panel. A coordi-nate cross is displayed there. For the first placement point, enter the relative coordinates X = 60 and Y = -60.

Press [Return] to switch the append point to the right so that the duct is de-finitely inside the enclosure. Set down the second point at a suit-able distance from the bottom edge.

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For the next duct, press and hold the [Ctrl] key and tap the first to create a parallel copy.

Switch the append point to the right and use the top right corner of the rear panel as a relative reference point with x = -60, Y = -60.

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Complete the structure with a cross-link between the two vertical ducts (append point at left).

The isometric view shows the ducts on the mounting panel between the sur-rounding profiles.

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4.4.1 Editing a duct There are two ways to modify a duct: • Modify the length using "Modify component length" • Changing the model by choosing a different one from the database

Right-click duct | Edit parameters

Choose a different model in the database browser. Click [OK] to replace the duct with the selected model.

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Placing and modifying structural components Placing a cable clamp rail

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4.5 Placing a cable clamp rail

Place cable clamp rail

The cable clamp rail model is selectable in the database. These components are used to relieve strain on cables and can be fitted at various places in a cabinet. The placement method differs according to the location: • On a mounting panel (placement on current component) • On a user-specified plane

Placement on the current component

Activate the component you want, for example the mounting panel.

Activate component and rotate view to show it front on, hiding all other components

Activate component

Place the cable clamp rail by entering two points (1) or [Ctrl]-tap a parallel compo-nent (2).

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Placement on a user-specified plane

In the database browser, select the "free" placement option. You are prompted to tap a surface, for example a floor profile on one side. Finally, enter the two end-points for the clamp rail. The clamp rail is placed in the same plane as the specified surface.

Parallel copies

When creating parallel copies, the clamp rail can only be moved in the current ran-ge.

The append point at the cursor is in the middle and can be toggled between middle, left and right by pressing [Return]. Enter a point to place the clamp rail.

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Alternatively, instead of entering a placement point, enter a spacing value. The next clamp rail is then displayed at the specified distance.

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4.6 Placing busbar systems

Before placing a busbar system, you need to activate the component it will be as-signed to.

Activate component and rotate view to show it front on, hiding all other components

Activate component

Select and place component

Place busbar

As busbars cannot be placed with an offset input, it is important to set the place-ment points very exactly, so by <searching> other existing points (tap and briefly hold the left mouse button). A busbar is placed similarly to a mounting rail: • Select a model in the database browser • Enter point 1 • Use [Return] to toggle the append point between middle/left/right • Enter point 2 to place the busbar at a user-specified location • Or enter a length • Stroke a first parallel component to accept its orientation and length • Stroke a second parallel component to place the busbar in the middle be-

tween the two Once it has been placed, a busbar system"s parameters can no longer be modi-fied, but it can be moved and its length can be changed.

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Busbar placed on mounting rail

Isometric view of busbar

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4.7 Placing a user-specified component

User-specified components are specified in EPLAN Cabinet and are part of the pro-ject hierarchy. They are represented in the drawing as a 3D CAD object by a graphical macro. Typical uses are screws, bearings, eyelets, supports, struts, etc.

Component | User-defined component

Placement toolbar

Make the necessary entries in the dialogue. The graphical macro must exist as a drawing object; if none is entered, a rectangular solid with the specified dimensions is placed.

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Placement options

Placement mode Change active component • Edge • Surface • User-specified surface

Corrections • Horizontal offset • Vertical offset • Mounting depth

Append point • Bottom/middle/top • Left/middle/right

Collision check-ing

Can be disabled if needed. User-specified components can then be placed on top of and inside each other.

Placing

The component moves with the cursor and can be placed at any point within the current plane. Because it is part of the project hierarchy, it is included in any mo-vement of the enclosure or component on which it is mounted. User-specified component after placement (strut on rear of door)

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4.7.1 Setting a drawing origin for user-defined parts All parts that can be placed in a drawing must have a specified origin. This is the point by which a part is moved at the cursor and inserted in a Cabinet drawing. There are three commands for setting the origin in a part drawing:

Elements | Drawing origin | 3D point

Elements | Drawing origin | Project 3D point onto surface

Elements | Drawing origin | Project 3D point onto floor

3D point The origin can be placed anywhere in 3D space, regardless of the current position of the working plane. Press [Return] to confirm. Project 3D point onto surface Click a surface of the solid and then the origin. The origin is projected onto the se-lected surface if it is not on the surface to start with. Press [Return] to confirm. Project 3D point onto floor Places the origin on the bottom surface, even if it is specified at a top corner or on a top surface. Press [Return] to confirm.

4.7.2 Aligning a user-defined part Use the Align command to rotate a user-defined enclosure part outside of the Graphical Editor into the orientation required for insertion in the drawing.

Elements | Align part

The part is rotated in 90 degree increments about the specified drawing origin. Se-lect the rotation axis (X, Y or Z) in the dialogue. The selected axis is shown elon-gated in the drawing. Click the [Rotate] button to rotate the part through 90 degrees. Click [OK] to finish.

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4.8 Place user-defined holes

User-defined holes are openings in structural parts. The openings can have various shapes and diameters. You need to activate a part before you can add an opening.

Placement

User-defined holes

Components | User-defined holes

User-defined holes are available in various shapes: • Round hole • Thread • Rectangle with subtypes right angle, chamfered and filleted • Slot • Hexagon • Octagon • Contour Enter the parameters in the dialogue according to the selected type of hole.

Parameters for "round hole" type

Diameter Diameter of the round hole Append point Choice of nine points; default: centre-centre

Parameters for "threaded" type

Diameter Thread diameter Append point Choice of nine points; default: centre-centre

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Parameters for "rectangle" type, "right angle" subtype

Height Height of rectangle in mm Width Width of rectangle in mm Angle Placement angle; any user-defined angle; default: 0° Append point Choice of nine points; default: centre-centre

Parameters for "rectangle" type, "chamfered (x45°)" subtype"

Height Height of rectangle in mm Width Width of rectangle in mm Chamfer distance Distance between corner of edge line to chamfer line; chamfer angle is fixed at 45°. Angle Placement angle; any user-defined angle; default: 0° Append point Choice of nine points; default: centre-centre

Parameters for "rectangle" type, "filleted" subtype

Height Height of rectangle in mm Width Width of rectangle in mm Corner radius Fillet radius; cannot be larger than height/2 or width/2. Angle Placement angle; any user-defined angle; default: 0°

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Append point Choice of nine points; default: centre-centre

Parameters for "slot" type

Height = Diameter Height of slot or diameter of rounded ends in mm Length Length of slot between outer point of rounded ends in mm Angle Placement angle; any user-defined angle; default: 0° Append point Choice of nine points; default: centre-centre

Parameters for "hexagon" and "octagon" types

Side length Length of a single side in mm Angle Placement angle; any user-defined angle; default: 0° Append point Choice of nine points; default: centre-centre

Parameters for "contour" type

Contour name Selection of user-defined contours stored in the NC parts database Angle Placement angle; any user-defined angle; default: 0° Append point

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Choice of nine points; default: centre-centreTo place the hole, select a point on the active surface (e.g. mounting panel).

Example: Round hole

Enter a diameter in the dialogue and click [OK]. Place the hole with the append point at the middle at the location you want on the active component.

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4.9 Changing the length of components

The "Change component lengths" command lengthens or shortens structural com-ponents such as mounting rails, ducts, cable clamp rails and busbars.

Change component lengths

Edit | Change length

Tap the component you want to select it. The modification always applies to the end nearest to where you select the component. There are two ways to modify the length of a component: • By entering a point • By entering a number

Changing the length of a component by entering a point

Pick the mounting rail by tapping the right-hand half of it. The right-hand end can now be modified.

Enter a point or use <search> to find one. The component will be lengthened or shortened to the specified point.

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Changing the length of a component by entering a measurement in mm

After picking the component, enter a positive number to lengthen it or a negative number to shorten it.

In this example, the component is shortened by the specified length of 100 mm.

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4.10 Moving a structural component

Move components

Edit | Move components

The Move command moves a component by its append point in a user-specified di-rection (diagonally), in the X direction only, or in the Y direction only. Movements in X and Y can be specified by entering X and Y offsets.

Moving in a user-specified direction (diagonally)

Tap the component you want to move.

The default direction of movement is vertical. Enter an end point for the movement operation or use <search> to choose one. The component is moved so that its ap-pend point is at the specified end point.

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Movement in X or Y

Tap the component you want to move. Pre-select the direction by typing X, Y or F (for "free") and press [Return] to confirm.

The cursor is now constrained to the selected direction. Now enter the distance by which you want to move the component.

The component is moved in the chosen direction by the specified distance.

Press F if you want to return to a user-specified direction.

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Placing and modifying devices

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5 Placing and modifying devices...................................5-2 5.1 Placing and modifying a device................................................ 5-2 5.1.1 Using filters in the device browser .......................................................... 5-3 5.1.2 Selecting devices in the device browser................................................. 5-5 5.1.3 Placement options when placing devices ............................................... 5-7 5.2 Inserting a universal part ........................................................ 5-11 5.3 Specifying a blocking surface ................................................ 5-13 5.4 Displaying device information ................................................ 5-14 5.4.1 Go to component in EPLAN.................................................................. 5-15 5.5 Modifying devices .................................................................... 5-16 5.5.1 Place devices again.............................................................................. 5-16 5.5.2 Adjusting the position of a device ......................................................... 5-17 5.5.3 Move enclosure .................................................................................... 5-18 5.5.4 Rotate enclosure................................................................................... 5-18 5.5.5 Copying an enclosure ........................................................................... 5-19 5.5.6 Changing the location and plant designation/unit ID ............................ 5-20 5.5.7 Swapping out an enclosure .................................................................. 5-21 5.5.8 Deleting devices ................................................................................... 5-22

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5 Placing and modifying devices

5.1 Placing and modifying a device

The electrical components that can be placed in an enclosure are determined in an EPLAN project and transferred to EPLAN Cabinet. The transferred information is listed in the device browser. This also has all the options needed for placing de-vices in drawings.

Placement

Place devices

The dialogue has three areas Filter Filters the list of devices by unit, location, identifier or mounting location; filter crite-ria can also be used in combination. Components List of all available devices in the project list or those matching the current filter. Placement options Settings for placement method, append point, offset, quantity, etc.

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5.1.1 Using filters in the device browser The five filters in the device browser restricts the listing of available devices, termi-nals or terminal strips to ones that meet specific criteria such as a specific unit, lo-cation or identifier. Filter criteria can also be used in combination.

When you close the dialogue, any filter settings are discarded. The next time you open the dialogue again, all available parts will be listed.

Set filter

Click the [Set filter] button. A dialogue opens for you to specify the filter criteria and how they are applied.

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Filter specification for device browser At the top of the dialogue, specify the filter criteria to be used in the Insert Device dialogue. The default criteria are unit, location, identifier and mounting location. You can specify any other criterion at any position in the filter specification. Click [OK] to apply the modifications to the placement dialogue. Example: You replace the mounting location in the filter specification with the ma-nufacturer. The device browser then displays "Manufacturer" as a filter criterion un-der which you can select the name of a manufacturer. The list is restricted to de-vices that originate from the selected manufacturer and match the remaining three filter criteria. Prefilter At the bottom of the Filter Settings dialogue, you can specify up to three additional filter criteria. These restrict what is listed under each filter criterion in the device browser. It is not necessary to specifying a corresponding criterion for display at the top of the dialogue - if you don"t, the prefilter works in the background. • In the left-hand selection box, select the filter criterion.

• To the right, specify a value for the criterion.

• In the middle, select the operation to apply with the criterion (equal or not equal to).

Example: In the left-hand selection box, you select the criterion "manufacturer". In the middle box, you select the operator "equals". In the right-hand box, you specify the value as "XXX". Click [OK]. The selection list for the Manufacturer filter criteria is now restricted to the name "XXX". Setting the prefilter as "Manufacturer", "Does not equal", "XXX" would make the se-lection list include all manufacturers except XXX. All filters are combined using a logical "and". This means if you enter several differ-ent expressions for the same criterion (for example, several manufacturer names for the "manufacturer" criterion), they will be mutually exclusive and will all be left out of the selection list.

No filters

Click the [No filters] button to make the device browser ignore all filter settings and display all available devices.

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5.1.2 Selecting devices in the device browser The middle area of the device browser lists all available devices in the project parts list or those which match the current filter. Devices that have already been placed in the drawing are no longer listed.

Tap the device you want to select it. Its parameters are copied to the bottom part of the dialogue. You can also choose multiple devices by holding down [Shift] or [Ctrl] as you select them. They will be placed in the order they are selected. A height, width and depth should be specified for each component in the parts da-tabase.

Geometry

Width/height/depth Dimensions of the device Spacing Specifies the spacing between devices when several are placed at the same time. Rotation Devices can be rotated in steps of 90° on placement. Graphical macro Name of the graphical drawing defining the device. If there is not a specific graphi-cal macro, a default box is placed with the specified dimensions. Grapical macro with texture You may also enter the full file name of an image file instead of a graphical macro drawing. This file must be located in the same subdirectory that contains the graphical macro drawings. All graphical file formats supported in the program are possible: BMP, GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, TIF, TIFF. In this case, a default box is placed with the specified dimensions displaying the image on its front side.

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Inserting/placing devices

Click [Insert devices]. The device selected in the list is displayed with the current placement options and can be moved around the screen. Enter a point to finally place it in the drawing. Placed devices are assigned to the active mounting plane. The hierarchy is shown in the Navigator.

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5.1.3 Placement options when placing devices

Placement mode

Before you place a device, it is possible to change the structural component (e.g. mounting rail) on which the device will be mounted. The "Insert device" dialogue specifies how the active component is selected. Change active component by tapping edge To change the active component, [Ctrl]-tap one of its edges. The device can then only be moved on the active component and is placed by entering a point. The figure shows the active component being changed from the upper to the lower mounting rail:

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Change active component by tapping surface This placement mode can be used by flat structural parts such as mounting panels, side panels and doors. [Ctrl]-tap the surface. The device can then be moved in the same plane as and placed on the picked component. Example: Fan in the top panel:

Change to a user-defined surface This placement mode is used by way of exception to place devices on surfaces of other components. [Ctrl]-tap the surface. This mode only remains active for placement of one component. It then switches back to edge mode.

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Append point

The default append point for inserting devices is middle left. It is assumed that sub-sequent components will be placed from left to right. There are nine possible positions for the append point.

The option "--Graphical macro--" uses tho original append point specified in the graphical macro drawing.

Rotation

A device can be placed rotated by 90°, -90° or 180°.

Direction of movement

This option is only available with ‘Place devices again’.

Offset

The three offset values specify how far from the selected append point the device is placed. Horizontal: Positive values: offset to the right Vertical: Positive values: upward offset Mounting depth: Positive values: forward offset

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Direction of placement

When multiple components are selected, the devices can be placed beginning from the placement point from left to right (default) or from right to left. With the ‘sepa-rate’ option, the spacing between devices can be individually specified.

Multiple selection/placement mode

This option is only available with ‘Place devices again’.

Collision checking

Collision checking prevents components from being placed in and around each o-ther. It is always enabled by default and should only be disabled in exceptional in-stances.

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5.2 Inserting a universal part

Universal parts are devices that are not in the EPLAN parts list. They are specified and assigned information when selected and placed in a drawing like a device.

Placement

Insert universal part

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Enter the parameters in the dialogue as you want them. The device tag, article no., model no. and height/width/depth or graphical macro fields must be filled; the other fields are optional. Enter all values in the input fields Height / Width / Depth and Grapical macro. Enter Device tag and Part number if "Check device tag" is activated in the dialogue. All the other input fields describe properties of the device. Grapical macro with texture You may also enter the full file name of an image file instead of a graphical macro drawing. This file must be located in the same subdirectory that contains the graphical macro drawings. All graphical file formats supported in the program are possible: BMP, GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, TIF, TIFF. In this case, a default box is placed with the specified dimensions displaying the image on its front side. Click in the drawing where you want to place the component. A dialogue opens with the usual placement options for you to select the append point, active component and placement direction for multiple components.

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Placing and modifying devices Specifying a blocking surface

EPLAN Cabinet 5-13

5.3 Specifying a blocking surface

Blocking surfaces are areas of mounting planes (e.g. mounting panels) where no components or devices can be placed. They are set aside for adding components, fasteners, drilled holes etc. at a later stage.

Information, Organization and Security

Place blocking surface

First activate the component that is to contain the blocking surface. Specify the blocking surface by entering two corner points of a box. You are then asked if you want to make the blocking surface part of the component"s master data. Choose "Yes" if you want the mounting panel to be given the blocking surface whenever it is used in a drawing. Any attempt to place a component on the blocking surface is detected by the colli-sion checking routine.

Deleting a blocking surface

To remove a blocking surface, right-click it to open the context menu and choose "Delete". You are asked if you want to remove the blocking surface from the com-ponent"s master data.

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5.4 Displaying device information

Information, Organization and Security

Component information

Tap a device in your drawing. The dialogue shows all information from the parts list or in the case of a universal part, all parameters entered when the part was cre-ated.

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5.4.1 Go to component in EPLAN Click [Go to component in EPLAN] in the Device Information dialogue to go straight to the component in your EPLAN project. If the component is used several times in your drawing, a selection is displayed. Select the device you want. The appropriate page is opened in EPLAN with the cursor on the selected device.

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Placing and modifying devices Modifying devices

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5.5 Modifying devices

5.5.1 Place devices again Edit

Place devices again

This command moves devices that have already been placed in a drawing. The dialogue contains the same options as are available in the device browser when in-serting devices: • Activation method for the reference component • Horizontal/vertical offsets • Append point • Angle and direction of placement user-defined/horizontal/vertical for devices

not mounted on a mounting rail • Collision checking Multiple selection/sequence When multiple devices have been selected for ‘place again’, this parameter deter-mines the order in which the devices are placed at the new placement point. • Left to right • Right to left • Separate: Each device is placed separately by specifying a point. The dis-

tance from the previous device can be specified. Multiple selection/placement mode Use this parameter to specify how to treat the spacing between multiple devices selected using rectangle selection mode: Leave distances: The devices are placed with the same spacing at the new pla-cement point as they had before using ‘Place devices again’. Realign: The devices are placed at the new placement with the spacing specified under Multiple Selection/Sequence – Spacing. The default is 0, with no space be-tween devices. Specify the values you want and click the device to be modified.

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5.5.2 Adjusting the position of a device

Edit

Move device

You can move a device in a drawing by using "Move device" to specify adjust-ments. Enter the values you want in the dialogue: • Horizontal offset • Vertical offset • Mounting depth offset • Rotate by 90°, 180° or -90° Then tap the component to be moved. It is repositioned in accordance with the specified values.

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5.5.3 Move enclosure To move an entire enclosure in the drawing, use the Move command in the Naviga-tor.

Select enclosure | right-click | Move enclosure

The base of the enclosure is displayed at the cursor with its append point at the front left-hand corner. Pressing [Return] moves the append point to a different cor-ner. Enter a placement point anywhere in the drawing area. If you want to move the en-closure by a precise amount in a specific direction, type: • X and a value in mm to move the enclosure along the X axis • Y and a value in mm to move the enclosure along the Y axis • f to return to freehand point input

5.5.4 Rotate enclosure To rotate an entire enclosure on its base in the drawing, use the Rotate command in the Navigator.

Select enclosure | right-click | Rotate enclosure

A dialogue opens for you to select: • The angle of rotation (default: 90°) • The centre of rotation (default: rear left-hand corner). Click [OK] to rotate the enclosure and all its components.

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5.5.5 Copying an enclosure Use this command to create a copy of an entire enclosure including its structure and fittings within the same drawing. Before copying an enclosure, change to isometric view so that it is fully visible.

Select enclosure | Right-click | Copy enclosure

Select the placement options and click [OK] to confirm. Place freehand Click an enclosure to line up to. Specify a placement point (rear left) for the copy. The copy is created with its rear left-hand corner at this point. Line up enclosure left/right Lines up the copy at the left or right-hand side of another enclosure. If ‘Line up with original’ is selected, the copy is generated directly next to the enclo-sure selected in the Navigator. If this option is not selected, click an enclosure to li-ne up to. If a copied enclosure contains devices, you can specify a new plant designation and unit ID in all placement modes. Click [OK] to confirm the dialogue.

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5.5.6 Changing the location and plant designation/unit ID

Edit

Change plant designation

Changes the plant designation/unit ID throughout the project. In the dialogue, the old (current) designation is shown at the top. Type the new designation below.

Edit

Change location designation

Changes the location designation/location ID throughout the project. In the dia-logue, the old (current) designation is shown at the top. Type the new designation below.

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5.5.7 Swapping out an enclosure An enclosure that is already in a drawing can be swapped out for a different model. If the dimensions match, all parts and devices from the old enclosure are retained in the new one.

Select enclosure | Right-click | Edit parameters

A database dialogue opens for you to select an enclosure. Select a model to re-place the current one and click [OK] to confirm. Note: A number of restrictions apply when swapping out enclosures: You can only exchange enclosures of the same type (unit/body). If this criterion is not met, an error message is displayed and the enclosure is not exchanged. Enclosures with large differences in their dimensions cannot be exchanged. If the enclosure in the drawing has a number of mounting panels, submounting pa-nels, different mounting levels or different profile widths, it cannot be exchanged for a model that does not have these components or on which they are different. In such cases, a message is displayed indicating that the enclosure is not suitable for exchanging; the enclosure is not exchanged.

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5.5.8 Deleting devices

Edit

Delete

Single component

To delete a device or a structural component from the drawing, choose the Delete command and tap the device or component. If other components are associated with the selected one, a confirmation prompt prevents the associated components form being deleted by mistake. Choose "Yes" if you want to delete all associated components as well.

Multiple components selected in rectangle mode

To delete multiple components, hold down the left mouse button slightly longer and drag a rectangle around the components you want to delete. Enter a point for the second corner of the rectangle. • If you click inside the rectangle to confirm, all elements that are fully inside it

will be deleted. • If you click next to the rectangle to confirm, all elements within, overlapping or

touching the rectangle will be deleted.

Multiple components selected in polygon mode

Instead of a rectangle, you can also use a polyline to mark out the elements to be deleted. Select the Delete command, press the left mouse button and hold it down until a prompt appears asking you to enter a point for a polygon. Now enter a number of points connected with polygon lines, pressing [Return] when you have done to complete the polygon. Finally, select the elements to be deleted as in rectangle mode, by tapping inside or next to the polygon.

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Project and system organization

EPLAN Cabinet 6-1

6 Project and system organization................................6-2 6.1 Projects parts list ....................................................................... 6-2 6.1.1 Project parts list: Configuration............................................................... 6-3 6.1.2 Totals in project parts lists .................................................................... 6-11 6.1.3 Counting in projects parts lists.............................................................. 6-14 6.1.4 Generating a project parts list............................................................... 6-15 6.2 Updating EPLAN project parts lists........................................ 6-17 6.3 Importing parts data ................................................................ 6-17 6.4 Checking a drawing ................................................................. 6-18 6.5 Importing project parameters ................................................. 6-20 6.5.1 Project information................................................................................ 6-21 6.5.2 Output to an EPLAN Cabinet standard sheet ....................................... 6-22 6.5.3 Output to a symbol................................................................................ 6-25 6.6 Changing project information/project assignment............... 6-29 6.7 EPLAN Cabinet parameters..................................................... 6-30 6.7.1 Parameters: General ............................................................................ 6-30 6.7.2 Parameters: System ............................................................................. 6-31 6.7.3 Parameters: Eplan ................................................................................ 6-37 6.7.4 Parameters: Colours and text ............................................................... 6-39 6.7.5 Parameters: Drilling pattern geometry .................................................. 6-41 6.7.6 Parameters: Drilling pattern dimensioning............................................ 6-41 6.7.7 Parameters: Voltage types for wires/ducts ........................................... 6-42 6.8 Configuring EPLAN Cabinet.................................................... 6-43 6.8.1 Screen division ..................................................................................... 6-44 6.8.2 Logical drives........................................................................................ 6-47

6.8.2.1 Viewing and assigning logical drives ......................................... 6-48 6.8.3 Printer installation ................................................................................. 6-49

6.8.3.1 Windows printer drivers ............................................................. 6-49

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Project and system organization Projects parts list

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6 Project and system organization

6.1 Projects parts list

Many different types of object can be inserted in EPLAN Cabinet drawings - enclo-sures, ducts, rails, devices, drilled holes, etc. The project parts list can be used to produce a range of different analyses covering a whole project. The output can be controlled using configuration files to generate different types of analyses and so different lists. Parts lists are written to a file and stored in the project directory.

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6.1.1 Project parts list: Configuration Each user can have a custom set of parts list settings. The configuration is stored in a .BOM file. To configure the parts list, choose Edit - Project Parts List/ASCII on the menu and select the Configuration command.

Output

Configuration project parts list

Click the [New] button to create a new configuration.

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First, enter a file name for the parts list. Note: Only specify the file name (for example "partslist.txt"), not the directory. The file will be automatically saved in the project directory. If required, type a description for the parts list. You can also choose the separator character for all text parameters and for all fields in printed output. Under "Type List", you see a list of all object types that are used in EPLAN Cabinet and can be included in a parts list.

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Select the types you want to include in the parts list and click the [=>] button. Re-peat until all the types you want are selected.

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Use the [up] and [down] buttons to change the order of items in your selection.

Use the [Define fields] button to specify the object properties to analyse for the parts list.

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Select the object you want to select and click [Define fields].

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From the available fields, select the ones you want and click the [=>] button to copy them to your selection for parts list output. Use the [up] and [down] buttons to change the sequence of items in the printed parts list.

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Under "Sort order", specify the sequence of object types in the printed output. In this example, this means the criteria by which items within the "duct" object type are sorted in the parts list.

In our example, ducts are sorted first in ascending order of part number and then (for ducts with identical part numbers) in ascending order of length. The [Sort direction] button selects between ascending and descending order. The [up] and [down] buttons change the sort order of the selected fields.

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Once you have finished specifying parameters for the current object type, choose "OK". Repeat for all selected object types. Note: Parts lists generated from this configuration are affected by the "Interactive deselection permitted" option. If this option is enabled, you can deselect object ty-pes that would normally be included in the parts list about to be generated.

Click [Save] to save the configuration.

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Type a name for the configuration file. Note: Type the name only, without the ".BOM" extension. All configurations are automatically stored to the directory @:ECDTRIGA4\BOM_Templates\ Note: You can re-open this configuration for editing at any time by clicking [Open].

6.1.2 Totals in project parts lists Totals can be computed automatically and inserted in the project parts list. The fol-lowing applies: • Totals are always specified by object type. • The criteria for calculating a total are all fields under "Parts list - Sort order". A

total is only calculated if these fields are all identical. • For a total to be calculated correctly, the "Total" fields must be included in the

list of parts list output fields. • Under "Totalling field", specify the field to use to calculate the total.

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Example

In the example, the total length of ducts with the same part number will be calcula-ted. The printout will show every duct part number together with the total length. Go to "Part lists - Output".

As in the previous example, this parts list shows the part number, name and length. If you want to show the total length (i.e. a calculated total), the Length field is no longer needed. Instead, you need a Total field. This will show the total length.

You next need to specify the field to be totalled - in this example the length. Go to "Totalling field" and select the length.

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In the example, the part number and the length are selected under "Parts list - Sort order".

This selection needs to be changed, because it would mean only ducts with the same part number and the same length are included in the total. For the total length of all ducts with the same part number, the length needs to be deselected.

Done! The generated parts list file will show a combined entry with the total length for each duct part number. Save this configuration. Note: All fields specified for totalling under "Parts list - Sort order" must match.

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6.1.3 Counting in projects parts lists Besides calculating totals, it is also possible to count items. The following applies: • Quantity counts are always specified by object type. • The quantity counted is always the number of units. • The criteria for a quantity count are all fields specified under "Parts list - Sort

order". Items are only counted if these fields are all identical. • For a count to be produced correctly, the "Counter" field must be included in

the list of parts list output fields. If you select "Counter" under "Parts lists - Output", the quantity will be counted au-tomatically in accordance with the current settings.

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6.1.4 Generating a project parts list Open the EPLAN Cabinet project. To generate a parts list, choose Edit - Project Parts List/ASCII on the menu and se-lect the "Generate project parts list" command.

Output

Create project parts list

Choose a configuration (.BOM) file, then choose [Open]. If the "Interactive deselection permitted" option is selected in the configuration, you will first see a dialogue.

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In the dialogue, you can deselect specific types of object before generating the parts list.

Choose "OK". A parts list is now generated in the project directory as a file in accordance with the selected configuration.

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6.2 Updating EPLAN project parts lists

Information, organization and security

Update EPLAN project parts list

When there has been a change to the EPLAN project, the project parts list can be updated. This makes new devices available for selection and placement in the device brow-ser. Surplus devices already placed in a drawing can be removed by the "Checking a drawing - Remove components" function. You can stipulate in the EPLAN Cabinet parameters that the parts list is automati-cally updated when you open the project.

6.3 Importing parts data

Information, Organization and Security

Import parts data

If EPLAN data import from an EPLAN 5 or EPLAN 21 project is preselected in the EPLAN Cabinet project, this command can be used to import the parts data used in EPLAN. The data can be used for specifying universal parts that are not in the database because they are not specified in the EPLAN project.

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Project and system organization Checking a drawing

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6.4 Checking a drawing

Checking a drawing finds any devices that are in the EPLAN Cabinet project but not in the EPLAN project and hence not in the parts list. Such devices can be uni-versal parts specified using parts data.

Information, Organization and Security

Check drawing

The project is searched and the devices found are listed in a browser:

Select a component in the list. There are three options for working with the listed components:

[Show components]

Highlights the component in the drawing.

[Remove components]

Removes the selected component from the drawing.

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[Additional components to EPLAN]

Transfers all selected components to the EPLAN project. The components will be in the project parts list the next time it is generated. Enclosures, ducts, rails and busbars can also be transferred back to the EPLAN project. You can control how this command works in the EPLAN Cabinet parameters.

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6.5 Importing project parameters

As of EPLAN Cabinet 4.1 Service Pack 1, it is possible to import project parame-ters from EPLAN projects to EPLAN Cabinet projects. The following project parameters are imported: • Project name • Customer • Plant designation • Order number/commission • Project manager • Date of last modification • Time of last modification • Company name (address 1) • Company postal address (address 2) • Company postal town (address 3) These parameters are automatically copied from the relevant EPLAN project when the parts list is generated or updated. If the EPLAN Cabinet project type is "File", it is also possible to copy these parame-ters via the .PBF file.

Using project parameters in EPLAN Cabinet

The project parameters copied when generating or updating a parts list are stored in the EPLAN Cabinet project. You can use these parameters in various ways.

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6.5.1 Project information The parameters stored in the EPLAN Cabinet project can be viewed by using the Project Information command.

Select the command on the menu under Information/Security - Change Project Assignment.

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Note: You can modify the parameter values here, for example to control output in the standard sheet or other documents. Note, however, that the data will be overw-ritten whenever you select "Update project parts list".

6.5.2 Output to an EPLAN Cabinet standard sheet The parameters stored in the EPLAN Cabinet project can be visualized at any time in a project drawing as a standard sheet that matches the drawing. The standard sheet is displayed in the views. To enable the standard sheet:

• Create enclosure views by choosing View - Enclosure Views.

Alternatively, you can switch straight to the views if they already exist (e.g. via the Navigator).

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• On the menu bar, select File - Standard Sheet.

The current setting is displayed.

• If you want to configure a standard sheet, change the "Sheet type" setting and

either select the "Default" standard sheet or a custom one of your own.

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• The Default and Company tabs display the standard sheet variables. These are all automatically copied from the project parameters and cannot be edited here except for the user name.

Note: You can edit these parameters in Information/Security - Change Project As-signment. The standard sheet variables will change automatically in line with the changes you make. However, the data will be overwritten every time you select "Update project parts list". The standard sheet with the specified variables is displayed when you choose [OK]. It is updated whenever you modify the project parameters.

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6.5.3 Output to a symbol The project parameters stored in an EPLAN Cabinet project can additionally be "stamped" in any printable area of your drawing. This means you can label all printed parts with the project parameters. To place a stamp in the area to be printed:

• Go to the enclosure views and enlarge the editable area of the dra-

wing.

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• On the menu, choose Info/Safety - Project information - [Place project desc-

ription].

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• Logical drive S contains two stamp symbols: Stempel1.zei - Symbol with project properties, with table Stempel2.zei - Symbol with project properties, without table

• Select the stamp you want and choose [Open]. A preview of the symbol is

displayed at the cursor.

• Modify the symbol placement parameters before placement as needed:

The main parameters involved here are the append point, the angle and the size.

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Place the stamp where you want it in the drawing.

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6.6 Changing project information/project assignment

Information, Organization and Security

Change project assignment

A dialogue opens showing the data for the current project. The EPLAN data import method for the project parts list can be modified:

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6.7 EPLAN Cabinet parameters

The EPLAN Cabinet system parameters govern a wide range of display, data hand-ling and display features in EPLAN Cabinet.

Information, Organization and Security

Parameters

6.7.1 Parameters: General Device name Parameter setting for the appearance of the device name: • Device tag (default) • Unit + device tag • Location + device tag • Unit + location + device tag

Rail spacing Reference point for spacing stipulated when creating parallel copies of rails. The spacing can be: • Between component centres • Between component edges (default)

Duct spacing Reference point for spacing stipulated when creating parallel copies of ducts. The spacing can be: • Between component centres • Between component edges (default) Clip-on height/center mismatch By default, a device is placed in EPLAN Cabinet at the middle of a mounting rail (unless a graphical macro is used). You can use this parameter to specify where to place a device other than at the middle of a rail. Positive or negative values can be specified.

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6.7.2 Parameters: System

Solid colour

Default colour If this option is enabled, all solids are given the colour specified under "Default col-our". From template New solids are given the original colour used in the source drawing. This option is preferably used when placing a graphical macro. Automatically vary colours Each solid created in the graphical editor can be automatically given a different colour from its predecessor. Up to ten different colours are available for selection. The number of colours used can be restricted: for example, repeating the first co-lour in fifth place limits the number of colours to four. On the other hand, this also means that repeating a colour anywhere limits the total number of colours avai-lable. Default: Yes

OpenGL

Auto-enable shading Enables shading when a drawing is opened. Default: No Graduated background A colour number can be pre-selected to determine the background colour for OpenGL shading. With the "Graduated background" option, the background is graduated from the first background colour (bottom) to the selectable second background colour (top). Background colour 1 Specify a colour number (for example 1 for black) or click the [...] button and select a colour. Background colour 2 If two colours are pre-selected for the view background, a colour number can be specified for the second colour here. The background colour is graduated from the first to the second colour.

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Searchpoints

Show searchpoints Displays all possible searchpoints on elements and solids. If "show searchpoints" is not enabled, searchpoints are found but not displayed. Default: No

Dimension text

Dimension text Determines the appearance of dimension text on linear dimensioning: Metric, inch or architectural • Architectural (cm / m): • Always shows architectural dimensioning in metres in drawings. That is, di-

mensions are converted into metres regardless of the drawing unit. The unit "m" is shown in dimension text if the drawing unit is different, such as mm or cm. - The decimal separator is a point. - Measurements less than 1 m are shown as simple text - The unit is displayed as "m" or "cm" (on dimensions less than 1 m).

• Metric (inch) with selectable number of decimal places • Inch (metric) with selectable number of decimal places Default: Metric Decimal places Number of decimal places. Dimension numbers in the drawing are precise to the specified number of decimal places. Available choices: • Fixed number of decimal places (selection)

The specified number of decimal places is always shown, including zeros. Example: 17.500

• Optional number of decimal places (selection) Trailing zeros are suppressed. Example: 17.5.

Default: 2 optional

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Archiving

[Set image format parameters for export...] Various options are available depending on the format: • Background colour (white if unspecified). 3D drawings with shading are saved

with the colour or background picture specified as the shading background. • Resolution (dpi) • Compression and quality • Monochrome [Generate external format] Selection of additional file formats that can be generated when saving drawings. The entire drawing is always saved. Different parameters are available depending on the format. A separate directory can also be specified for each format. If no directory is speci-fied for a given file format, files in that format are saved in the same directory as the drawing. Automatically save after [min] Backup files are kept so that drawings can be reconstructed in the event of a prob-lem. This parameter specifies how many minutes elapse before the current state of the drawing file is saved as a backup on hard disk. • 2 minutes (default) • Selection (5/10 minutes) • User-specified (1 to 32000 minutes) If you have two or more drawing files open at the same time, a backup is also sa-ved every time you switch from one drawing to another.

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Standard sheet

[Edit descriptions of variables] The available standard sheet column definition (NBCOLDEF) tables are listed for selection. The listed tables are the default NBCOLDEF and an NBCOLDEF for each logical drive. What commands are available for selection depends on whether the database in question already exists: • [Edit] • [Create]: Creates the selected NBCOLDEF as a copy of the current default

NBCOLDEF. • [Delete] The NBCOLDEF tables are processed in this order: 1) Table for the standard sheet 2) Table for the standard sheet subdirectory 3) Table for logical drives 4) Default table Important: Any variables you specify using "Specify standard sheet variables for drives" have priority over the variables specified in the NBCOLDEF tables. Important: The program looks for standard sheet definition databases on the logi-cal drive and on the substitute "S" subdirectories - for example in the ZEI\S\NORM subdirectory of the start directory. In the variable definition table, you can edit existing variables and add new ones.

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Browser:

On this tab, you can add and edit variables. For detailed work, it is best to switch to the Form tab once you have located the variable you want in the list.

Form:

All values for the selected variable are displayed here and can be edited. Chapter: The standard sheet dialogue normally has a Default and a Revision Con-trol tab. The "Chapter" option determines which dialogue tab a variable is shown on. The "List" tab is an exception: This lists all variables. Example: Assume you want the "Use" to be entered on the Revision Control tab in-stead of the Default tab. In the "Use" line, enter the "Revision control" tab.

The result is as follows:

Adding a tab You can add tabs to the standard sheet dialogue in a similar way. Select a row and type "Test" in the "Chapter" column. The standard sheet dialogue has a "Test" tab the next time it is displayed.

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Sequence: Specifies the order in which the items on a tab are displayed. Variable name: The system name of the variable to which a value is to be as-signed. The variable must not contain a dot. Example: DRW..GENDAT. The following system names cannot be used: MNTNAME, ZVEXTENS, ZVBLATT, ZVINDEX, ZVARCHIV, ZVSML, INDEX Mandatory inputs: Mandatory inputs MUST be completed when assigning a stan-dard sheet. To make an input mandatory, enter -1 in the "Mandatory" column. Display name: The name to display instead of the name of the variable. Example: The variable DRW..GENDAT is displayed as "Creation date". Display only: If you want an option to be displayed but not edited, enter a 1 here. As in the "creation date" example, the option is no longer editable. Preset: The value you enter here is entered by default in the standard sheet dia-logue but can be overwritten. Dialogue element type: Specifies the type of input control used for assigning a value to the variable in the dialogue. Dialogue element format: Specifies a format pattern as a character string deter-mining the number and position of letters and digits. Dialogue element length: Specifies the length of the dialogue element. Dialogue element list: Specifies how a list of values is assigned to the dialogue element. The possible choices are an option list or a macro. • Example for an option list

L B\DRWMGR\SAMPLE.LST • Example for a macro:

M NBMACRO • Example for a macro with parameters:

N NBLISTSQL ("Cabinet"; "NBCOLDEF";"Name") where NBLISTSQL is the name of the macro and the parts in brackets are the parameters.

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6.7.3 Parameters: Eplan

Automatically update Eplan parts list when project opened

With the default setting, a newly generated parts list from EPLAN is not automati-cally updated in the EPLAN Cabinet project.

The "Update project parts list" command can be used to perform this task manually when needed.

Save to Eplan

Parameter setting for components saved to the EPLAN project using the "Additio-nal components to EPLAN" command. With the default setting, all components are selected: • Mounting rails • Ducts • Cable clamp rails

Drive assignment for data

Preselection of logical drives from which data are loaded for • EPLAN projects • Cabinet projects • Data (enclosure templates, graphical macros)

Version

EPLAN 5: To accommodate different parts list file formats, the installed EPLAN 5 version can be specified here: 5.50 / 5.60 / 5.70. Electric P8: Select the EPLAN Electric P8 version.

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Data

Parts management Database file containig parts data CPM variant Parts management version used: integrated Electric P8 or separate CPM RICAD 3D Directory with installation of the RICAD 3D CD

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6.7.4 Parameters: Colours and text Colours and transparency can be specified for various components and devices. Text colours and text sizes can also be changed. Enclosure

• Component colour for individual components • Transparency (%) for individual components Ducts/rails

• Component colour for entire component • Text colour for component labelling • Text size for component labelling, in drawing units Devices

• Text colour as for component or specified • Text size in drawing units • Text size for terminals, in drawing units • Text on terminals in alternating colours Active mounting area

• Component colour • Text colour • Text size in drawing units • No highlighting (text colour same as component)

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6.7.5 Parameters: Drilling pattern geometry Parameter settings for displaying the geometry of 2D drilling patterns: Margins Minimum distance between the drilling pattern geometry and the edge of the draw-ing area, top/bottom/ left/right Layers Drawing layers for geometry elements of panels, silhouettes, holes/threads and other elements Text sizes Size of device tag and dimensioning text

6.7.6 Parameters: Drilling pattern dimensioning Specifies text labelling (symbols) for dimensioning drilling pattern components: • Hold diameter: Ø • Thread diameter: M • Width: B • Height: H • Chamfer: X • Fillet radius: R • Hexagon side length: a • Octagon side length: a

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6.7.7 Parameters: Voltage types for wires/ducts Text labels for voltage types, determining what voltage types are allowed in each duct. When routing is displayed, the text labels specified as parameters are displayed in a dialogue where they can be enabled or disabled. The text entered here can be saved for the current project or as a default for new projects.

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Project and system organization Configuring EPLAN Cabinet

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6.8 Configuring EPLAN Cabinet

Tools | Options | Configuration

You can use the configuration dialogue to alter settings for • screen sequence • screen division • color schemes • logical drives • installing printers

Screen sequence

If you have several monitors working with your computer, you can select one of them as the EPLAN Cabinet screen or assign a start screen and a screen for addi-tional drawing windows.

Color schmeme

The colour schemes specify general colour settings such as background colours for windows, cursor colours and selection colours.

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6.8.1 Screen division The EPLAN Cabinet screen can be split into a maximum of 9 parts. That is up to 3 parts in horizontal and 3 in vertical direction.

Tools | Options | Configuration | [Split]

• This enables you to separate two EPLAN Cabinet windows on two monitors, if you are using a graphical adaptor with one single desktop spreaded over two monitors.

• A single 50 % division defines the EPLAN Cabinet start screen

.

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• A splitting into 2 vertical and 3 horizontal frames makes EPLAN Cabinet run in 5 different windows on two screens.

Creating the frames

First set a start separation by entering or setting a value for the horizontal and ver-tical splitting. The [Specify split] button creates separations in an equal size. If the cursor moves over the inner area of a margin, direction markers will be displayed.

Clicking into the margin will split it up into the direction displayed by the marker.

Positioning the frames

The frame can be adjusted likewise windows by clicking and dragging the margins.

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The areas in the preview window have different colours. white Separated field with a frame number

grey (hatched) Screen region without splitted frame

red (hatched) Intersecting frames The [Free] button corrects intersecting areas and deletes frames that cannot be re-leased.

Modifying frame sequence

The [Sequence] button enables you to rearrange the sequence of the frames. Click the frames in the sequence desired. This function finishes • by clicking outside a frame, • by pressing the [Sequence] button again, • when all frames are defined..

Deleting a frame

To delete a frame • press [Shift] and click it • or right-click into a frame and select "Delete" from the menu.

Undoing steps

The [Undo] button recovers up to 20 working steps.

Confirming settings

After all settings are done correctly, press [OK] to confirm the screen splitting. The new setting will appear after restarting EPLAN Cabinet.

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6.8.2 Logical drives To help organize the vast number of files in a large system, they are stored in di-rectories and subdirectories on each disk drive. These directories and subdirecto-ries (paths) are assigned assign drive letters for greater ease of access and orga-nization. These drive-letter assignments, which can be changed at any time, are known as logical drives. By default, EPLAN Cabinet configures four logical drives during installation: Z: (intended for drawings) S: (intended for symbols) V: (intended for variants and objects) 0: (the print server"s job directory) In addition, @: is the start directory Additional logical drives can be configured with a drive letter or number. Logical drives save you from dealing with the directory structure of physical drives. All you need to know is which logical drive contains drawings, which one contains symbols, etc. Logical drives work in principle like mapped directories in Windows. Logical drives can be assigned to mapped directories or UNC paths (network server paths).

Temporarily using a physical path

There is a way to temporarily bypass a logical drive assignment. This is useful when you want to access a file in a known location (such as a CD drive or local hard drive) without assigning a logical drive to that location. In, say, the Open Drawing dialogue, type a # followed by the name of the physical drive in the file name box, for example #E:. The file list then displays the contents of the specified path and you can open the file you want.

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6.8.2.1 Viewing and assigning logical drives This command displays logical drives and allows you to change them temporarily or permanently. In general, these assignments are stored in the file PARAM\

LOGOCAD.DRV.

Tools | Options | Configuration | Logical Drives

Open Drawing dialogue

A dialogue box lists the current logical drives:

Editing/adding a logical drive

Click a row in the list. Click [Edit] to modify an existing logical drive or [Insert] to add a new one. If you click [Insert], a dialogue opens for you to specify the physical path. This can be a local path or a UNC path for direct access to a network server or other computer in the network, e.g.: \\SERVER01\DRAWINGS\PLANS02. If the specified path does not exist, EPLAN Cabinet asks if you want to create it.

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Click [Search] to browse the directory tree and select a directory.

Deleting a logical drive

Click [Delete] to delete the selected logical drive.

Permanent logical drive

The logical drives you assign remain available until you exit EPLAN Cabinet. To assign logical drives permanently, click the [Permanent] button. The new drive as-signments will be permanently stored and still be in effect the next time you start EPLAN Cabinet. The Save As box shows the name of the DRV file for saving the drive assignment. The default file is LOGOCAD.DRV, but you can type and use a different name.

6.8.3 Printer installation

6.8.3.1 Windows printer drivers Install the printers for printing from EPLAN Cabinet on a Windows printer driver u-sing the default Windows printer installation procedure or the manufacturers drivers. All Windows printers found can be selected in the printing dialogue display.

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Output from EPLAN Cabinet

EPLAN Cabinet 7-1

7 Output from EPLAN Cabinet .......................................7-2 7.1 Printing a drawing...................................................................... 7-2 7.1.1 Setting and changing the print area................................................. 7-3 7.1.2 Print preview.................................................................................... 7-4 7.1.3 General print settings ...................................................................... 7-5 7.1.4 Advanced print settings: Margins .................................................... 7-9 7.1.5 Advanced print settings: Colour....................................................... 7-9 7.1.6 Advanced print settings: Views...................................................... 7-10

7.2 Print layout parts list................................................................ 7-11 7.3 Print variable parts list ............................................................ 7-12 7.4 Graphical export to EPLAN ..................................................... 7-13 7.5 Graphical export of a parts list to EPLAN.............................. 7-14

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Output from EPLAN Cabinet Printing a drawing

7-2 EPLAN Cabinet

7 Output from EPLAN Cabinet

7.1 Printing a drawing

There are several ways to select the Print command: • Using the menu bar, to print the active drawing:

File | Print | Print drawing

• Using the button on the Output toolbar. This prints the active drawing using the current settings without further prompting.

• In the Open Drawing dialogue: Select one or more drawings and click the Print button or right-click and choose Print.

Two tools are displayed when you select the Print command: • The print area, determining the portion of the drawing area to be printed:

The print area is available when printing an active drawing. Inactive drawings are printed from the dialogue "Open drawing" without using the print area. • The Print dialogue to select a printer and specify printing options:

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Output from EPLAN Cabinet Printing a drawing

EPLAN Cabinet 7-3

7.1.1 Setting and changing the print area The print area encloses the portion of the drawing to be printed. Parts of the drawing outside the print area are not printed and are shown with a grey grid. Everything inside the print area is printed. The print area can be determined by paper size, orientation and magnification set-tings or be freely specified by the user, if required with a fixed aspect ratio. The print area can be dragged by its edges and corners to resize it. The preview shows the detail in the current size in relation to the selected paper format. The position on the paper depends on the orientation and on the position settings in the advanced print settings.

Moving the print area

Point inside the print area, click once, drag the print area to its new location, and click once again to set it down. In this way, you can place the print area over or drag it onto the geometry you want to print: Clicking outside the print area sets a new print area.

Changing the print area

To resize the print area, click one of its edges or corners, drag it to the size you want, and click again to release it.

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Output from EPLAN Cabinet Printing a drawing

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7.1.2 Print preview The [Preview] button in the print dialogue displays a preview of the printed drawing or page. Within the preview, you can move between pages and zoom in and out.

Prints the drawing or page.

Zoom in Use the left mouse button to pan within the zoomed drawing.

Zoom out/display multiple pages Use the left mouse button to zoom in.

Zoom factor Sets the zoom factor to multiple pages, single page, or a fac-tor from 150% to 1600%.

Go to the first or last page (outer buttons) or the next or pre-vious page (inner buttons).

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Output from EPLAN Cabinet Printing a drawing

EPLAN Cabinet 7-5

7.1.3 General print settings A number of print settings can be modified before clicking [OK] or drawing the free-hand symbol for [Return] to start printing.

Selecting a printer

The selection under Printers lists all printers that are installed in Windows. [Properties] Click [Properties] to open the selected windows printer"s configuration dialogue. The properties are specific to each printer, so the appearance, type and number of settings depends on the printer. [Info] Click [Info] to view the selected printer"s status, type and port.

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Output from EPLAN Cabinet Printing a drawing

7-6 EPLAN Cabinet

Page layout

The preview on the right of the dialogue displays the selected sheet with its hori-zontal and vertical size ratio. The preview is updated when you change the paper format, orientation, size factor or print area. Depending on the selected Print Method, Drawing, Section, Elements or View is displayed, each with its own colour (Drawing in green, Section in brown, Elements in blue and Views in grey). The text orientation matches the orientation of the pa-per. The printable area is indicated as minimum margins displayed as dashed blue li-nes. The minimum margins can be obtained from the printer or set manually in the advanced print options. The current line width adjustment setting is indicated by the width of the border shown in the preview.

Paper format

The selection under Paper Format lists all formats supported by the selected prin-ter. The printer-supported paper size that best matches the drawing format is of-fered for selection as "Automatic". Meaning of the icons:

White Possible paper format

Red Possible DIN paper format The selected printer"s default paper format is additionally indicated by a tick mark:

.

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Output from EPLAN Cabinet Printing a drawing

EPLAN Cabinet 7-7

Orientation

The Orientation option specifies whether to print the drawing in portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal) format. This option depends on the default paper orientation in the printer"s [Properties]. If the default orientation is portrait, landscape drawings are rotated through 90°. In this case, the drawing orientation and the paper orientation are automatically mat-ched. The drawing is only rotated if it would not otherwise fit on the paper. The affects of this settings can be seen in the preview.

Drawer

Many printers have several drawers for different sizes of paper. Some detect the paper format selected in the print settings and automatically load a sheet from the appropriate drawing. The Drawer setting overrides this and specifies a drawer to load paper from, and is useful in situations such as when feeding paper manually.

Zoom

There are several ways of specifying a size factor for the printed drawing or detail: • Type a factor in the Zoom box • Choose a factor from the list • Click the up and down arrows next to the zoom factor to raise and lower the

factor in increments of one tenth

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Line width adjustment

The line width used to print lines and circles can be: • Adjusted to match the selected size factor • As specified in the drawing (size factor 1) You can also type a line width adjustment factor in the box or use the arrows next to it to raise and lower the factor in increments of one tenth. A factor of 0 prints all lines as hairlines - as thin as the printer can print them. The maximum line width is 1000 pixels, regardless of the factor. The current line width adjustment factor is visualized by the width of the border in the preview.

Print destination

Two print destinations are available for selection: • Printer (default) • To a file in the same directory and with the same name as the drawing, with a

.PRN file name extension

Click the button to print to a user-specified file in a directory of your choice.

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Output from EPLAN Cabinet Printing a drawing

EPLAN Cabinet 7-9

7.1.4 Advanced print settings: Margins If the Printer Settings option is selected, the minimum margin settings are obtained from the printer. If you clear this option, you can specify your own margins in millimetres. If the mar-gins you specify are narrower than the printer"s minimum margins, a warning is displayed. If you ignore this warning and print anyway, no elements are printed in the nonprintable area or elements are truncated at the minimum margins.

7.1.5 Advanced print settings: Colour

Printing colours

Information on the printer"s ability to print in colour, monochrome or grey scale is obtained from the selected printer. These capabilities are specified in the printer properties. As a result, the information on colour capabilities from the printer de-termines the default setting for printing colours. If a monochrome printer can automatically convert colours data into grey tones, the colour or grey tones options can be used as well.

Background colour

None: Drawings are printed without a background (default) Other: Click to open a palette and select a colour. Drawings are printed with the selected background colour.

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Output from EPLAN Cabinet Printing a drawing

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7.1.6 Advanced print settings: Views Any 3D views in a drawing can be selected individually to be printed or not printed with the drawing. All 3D views are listed on the Views tab. A printer icon is shown beside any that are selected for printing. By default, all views are printed on a single sheet, as they appear the drawing. Select Print Views on Separate Pages if you want each view to be printed on its own page. Click a view name in the list to mark it with a printer icon for printing on a page of its own. Clicking again removes the printer icon, meaning the view will not be printed. The [All On] and [All Off] buttons select and deselect all views for printing on sepa-rate pages.

Limitations when printing views

A print area cannot be used with views. The drawing area enclosed by the view is printed. The selected views are printed on a page each with the size factor, line width ad-justment, number of copies, etc. that are currently selected for the drawing. If [Output 2D Elements] is selected, 2D elements are printed with 3D views if they are visually inside a view that is to be printed. Any such elements are cut off at the edge of the view, even if they extend further. A standard sheet can also be selected to be printed with the views. The standard sheets available for selection are those entered in B\Listen\Normblat.lst. This is the same selection as is available when creating a drawing. The print preview shows if a standard sheet is selected

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Output from EPLAN Cabinet Print layout parts list

EPLAN Cabinet 7-11

7.2 Print layout parts list

This generates a sketch of the selected area and, underneath it, a hierarchical list of the parts and devices placed on all populated fields in the drawing or on one component.

File | Print | Layout parts list

Output toolbar

You can select what to print in the layout parts list: All populated fields All parts of the enclosure on which there is a part or device are printed on individual pages. Option selection You can select a component (mounting panel, side panels, top panel, doors, rear panel, etc.) in the enclosure. The selected option is printed whether or not there are any parts on it. [Print] Click [Print] to close the selection dialogue and open the print dialogue, where you can make further settings, preview the printed output, and send it to the selected printer.

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Output from EPLAN Cabinet Print variable parts list

7-12 EPLAN Cabinet

7.3 Print variable parts list

This generates a text list of all parts and devices in the drawing. The list is compiled and formatted according to criteria specified and saved in a BOM template file when configuring an ASCII project parts list.

File | Print | Print variable parts list

Output toolbar

A dialogue opens for you to select a BOM file to use. [Print] Click [Print] to close the selection dialogue and open the print dialogue, where you can make further settings, preview the printed output, and send it to the selected printer.

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Output from EPLAN Cabinet Graphical export to EPLAN

EPLAN Cabinet 7-13

7.4 Graphical export to EPLAN

When work on an enclosure is completed in EPLAN Cabinet, one possible step is to export the graphical plan to EPLAN. The plan is stored in DXF format in the as-sociated EPLAN project directory and integrated into the project. A new page of ty-pe "Free graphic" is automatically created in EPLAN. The drawing is transferred to EPLAN as it is seen on screen.

File

Graphical export

File | Graphical export

Selecting an area for graphical export

Enter two points to enclose the area to be exported in a rectangle.

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Output from EPLAN Cabinet Graphical export of a parts list to EPLAN

7-14 EPLAN Cabinet

After the second point has been entered, the area is displayed again and you are prompted to confirm that the correct area is enclosed. Answer "No" if you want to specify the rectangle again. Enter "Yes" to have the selected area automatically exported to EPLAN, creating a graphical page in EPLAN or a DXF file (project type "file"). The page number is requested beforehand in EPLAN Cabinet.

Exporting a file based project

A project basing on a parts list file FORM.ASC or EPLAN.PBF can be written into a DXF file using this function as well. This may be necessary in those cases when no EPLAN system working parallel is available. The complete project is written into a DXF file without request of area and page number. The file will be located in the same directory that contains the ASC or PFB parts list file. 7.5 Graphical export of a parts list to EPLAN

The second option for directly exporting data to EPLAN is to export the variable parts list as a DXF file.

File | Graphical export | Parts list to EPLAN/file

Output toolbar

A dialogue opens for you to select: • The BOM file to use. • The directory for saving the DXF files. This will usually be the EPLAN project

directory.

[OK]

Once you have made both choices, click [OK] to export the files to EPLAN and ge-nerate DXF files from them (project type: file).

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Routing

EPLAN Cabinet 8-1

8 Routing .........................................................................8-2 8.1 Routing: Basics.......................................................................... 8-2 8.2 Wiring list .................................................................................... 8-4 8.2.1 Importing a wiring list .............................................................................. 8-4 8.2.2 Handling of master data for wires ........................................................... 8-5 8.3 Routing control centre............................................................... 8-6 8.3.1 Specifying a routing range ...................................................................... 8-7 8.3.2 Cable bunching....................................................................................... 8-9 8.3.3 Displaying wires.................................................................................... 8-10 8.3.4 Displaying router errors ........................................................................ 8-10 8.3.5 Display fill levels ................................................................................... 8-11 8.3.6 Displaying routing lists .......................................................................... 8-12

8.3.6.1 Connections list.......................................................................... 8-12 8.3.6.2 Wires parts list ........................................................................... 8-13 8.3.6.3 Remaining parts list ................................................................... 8-15

8.3.7 Applying non-standard routing criteria .................................................. 8-16 8.3.7.1 Excluding a duct from routing .................................................... 8-16 8.3.7.2 Activating a part in routing ......................................................... 8-16 8.3.7.3 Placing outlets............................................................................ 8-17 8.3.7.4 Connecting outlets ..................................................................... 8-18 8.3.7.5 Placing a blocking line ............................................................... 8-20 8.3.7.6 Deleting a blocking line .............................................................. 8-21 8.3.7.7 Show paths ................................................................................ 8-22 8.3.7.8 Optimizing connections.............................................................. 8-24

8.4 Assigning materials to wires................................................... 8-25 8.4.1 Connection-wire assignment ................................................................ 8-26 8.4.2 Creating and editing wires .................................................................... 8-27 8.5 Exporting the wires parts list to a wiring centre................... 8-28 8.5.1 Print wires parts list............................................................................... 8-28 8.5.2 Export wires parts list............................................................................ 8-28 8.5.3 Exporting to a Triathlon wiring centre ................................................... 8-29 8.5.4 CADCabel............................................................................................. 8-30 8.5.5 Export Komax ....................................................................................... 8-31 8.6 Terminals in EPLAN Cabinet................................................... 8-32 8.6.1 Making terminal connections match between layout and parts

management database......................................................................... 8-35 8.6.2 Internal and external sides of terminal strips ........................................ 8-36

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Routing Routing: Basics

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8 Routing

8.1 Routing: Basics

The EPLAN Cabinet Routing module allows you to determine the following informa-tion: • Wire lengths • Routing • Preparation of wire ends • Duct fill levels

Information used for routing

Routing is based on the following data: • The layout created in EPLAN Cabinet Basic, with parts and ducts • EPLAN wiring list with wiring information from the circuit diagram • Optionally, information on allowed materials • Information regarding the geometric location of connections on parts is taken

from Central Parts Management Wire parts data and connection information are copied from CPM to the project da-tabase.

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Routing Routing: Basics

EPLAN Cabinet 8-3

Information output from routing

The determined information can be put to further use in various ways Output to a file, stating: - Source/target with contact information - Routing direction - Wire lengths - Wire bundling Printouts - Connections list - Wiring parts list - Remaining parts list

Routing toolbar

The routing commands are on the EPLAN Cabinet Routing toolbar:

EPLAN Cabinet menu bar

You will find the routing commands on the EPLAN Cabinet menu bar under "Rou-ting".

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Routing Wiring list

8-4 EPLAN Cabinet

8.2 Wiring list

The wiring list is usually copied directly to the EPLAN Cabinet project from the cir-cuit diagram. This is done automatically when the EPLAN Cabinet project is crea-ted. You can updated the wiring list manually at any time.

Information/Security | Update Wiring Data

8.2.1 Importing a wiring list If the project type is EPLAN5 or EPLAN21, a wiring list matching the circuit diagram in its current form is automatically generated in EPLAN and exported. If the project type is "File", a wiring list (VDR_ECD_NAME.txt) is loaded from a di-rectory. The wiring list is in the same directory as the parts list. Reimporting the wiring list is one way to restore a project to its initial condition if in-put errors etc. have occurred during routing work.

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Routing Wiring list

EPLAN Cabinet 8-5

8.2.2 Handling of master data for wires The basic data for wires are taken from the parts management database where possible. This applies to these data fields: • Part number (General tab) • Designation 1 (General tab) • Designation 2 (General tab) • Core cross section (Cable Data tab) • External diameter (Cable Data tab) (value is squared and stored in space re-

quirement for cable) The parts management database normally contains cables (with multiple conduc-tors) that are not used for routing. Wires are only taken from the database if their number of conductors (Cable Data tab) is given as 1. For this reason, it is not pos-sible to take the colour from the parts management database because this must be assigned to individual cores. Besides the colour, routing also needs data for allowed material, priority and CAD-Cabel cable code. It is therefore useful to store wires master additionally for all pro-jects in the NC parts database. To make the data stored here editable, it can be saved for all projects in the edit dialogue for wire master data. If this option is not selected, clicking OK only saves the data for the current project; if it is, clicking OK additionally saves the data in the NC parts database. An update to the routing master data involves the following in the background: 1) The wire master data in the NC database is compared with the parts manage-ment database. If a wire in the NC database is not yet known, the fields listed abo-ve are copied and a fixed value is assigned to the ‘allowed material’ field so that the wire can be used for routing. If a wire is known, only the listed fields are overwrit-ten; changes in the other fields are retained. 2) The wire master data table in the project is deleted, a new one is created and all wire data from the NC database is copied into it. 3) All contact data is updated.

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Routing Routing control centre

8-6 EPLAN Cabinet

8.3 Routing control centre

Routing | Routing centre

Routing toolbar

The routing control centre is the command centre for routing input and output. The dialogue covers: Selecting a range • Select range to be routed (selection, mounting panel, enclosure, project) • Perform routing Cable bunching • Cables are grouped and numbered in bunches Display • List of routing errors • Wires • Duct fill levels • Connecting, wire and remaining parts lists Actions • Activate parts • Insert and delete blocking lines • Assign material to wires • Display routing in drawings • Optimize connections

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Routing Routing control centre

EPLAN Cabinet 8-7

8.3.1 Specifying a routing range

Routing | Routing centre | Routing range

The routing range settings in the routing control centre determine the scope of rou-ting.

Routing range selection

This option is selected by default on program startup. Drag a box to determine the range for calculating routing. It is best to work in front view. To drag the box in the drawing: Point to where you want one corner of the box to be in the drawing - for example the bottom left corner of the drawing - and click then briefly hold the left mouse but-ton. Release the mouse button then drag the box to enclose the area you want. Click again to finish.

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Routing Routing control centre

8-8 EPLAN Cabinet

Click inside or next to the box to confirm your selection. Clicking inside selects all parts inside the box. Clicking next to it selects all parts inside or touching it.

The selected parts are highlighted and you can confirm your selection or use [Ele-ments] to add or remove parts from it. Wires are only routed for the selected parts. Once the area has been selected, routing starts automatically and all routing infor-mation is determined for the selection.

Routing range - mounting panel

Select "Mounting Panel" for the routing range to determine the routing for a specific panel. If there are several panels in the enclosure, you can select one from a pull-down list. Once you have selected the panel, click [Route range] to route it.

Routing range - enclosure

Select "Enclosure" to route an entire enclosure. If there are several enclosures in the drawing, you can select one from a pull-down list. Once you have selected an enclosure, click [Route range] to route it.

Routing range - project

Select "Project" to route all cabinets in all drawings included in the current project. Once you have selected this option, click [Route range] to start the routing process.

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Routing Routing control centre

EPLAN Cabinet 8-9

8.3.2 Cable bunching

Routing | Routing centre | Cable bunching

The ability to assign wires determined in routing to numbered bunches is useful in combination with a selected routing range, allowing you to combine specific groups of wires to bunches. Select "Bunches for no." in the routing control centre. You can then type the bunch number you want in the box to the right. Then select the routing range you want. The routed connections are given bunch number in the wires parts list, assigning them to the specified bunch for production.

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Routing Routing control centre

8-10 EPLAN Cabinet

8.3.3 Displaying wires

Routing | Routing centre | Display wires

Once the selected area is routed, all NEWLY routed wires are graphically displayed in the drawing.

8.3.4 Displaying router errors

Routing | Routing centre | Display routing errors

Errors during routing are recorded in the database. The log shows the wire number, start and target device, start and target connection point and a description of the error. Error messages that refer to a wire number will be deleted on the next routing op-eration. Other messages, so as bundeling messages, remain in the list.

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Routing Routing control centre

EPLAN Cabinet 8-11

8.3.5 Display fill levels When wires are routed in an enclosure, the system registers which ducts contain which wires. If the duct sizes and wire diameters are known, the system can esti-mate whether the ducts are large enough to take all routed wiring. The number of wires in the ducts increases with the number of connections. This can lead to space problems, especially at duct nodes. The "Display Fill Levels" command indicates the fill level of ducts along sections and at nodes. You can then specify blocking lines to force routing through less heavily used ducts in instances where a shorter route is possible but would overfill a duct.

Routing | Routing centre | Display fill levels

The fill level is shown by a circular symbol on each duct segment free of crossings. In the middle of the channel, wires entering and leaving the duct segment are ad-ded. Size of fill level markings • Circle spans width of duct: Duct is full • Circle wider than duct: Duct is overfull • Circle half width of duct: Duct is half full Colour of fill level markings • Less than 80% fill level: Green • Over 80% fill level: Red

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Routing Routing control centre

8-12 EPLAN Cabinet

8.3.6 Displaying routing lists

8.3.6.1 Connections list

Routing | Routing centre | Display connections/wires list

The connections list contains information on connections needed between connec-tion points on parts: • Wire number • From Device 1 with unique device tag • From Connection Point n on Device 1 • To Device 2 with unique device tag • To Connection Point n on Device 2 • Connection part number

[Delete]

This deletes one or more items from the connections list. The routed wire and its length data are also deleted from the wires parts list. The missing connection can be restored by reimporting the connections list or adding a new connection.

[Add]

Allows you to add a new connection.

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Routing Routing control centre

EPLAN Cabinet 8-13

8.3.6.2 Wires parts list

Routing | Routing centre | Display connections/wires list

The wires parts list contains information on connections between devices, the wires used, their routing and their length. • Wire number (which wire?) • From Device 1 with unique device tag • From Connection Point n on Device 1 • To Device 2 with unique device tag • To Connection Point 2 on Device 2 • Connection part number • Wire length • Starting direction from the connection point on Device 1 • End direction to the connection point on Device 2 • Bunch number • Remarks

[Delete]

This deletes one or more selected items from the list and hence from the database. The wire will no longer be included in the printed wires parts list. For example, you might want to delete a wire to stop it from being exported to and made up by a wiring centre.

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Routing Routing control centre

8-14 EPLAN Cabinet

[Display]

This displays one or more selected wires in the drawing. The selected wire is graphically displayed in the layout and you can see its path.

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Routing Routing control centre

EPLAN Cabinet 8-15

8.3.6.3 Remaining parts list

Routing | Routing centre | Display connections/wires list

The remaining parts list contains all items in the connections list for which lengths have not yet been calculated.

[Delete]

Removes a selected item from the remaining parts list.

[Route]

Recalculates the routing data for the selected connection and adds it to the wires parts list. Note: As with the wires parts list, it is useful to issue the remaining parts list together with the made-up wires. The wiring technician can see what is theoretically left to do in order to finish the control panel, and has the full set of information generated from EPLAN. Between them, the wires parts list and the remaining parts list contain all connecti-ons within a given control panel.

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Routing Routing control centre

8-16 EPLAN Cabinet

8.3.7 Applying non-standard routing criteria In an unprepared project, the selected routing range is automatically routed in ac-cordance with the program"s built-in rules. In many cases, however, you will want the routing to follow specific criteria. EPLAN Cabinet has a number of features that allow you to control and display routing.

8.3.7.1 Excluding a duct from routing You can specify that a duct is not used for routing by disallowing its use in the duct definition. Right-click the duct and choose "Information" on the context menu.

duct | Information

In the dialogue that opens, select Do not use for routing and click OK. The duct is then excluded from wiring, length calculation and routing display.

8.3.7.2 Activating a part in routing

Routing | Routing centre | [Activate component]

The control centre includes an exclusive activation feature for components, allo-wing you to switch to a suitable view in routing. This is useful for example when you want to insert a blocking line on a mounting panel in front view.

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Routing Routing control centre

EPLAN Cabinet 8-17

8.3.7.3 Placing outlets Generally, the problem of length calculation can be solved with a two-dimensional enclosure or working surface layout. There are, however, situations that cannot be handled in this way - for ex-ample if a wire is to be routed straight to a side panel from a mounting panel. This means rou-ting the wire out of the duct at one point and into a duct another. These points are outlets.

Routing | Place outlets

Routing toolbar

An outlet can only be placed on a duct. Select the command and then click the duct you want to create an outlet in. The outlet moves with the cursor until you click a-gain to set it down at the precise location you want. You are then asked to name the outlet:

Type a name and choose [OK]. For each outlet, two inlets - two branching points - can be specified and assigned. Note: All these objects are included in global length calculation. If any routing fields are specified, they are only included if the outlets and matching inlets are in the specified fields.

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Routing Routing control centre

8-18 EPLAN Cabinet

8.3.7.4 Connecting outlets To assign an outlet to an inlet, open the context menu by right-clicking the outlet in the drawing or in the Navigator and choose "Assign".

Routing | Connect outlets

Routing toolbar

Click the first and second outlet on an edge. This dialogue is displayed:

The shortest distance between the two points is displayed.

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Routing Routing control centre

EPLAN Cabinet 8-19

Specifying a wire length

In the bottom part of the dialogue, specify the actual length of wire required. This depends on circumstances that make it impossible to determine automatically (for example the need to add extra length for an opening door). It must be estimated and tolerances added as appropriate. Type the length you want. The length is stored with the first outlet and included as a constant in wire length calculation.

Deleting an outlet

Right-click the outlet you want to delete and choose "Delete" on the context menu. Outlets can also be deleted using the normal Delete command.

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Routing Routing control centre

8-20 EPLAN Cabinet

8.3.7.5 Placing a blocking line Blocking lines can be used to influence the length calculation. Blocking lines are laid across, inside or parallel to ducts and block a duct or a wi-re"s path between a device and a duct.

Routing | Place blocking line

Routing | Routing centre | [Place blocking line]

Routing toolbar

Example 1: Layout without blocking line

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Routing Routing control centre

EPLAN Cabinet 8-21

Example 2: Layout with blocking line: Wire is not allowed to pass

8.3.7.6 Deleting a blocking line

Routing | Routing centre | [Delete blocking line]

Routing toolbar

This removes a blocking line from the layout and releases the route for use.

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Routing Routing control centre

8-22 EPLAN Cabinet

8.3.7.7 Show paths This command can be used before or after routing. It displays all paths available for routing in the layout, allowing an appraisal of the constraints and free routes avai-lable for routing wires through the duct system. This provides a means of checking the routing network in cases where areas are not routed because a duct is not found or ducts are wrongly dimensioned and are not joined within the allowed tolerances.

Routing | Routing centre | [Show paths]

Voltage types

Before showing paths, you can specify what voltage types the ducts can be used for and what paths are to be displayed. Voltage types can be entered in the system parameters, on the Voltage Types for Wires/Ducts tab.

You can save the text of the labels you enter here for the current project or make it a default setting for new projects. When you select "Show paths", the text labels specified as parameters are displayed in a dialogue. Select the voltage type you want and click [Display].

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Routing Routing control centre

EPLAN Cabinet 8-23

All paths that can be used for the selected voltage type are displayed in the layout.

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Routing Routing control centre

8-24 EPLAN Cabinet

8.3.7.8 Optimizing connections

Routing | Routing centre | [Optimize connections]

The optimization relates to minimum wire lengths. This feature optimizes all connections that are connected directly by shared con-nection points and so are subject to the same potential, provided that all connecti-ons for the potential are routable (that is, all parts are placed and ducts can be found for each part). If the connection points can be connected by a shorter, shared path, all wires for the potential in question are deleted and new wires are created in the connections list, but not yet routed. The optimization routine takes account of compatibility between ducts and wires, and of the configuration of the layout (ducts, blocking lines, etc.). Once optimization is complete, the program displays how many potentials have been optimized, how many wires are affected, and the total wire length before and after optimization. Note: Optimization is not always possible. If the wires are already routed using the shortest possible paths due a favourable arrangement of ducts and devices, the optimization feature will not result in any improvement.

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Routing Assigning materials to wires

EPLAN Cabinet 8-25

8.4 Assigning materials to wires

As the EPLAN wiring list can be imported without material assigned, the routing control centre provides a command for assigning material at any time. This assigns to each connection the form it will take, comprising colour, cross-section, material, etc., and a unique part number.

Routing | Routing centre | [Material assignment]

Wires without assigned material are not routed. Before opening the routing control centre, the program performs an analysis of the connection/wire assignments. If the current project contains unassigned connections, the assignment dialogue is auto-matically displayed for you to assign parts before you start routing.

The "Connection-wire assignment" dialogue has three parts: Top left: Connections imported from the EPLAN wiring list without a part as-

signed to them Top right: Specified wires that have been assigned to connections Bottom: Assigned connection/part combinations

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Routing Assigning materials to wires

8-26 EPLAN Cabinet

8.4.1 Connection-wire assignment

Automatic

If you are going to use the automatic assignment option, you do not need to select any connections on the left of the dialogue or any wires on the right. Click [Auto-assign]. The program looks for matching connection-wire pairs and assigns any that it finds. The colour code and cross-section properties are taken in-to account. The wire specification includes a "Preferred" option. What you specify here deter-mines the wire to be assigned by preference if none is selected.

Manual

To assign a connection to an existing wire, select a connection on the left of the Connection-Wire Assignment dialogue and a suitable wire on the right. You can al-so select multiple connections and assign them all to the same wire. [Ctrl][A] se-lects all connections. Click [<=>] to create the assignment and move it as a part to list of parts at the bot-tom of the dialogue. The connection is no longer shown in the connections list.

Unassign

The [Unassign] button removes the assignment from connections selected at the bottom of the dialogue and moves the connections back to the list at the top left. It can be used with both manually and automatically created assignments.

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Routing Assigning materials to wires

EPLAN Cabinet 8-27

8.4.2 Creating and editing wires

Create wire

To create a new wire for assignment to connections, open the creation dialogue for wires:

Routing | Routing centre | [Material assignment] | [Create wire]

Inputs: • Part number • Designation 1, for example "wire"

• Designation 2, optional

• Colour code, for example "bl" = black

• Cross-section in mm, for example "1.5"

• Cable space requirement, cross-section, insulation and added amount, used when calculating fill levels

• Preferred, level of preference for automatic assignment, for example 3 means high preference

• Allowed voltages: The wire's suitability for different voltages is determined by text labels specified in the system parameters.

Click [OK] to add the wire to the list on the right of the dialogue. It is now available for assignment to connections.

Edit wire

Select a wire in the list.

Routing | Routing centre | [Material assignment] | [Edit wire]

A dialogue opens for you to modify the wire. Click [OK] to save the changes to the wires list.

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Routing Exporting the wires parts list to a wiring centre

8-28 EPLAN Cabinet

8.5 Exporting the wires parts list to a wiring centre

The wires parts list can be exported to various file formats for use in cutting and stripping machines and in wiring centres.

8.5.1 Print wires parts list

Routing | Print wires parts list

Routing toolbar

Prints the wires parts list.

8.5.2 Export wires parts list

Routing | Export general wires parts list

Routing toolbar

All calculated wire data in the project is written to a file wirebom<manufacturing level>.csv in the project directory. This is a comma-separated text file. It can be used by cutting and stripping machines that interpret this format.

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Routing Exporting the wires parts list to a wiring centre

EPLAN Cabinet 8-29

8.5.3 Exporting to a Triathlon wiring centre Once you have completed an enclosure and run the length calculation in EPLAN Cabinet, you can transfer the data needed to make up the wires to a TRIATHLON wiring centre.

Routing | Export to Triathlon cable centre

Routing toolbar

A file is generated in the project directory. with a .TRI file name extension. This file contains all the information needed to make up the wires. All other parameters relating to the material to be processed are taken from the materials database. Note: Although projects are usually modified many times before production, the full current data is always exported to the machine. The decision whether to treat the data as an entirely new parts list or as an update is made on the machine.

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Routing Exporting the wires parts list to a wiring centre

8-30 EPLAN Cabinet

8.5.4 CADCabel A separate export command is provided to generate production data for the CAD-Cabel wiring service.

Routing | Export CADCabel

Routing toolbar

All calculated wires in the project are written to a file CADCABEL<Manufacturing level>.csv in the project directory. This is a comma-separated text file. It controls the wiring machine at CADCabel.

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Routing Exporting the wires parts list to a wiring centre

EPLAN Cabinet 8-31

8.5.5 Export Komax This export command provides operation data for Komax cable customizers. The machine cuts and strips wires, prints placement informations, bundles and provides preparations for wire ends.

Routing | Export Komax

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Routing Terminals in EPLAN Cabinet

8-32 EPLAN Cabinet

8.6 Terminals in EPLAN Cabinet

How terminals are dealt with is a key factor in calculating the lengths of wiring in the enclosure layout. This section describes aspects relating to terminals and the associated user input.

Connections on terminals

Connections on terminals are not always fully specified in EPLAN projects. For e-xact routing, however, the physical connections to each terminal must be exactly known. A general distinction is made in EPLAN projects between "internal" and "external" connections on terminals. On multi-layer terminals, it is also possible to label the different layers.

Connection Internal/external a External b Internal c External d Internal e External ... ... In EPLAN Cabinet, connections are identified as internal or external graphically ra-ther than by using their labels. Connection labels are therefore mostly ignored; they are, however, used in the parts management database. More letters can be used for this purpose in EPLAN Cabinet than the letters a to d that are supported by Eplan 5.

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Routing Terminals in EPLAN Cabinet

EPLAN Cabinet 8-33

Connections to simple terminals:

The terminal connections are automatically assigned the letters a and b without any input from the user. User-specified connection points on a terminal must be given the labels a and b.

Terminals in the EPLAN Cabinet wiring list:

For each side of the connection to each terminal, the wiring list contains: • The device tag (terminal device tag plus terminal number, e.g. A+O-X12:3) • An optional connection point label (usually empty in German drawings) • A terminal specification in the form:

Number_of_terminal_on_strip;level_number#{I|E} The number of the terminal is entered with the part in the graphical drawing; the level is 0 for simple terminals or a number for each level on multi-level ter-minals; I stands for internal, E for external. Example: 17;0#E

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Routing Terminals in EPLAN Cabinet

8-34 EPLAN Cabinet

Connections on multi-level terminals:

Multi-level terminals are identifiable in EPLAN Cabinet by the fact that multiple le-vels are specified in the data on the terminals in the wiring list.

In the device browser, a multi-level terminal"s device tag is made up of all terminal numbers assigned to the multi-level terminal, separated by commas. Example: =A+O-X11:4,5,6 Level Terminal no.: 0 First (example: 4) 1 Second (example: 5) 2 Third (example: 6)

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Routing Terminals in EPLAN Cabinet

EPLAN Cabinet 8-35

8.6.1 Making terminal connections match between layout and parts management database

Connection points on a normal terminal can be named "a", "b", etc., or using other letters according to the naming system is used. The letters "a", "b", etc. are not u-sed here to distinguish between the internal and external sides of the terminal; this is done (usually automatically) in the EPLAN Cabinet drawing by one side of the terminal being marked as the external side. If a connection point is not in the wiring list, the corresponding letter is ignored and routing is done using the geometric ar-rangement of contacts combined with the specified direction. To make sure a multi-level terminal"s connection points match its connections in the parts management database, name the connection points with the level and, say, a letter, separated by the at sign. On the terminal in our example, the connec-tion points would thus be 0@a and 0@b, 1@a and 1@b, and 2@a and 2@b. This clearly indicates that the terminal has three levels (potentials), each with two con-nections. If all connections on a multi-level terminal were on the same potential, the connec-tion points would be named as follows: 0@a, 0@b, 0@c, 0@d, 0@e, 0@f

Initiator/actuator terminals

Initiator terminals can be dealt with in the same way as multi-level terminals, by as-signing a new level for each "potential". Example: Terminal with PE (one, pointing down); • (one, pointing down), • +24V (one, pointing down), Normal connection point with two connections, one pointing up and one down: • This could be solved as follows: 0@a, 1@a, 2@a, 3@a and 3@b The assignment of potentials to levels is a secondary issue and may need to be checked and modified by the user. Note: On complex terminals like this, the contacts must be specified exactly by the user. This cannot be done automatically.

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Routing Terminals in EPLAN Cabinet

8-36 EPLAN Cabinet

8.6.2 Internal and external sides of terminal strips There is a special command for identifying the internal/external side of terminals and terminal strips.

Routing | Terminals internal/external

Click the terminal you want or select several in rectangle mode. The command marks the external side of the terminals, allowing the terminal"s di-rection to be reversed. Terminals are automatically treated as follows unless o-therwise specified: Horizontal terminal strips

• Above the board centre: external side is up • Below the board centre: external side is down Vertical terminal strips

• Right of the board centre: external side is right • Left of the board centre: external side is left The external side is always taken as being towards the nearest board edge.

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Drilling/NC

EPLAN Cabinet 9-1

9 Drilling/NC ....................................................................9-2 9.1 Display drilling view................................................................... 9-4 9.2 Update drilling patterns............................................................. 9-4 9.3 Create drilling template ............................................................. 9-4 9.4 Specify blocking surface for drilling ........................................ 9-6 9.5 Export drillings to machine....................................................... 9-7 9.5.1 NC output dialogue ................................................................................. 9-8

9.5.1.1 Machine and material selection ................................................... 9-8 9.5.1.2 Tool selection for drillings ............................................................ 9-8 9.5.1.3 Tool selection for thread cutting................................................... 9-9 9.5.1.4 Tool selection for milling .............................................................. 9-9 9.5.1.5 Exporting NC data...................................................................... 9-11 9.5.1.6 Exporting NC drilling data to DXF .............................................. 9-12

9.6 NC configuration ...................................................................... 9-13

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Drilling/NC Display drilling view

9-2 EPLAN Cabinet

9 Drilling/NC

EPLAN Cabinet Drilling/NC allows you to print 1:1-scale drilling patterns for enclosure parts. These templates can be used for quick and accurate manual drilling of mounting panels. EPLAN Cabinet transfers data for machining mounting panels, doors and side panels directly to drilling and milling machines. The program has built-in interfaces to most usual NC machines. The result is a set of fully assembly-ready enclosure parts and major time savings in production.

Method

Drilling patterns are defined in the Central Parts Management (CPM) database and assigned to parts by name. Each drilling pattern matches one part. The coordinates always relate to the bottom left corner of the part. Drilling patterns are extracted from the CPM database and copied to the project database when EPLAN Cabinet is running.

Supported types of drilled hole

Various types of drilled hole are supported depending on the machine: • Through hole • Threaded • Rectangle (square, chamfered or filleted) • Slot • Hexagon • Octagon • Any contour The holes can be any size, but limits are set in practice by the available and selected tools. Information on general machine properties, tool data and materials is contained in the project database. The main NC output dialogue has options to specify what the machine should do if it is unable to perform an operation as instructions.

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Drilling/NC Display drilling view

EPLAN Cabinet 9-3

EPLAN Cabinet menu bar

The commands are grouped on the menu bar under Drilling/NC.

Drilling toolbar

NC toolbar

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Drilling/NC Create drilling template

9-4 EPLAN Cabinet

9.1 Display drilling view

This command changes the view on the project drawing. With drilling view displayed, all drilling points are visible. Selecting the command a second time hides them again. Drilling view has to be displayed in order to create drilling templates.

Drilling/NC | Drilling view ON/Drilling view OFF

Drilling/NC toolbar

9.2 Update drilling patterns

Drilling patterns are loaded from the parts management into the project database. Cable ducts, mounting rails and other components can have drilled holes. If their master data are modified in the parts management, the drilling views must be matched to the new data situation.

Drilling/NC | Update drilling patterns

The modified data of drilled holes and parts are written into the project database, modifying the drilling patterns as well. 9.3 Create drilling template

Drilling templates are 1:1-scale 2D drawings that show the coordinates of all drilling points for ducts, mounting rails and fittable components on a mounting panel. They can be printed out at a scale of 1:1 for immediate use as templates for drilling work.

Drilling/NC | Create drilling templates

Drilling/NC toolbar

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Drilling/NC Create drilling template

EPLAN Cabinet 9-5

The command works automatically. For each populated panel in the project, it generates a 2D drawing with drilling points and their coordinates, and saves it in a subdirectory of the project directory named after the component (for example MOUNTING PANEL). Drilling template for an entire mounting panel

Detail with drilling point coordinates

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Drilling/NC Specify blocking surface for drilling

9-6 EPLAN Cabinet

9.4 Specify blocking surface for drilling

A blocking surface for drilling prevents drilling points being identified in the area covered. Holes in the area are not included in drilling layouts and NC data and so are not drilled.

Drilling/NC | Specify blocking surface for drilling

Drilling/NC toolbar

If required, blocking surfaces can be added to the master data for the mounting panel. You are asked if you want this when you finish specifying a blocking surface. To create a blocking surface, specify the two corners of a box. You can also specify the first point and then enter X and Y coordinates for the second point as numbers. The new blocking surface is shown under the mounting panel in the Navigator. To delete a blocking surface, right-click it and choose Delete on the context menu.

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Drilling/NC Export drillings to machine

EPLAN Cabinet 9-7

9.5 Export drillings to machine

This command transfers the coordinates of drillings in the layout as control data to an NC drilling system.

Drilling/NC | Export drillings to machine

NC toolbar

Choose the machine type you want. The supported formats are: • Perforex drill (*.PPR) • Steinhauer drill (*.CNS) • Standard DXF (*.DXF), machine-independent

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Drilling/NC Export drillings to machine

9-8 EPLAN Cabinet

9.5.1 NC output dialogue The NC output dialogue controls NC data output in the Perforex and Steinhauer data formats. Settings include: • Choice of machine type • Choice of material • Output directory for NC data to the machine • Choice of drill and thread cutter • Instructions for milling openings

9.5.1.1 Machine and material selection

Machine

When select a machine type, the program looks up data for the specified machine in the project database and uses that data to complete the boxes in the dialogue.

Material

Selecting a material causes a code to be sent to the machine that determines machining speeds and depths for the workpiece.

9.5.1.2 Tool selection for drillings

If matching tool missing

This setting specifies whether to use the next largest or the next smallest tool if there is no tool on the machine to drill a hole of the required diameter.

Mill/laser cut holes

If a machine can both drill and mill or drill and laser cut, this setting can be used to specify the maximum hole size for drilling; larger holes will be milled or laser cut, using the settings under Milling.

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Drilling/NC Export drillings to machine

EPLAN Cabinet 9-9

9.5.1.3 Tool selection for thread cutting

If matching tool missing

This setting specifies whether to use the next largest or the next smallest tool if there is no tool on the machine to cut a thread of the required size.

Drill core hole only

If this option is selected, only the core hole is drilled with the selected tool. The thread is left to be cut manually at a later stage.

9.5.1.4 Tool selection for milling

Use

Diameter of the milling tool to be used (default 6 mm).

Rough borer

Tool diameter for drilling the start of the milling cut.

Height over workpiece

If the workpiece has irregular surface features, there is a risk of damage to the milling tool when moving from one contour to another. This parameter determines how high the tool is raised to move between cuts. Default: 4 mm

Minimum/maximum working depth

A milling tool does not move across the workpiece at constant depth - this would soon cause it to fail. Instead, it traverses the contour in a wave motion. This parameter determines the minimum and maximum cutting depths for this motion. Default: minimum -4 mm, maximum -7 mm

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Drilling/NC Export drillings to machine

9-10 EPLAN Cabinet

Fin parameters (Perforex machine)

To prevent tool damage due to cutting rectangular areas that are too large, such areas can be divided into several smaller areas by leaving fins of material between them. The fins are removed during assembly. The fin width and the number of fins added for different lengths of cut are specified in the machine properties. These parameters can be altered in the dialogue. Fin width The default is 1 mm. One fin from One fin is added for a 80 mm or longer cut. Two fins from Two fins are added for a 100 mm or longer cut. Three fins from Three fins are added for a 500 mm or longer cut.

Fin post-machining (Perforex machine)

Removing fins by hand (for example with pliers) after machining on a Perforex leaves rough surfaces that require manual correction (e.g. by filing). Post-machining automates these corrections. Note: Fin post-machining is only suitable for rectangular contours; fins in user-defined contours cannot be automatically post-machined. If post-machining is selected, two drilling patterns are sent to the machine for each field containing contours with fins. The first drilling pattern contains data on machining with fins, with the contour sizes reduced by the specified post-machining range. The second drilling pattern specifies a second machining pass for each contour that has fins. This is the final external contour without fins. The machine operator is presented with the two drilling patterns in sequence, showing at a glance that there is a post-machining step for a drilling pattern. This comes after manual removal of the fins and smoothes off the rough edges. Post-machining range Amount by which the fin contour is extended after removing the fins. Default: 0.5 mm

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Drilling/NC Export drillings to machine

EPLAN Cabinet 9-11

9.5.1.5 Exporting NC data Once all settings in the NC Output dialogue are correct, click [OK]. The program the generates and exports the NC data. The number of files created depends on the type of machine. The files are created in a subdirectory of the project directory named after the machine manufacturer. A log file is opened in the editor for checking. The log shows the path data and the number of holes.

Steinhauer format

For the Steinhauer machine format, one NC data file is generated with a CNC file name extension. All necessary data are contained in the one file.

Perforex format

For the Perforex machine format, six files are generated in a subdirectory called "Kiesling". The files contain the material, machine and drilling data separately.

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9.5.1.6 Exporting NC drilling data to DXF There is a separate dialogue for exporting to the DXF file format used by many machines for NC data.

Drilling/NC | Export drillings to machine | DXF

NC toolbar

In a DXF data export, all drillings, threads and contours are mapped as geometric shapes and assigned to specific layers and colours. The machine locates each drilling using the centre of the drilling circle in the DXF file. The drilling diameter is contained in a text label placed at the centre of the drilling circle. The DXF file is generated in the NcDxf subdirectory of the project directory.

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Drilling/NC NC configuration

EPLAN Cabinet 9-13

9.6 NC configuration

Use this command to configure the NC machine used.

Tools | NC Configuration

NC Configuration

This dialogue opens:

A number of sample NC machines are included in a standard installation. You can modify this data to suit your needs.

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You do not have to specify a new machine, but can choose to modify an existing one instead.

Name, manufacturer and format

First, give the machine a name, e.g. ‘Steinhauer’. Select the manufacturer from the list, e.g. Steinhauer. The choice of formats is CNC and DIN for Steinhauer, and DOS and Windows for Perforex.

Processing modes

According to the machine uses, specify whether if it is a drill, thread tapper and/or milling cutter.

Transfer directory

Select a directory where the export data will be saved in addition to the project directory. The machine shop workstation must have access to this directory.

Material ID

You can specify up to three different material IDs. These are selected when exporting and transferred to the machine. These settings must be checked against those on the machine.

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Tool definition

You also need to specify the tools. Your machine determines what tools are available. Tools can be created, edited and deleted.

The following information is needed for each tool:

Tool number, tool type and diameter

The tool number, type and diameter must exactly match the tools on your machine.

Heights

A height of 0 here always means the top edge of the workpiece. Height over material Height at which the cutter travels above the workpiece: the height to which the cutter tip is raised when the tool is not cutting (e.g. for a fin). Working level 1/working level 2 Cutter penetration depth (beneath the top edge of the workpiece). The cutter varies between the two values so that it wears more evenly. The machine manufacturer recommends the values -4 and -7.

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Example: Machine with configuration complete

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Graphical editor

EPLAN Cabinet 10-1

10 Graphical editor .....................................................10-3 10.1 Editing sketches and drawings .............................................. 10-4 10.1.1 Creating drawings ............................................................................. 10-4 10.1.2 Closing a drawing.............................................................................. 10-6 10.1.3 Saving a drawing............................................................................... 10-6 10.1.4 Save as ............................................................................................. 10-7 10.1.5 Save all ............................................................................................. 10-8 10.1.6 Setting the drawing origin.................................................................. 10-9 10.2 Elements for creating components ...................................... 10-10 10.2.1 Line ................................................................................................. 10-10

10.2.1.1 Auxiliary drawing line............................................................ 10-14 10.2.1.2 Centre line ............................................................................ 10-14

10.2.2 Rectangle ........................................................................................ 10-15 10.2.3 Circles and arcs .............................................................................. 10-16

10.2.3.1 Circle (centre point and radius/diameter) ............................. 10-17 10.2.3.2 Circular arc (centre point and radius/diameter) .................... 10-18

10.2.4 Dimensioning .................................................................................. 10-19 10.2.4.1 Dimensioning types .............................................................. 10-21 10.2.4.2 Editing dimensioning ............................................................ 10-23 10.2.4.3 Editing dimensioning text ..................................................... 10-23

10.2.5 Text: Overview ................................................................................ 10-24 10.2.5.1 Entering text ......................................................................... 10-24 10.2.5.2 Placing text ........................................................................... 10-25 10.2.5.3 Setting default text parameters............................................. 10-26 10.2.5.4 Editing text............................................................................ 10-29

10.3 Editing elements .................................................................... 10-30 10.3.1 Measuring ....................................................................................... 10-30 10.3.2 A(uto) trimming................................................................................ 10-31 10.3.3 T trimming ....................................................................................... 10-31 10.3.4 Moving elements ............................................................................. 10-33 10.3.5 Rotating elements ........................................................................... 10-35 10.3.6 Filleting elements ............................................................................ 10-36 10.3.7 Chamfering elements ...................................................................... 10-38 10.4 Creating and modyfying solids............................................. 10-39 10.4.1 Extruding a contour ......................................................................... 10-40 10.4.2 Rotating a contour........................................................................... 10-41 10.4.3 Adding solids................................................................................... 10-42 10.4.4 Subtracting solids............................................................................ 10-42 10.4.5 Punching solids ............................................................................... 10-43 10.4.6 Recessing solids ............................................................................. 10-44 10.4.7 T-trimming solids............................................................................. 10-45

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10.5 Display options and input aids ............................................. 10-46 10.5.1 Changing attributes ......................................................................... 10-46 10.5.2 Relative point input.......................................................................... 10-48 10.5.3 Setting working plane on a plane surface ....................................... 10-49 10.5.4 Assigning a colour to a surface....................................................... 10-49

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Graphical editor Editing sketches and drawings

EPLAN Cabinet 10-3

10 Graphical editor

EPLAN Cabinet has a Graphical editor mode that enables you to create standard sheets and part drawings for use in graphical macro commands. Before switching to the Graphical editor, close all project drawings. The Graphical editor has a spe-cial menu bar and a toolbar that contains drawing functions.

Tools | Graphical editor

Switch back to EPLAN Cabinet To work on project drawings again, close all part drawings and switch back to EPLAN Cabinet.

File | Finish graphical editor

Freehand symbols additionally available in the Graphical editor

Open drawing Sketch Close Save as

Circle Circle Arc Arc

Move Move with copy Rotate Rotate with copy

T-trim A-trim

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10.1 Editing sketches and drawings

10.1.1 Creating drawings

File | New

File | Open |

[[[[Sketch]

Toolbar

Freehand symbol

The [Sketch] option creates a new, temporary drawing. A dialogue opens for you to specify the drawing format and standard sheet.

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Drawing format

The Format tab has these settings: Sheet type A drawing can be created: • Without a standard sheet • With the EPLAN Cabinet default standard sheet Format Formats A0 to A4 are listed for selection by default. Alternatively, you can specify a custom format in drawing units or mm. Portrait Select this option to have the drawing oriented in portrait format. Scale Select a value or type a custom value, for example 1:1.5. Units The available units are km, m, cm, mm and inches.

Drawing properties

You can also enter information in the various fields for drawing properties. The i-tems marked *** must be filled in if a standard sheet is used.

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Turning a sketch into a drawing

Sketches are created in the \TMP\ subdirectory of the Start directory and are auto-matically named \TMP\SKIZZE01 … \TMP\SKIZZE19. You can use Save or Save As to assign a sketch a drive and file name. From then on, the sketch is a drawing and is no longer only a temporary file. Unsaved sketches are deleted with everything else in the \TMP\ subdirectory of the Start directory when you exit EPLAN Cabinet.

10.1.2 Closing a drawing

File | Close

Freehand symbol

The active drawing is saved. The active drawing is the one whose title bar is active. The drawing is then no longer open for editing and is not displayed on the screen. The Close dialogue is also displayed if you click the [x] button at the top right of a drawing"s window and when you exit EPLAN Cabinet.

10.1.3 Saving a drawing

File | Save

Toolbar

This saves the active drawing but leaves it open for further editing. If it is a sketch, you will be asked to name it. A drawing name can be up to 200 characters long. The drawing and any windows it is displayed in remain open on the screen. If a drawing is open, it cannot be renamed or overwritten by another file of the sa-me name at operating system level (for example using Windows Explorer).

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10.1.4 Save as

File | Save As

Freehand symbol

This command is used to save the active drawing under a new name. You can change to a different drawing drive and must enter a new drawing name. A drawing name can be up to 200 characters long.

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10.1.5 Save all

File | Save all

If two or more drawings are open and you choose Save All, a dialogue opens for you to specify what to do with the drawings. Select the option you want for each drawing. Unavailable options are marked with a cross.

Save Save the drawing (not available for sketches)

Save as Save under a new name typed in a dialogue (available for sketches as well as drawings)

Discard Close drawing without saving

Close Close the drawing. If it has been modified, you are asked if you want to save your changes.

Retain Do not save and do not close the drawing. Clicking one of the icons applies the corresponding option to all drawings. Click OK to perform the selected operations.

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10.1.6 Setting the drawing origin The location of the drawing origin is important in parts drawings as it is used as the main append point. The drawing origin may be changed at any time after creating a drawing.

Tools | Drawing Origin

The drawing origin is not the same as the absolute origin, which is at the bottom left corner of the sheet when a drawing is first created and cannot be changed (al-though it may move if the drawing format is changed).

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10.2 Elements for creating components

10.2.1 Line The Line command has a selection of modes. These can be used in any combina-tion: • Lines in Normal or Right Angle mode • Parallel lines or full lines relative to any base line • Perpendicular lines or full lines relative to existing lines or circles • Tangents on circles or arcs

Elements | Line

Toolbar

Freehand symbol

When the Line command is active, a dialogue box shows the current mode. Press [Return] or click the appropriate option to toggle between Normal and Right Angle or between Parallel Line/Parallel Full Line and Perpendicular Line/Perpendicular Full Line. The available options in this dialogue depend on how the command is selected and can vary.

The instruction window shows what inputs are allowed. Similar information is pro-vided for all subsequent steps. You are thus kept informed at all stages in your work about the possible alternatives and the results they produce. Inputs Entering points and numbers, picking elements or pressing [Return] produces dif-ferent results depending on the sequence and combination of inputs. After each step, EPLAN Cabinet indicates possible inputs and the results to be expected in the instruction window.

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The possible inputs for the Line command are as follows:

<Point> Point inputs, either made freehand with the pen, with the pen and search command, as coordinates or as a reference point

<Element> Picking (Ctrl-Tapping) elements

<Line> Picking (Ctrl-Tapping) lines

<Circle> Picking (Ctrl-Tapping) circles

<Arc> Picking (Ctrl-Tapping) circular arcs

<Number> Typing a number (angle or distance)

Normal line

A line is defined by a start point and an end point.

Right-angle line

Elements | Line

Toolbar

Freehand symbol

After selecting the Line command, press [Return] to activate Right Angle mode. Like a normal line, a right angle line is defined by entering a start point and end point. A right-angle line must begin at the start point and run parallel or normal to the coordinate system. As the end point of the line is always projected on a line parallel to the coordinate axis, the end point need not be placed on the line; it can also be placed above, be-low or beside the line. You can also type numbers to specify a different angle and a different length. Doing so cancels the requirement that the angle must be a right angle.

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Full line

A full line is a line extending over the full format of the drawing.

Elements | Line

Toolbar

Freehand symbol

To draw a full line, specify an angle relative to the coordinate system. You can then specify the precise orientation of the line by entering any point on it. Alternatively, Ctrl-tap a circle to draw a tangent to that circle at the selected angle. You can toggle between the Parallel Line, Full Line and Perpendicular options by pressing [Return]. Entering two numerical values specifies a full line with the specified angle, parallel to and separated by the specified distance from an imaginary full line through the absolute origin. Positive values place the full line "above" and negative values "be-low" the imaginary line.

Parallel line/full line

Elements | Line

Toolbar

Freehand symbol

To draw a parallel, Ctrl-tap the line you want it to be parallel to. The actual position of the parallel is determined by the second input (see example).

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An arrow shows what direction the parallel will be drawn in if you enter a positive distance. • Parallel centred between two lines • Parallel through a specified point • Parallel at a specified distance Once you have picked an existing line, you can draw several parallel lines or pick a new reference line.

Perpendicular line/full line to a line

Elements | Line

Toolbar

Freehand symbol

Click the line to which you want to draw a perpendicular or full line. You can toggle between a perpendicular (finite) line and a full (infinite) line by pressing Return in the Line dialogue.

Perpendicular/tangent to a circle or circular arc

Select the Line command and pick a circle or circular arc, then press [Return] or click the appropriate option to draw a perpendicular or a parallel line to the circle or arc. <Circle/Arc> <Point> You can toggle in the Line dialogue between drawing a perpendicular or a tangent to the selected circle. The perpendicular or tangent moves with the cursor until you specify an end point. <Point> <Circle/Arc> If you enter a point for the Line command and then stroke a circle, what happens next depends on where you stroke the circle. If you stroke the circle outside, as seen from the point, a tangent to the circle will be drawn. If you stroke it in the mid-dle, as seen from the point, a line will be drawn perpendicular to the circle.

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10.2.1.1 Auxiliary drawing line

Elements | Auxiliary drawing line

All normal elements can be used as auxiliary drawing elements if they have special attributes. So that auxiliary elements are shown only when needed, they are drawn on special layers and with special pen widths. Layer: 7 Width: 0,13 Colour: 1 Line Type: 3 Identifier: KH@

10.2.1.2 Centre line

Elements | Centre line

A centre line is drawn just like a normal line, except that it is given a different set of attributes: it is displayed on the screen as a 0.25 mm wide dash-dot line and pro-jects beyond its positioning point.

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10.2.2 Rectangle

Elements | Rectangle

Toolbar

This command provides a simple way of drawing rectangles and squares. It has four modes that you can switch between by clicking them or by pressing [Return]: Centre Left: the rectangle starts at the midpoint of the left side; you are prompted for a length and height. Bottom Left: the rectangle is drawn by specifying a box, starting at the bottom left corner; you are prompted for a second corner or a length and height. Bottom Centre: the rectangle starts at the midpoint of the bottom side; you are prompted for a height and length. Centre: the first placement point is the centre point, after which you are prompted for a cor-ner or a length and height.

Inputs

In either mode, the length and height can be specified by entering points. The en-tered values are interpreted as distances in X and Y from the first point entered for the rectangle. Continuous input Once you have drawn one rectangle, you can make the last selected point the first point of another: immediately after typing the two numbers for the first rectangle, enter the lengths for the second. A rectangle is not created as a single element, but is made up of four separate li-nes.

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10.2.3 Circles and arcs A number of commands are provided for drawing circles. To suit different situa-tions, circles and circular arcs can be defined by: • Centre point • Radius When you select a circle command, a dialogue shows the inputs you can make. Similar information is provided for all subsequent steps, giving possible alternatives and the results they produce.

Inputs

The various circle commands respond to:

<Point> Point inputs, either made freehand with the pen, with the pen and search command, as coordinates or as reference points

<Element> Picked elements (picked by Ctrl-Tapping with the pen)

<Number> Numerical input (angle and radius for an arc, radius for a circle)

Ctrl-tap an existing circle or arc to modify it again.

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10.2.3.1 Circle (centre point and radius/diameter)

Elements | Circle

Toolbar

Freehand symbol

When you draw a circle, a dialogue opens for you to choose between entering a radius or a diameter. Sequence of inputs:

<Point> Specify the midpoint

<Point> Point on circle or <Element> tangential element or <Number> type a number for radius/diameter, in accordance with dialogue setting

Modifying circles

Ctrl-Tapping a circle does one of two things. If you have just selected the circle command, Ctrl-Tapping a circle selects it for modification. If you have already drawn something with the circle command, Ctrl-Tapping a circle creates a new circle with one parameter the same. The point depends on which circle command you are using: • With Circle (Centre Point), the centre of the Ctrl-tapd circle becomes the cen-

tre of the new circle. • With Circle (Periphery), a point on the periphery of the Ctrl-tapd circle be-

comes a point on the periphery of the new circle. You specify the two other parameters for the circle in the Circle (Periphery) command as usual.

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10.2.3.2 Circular arc (centre point and radius/diameter)

Elements | Mid-Arc

Toolbar

Freehand symbol

The Circular Arc (Centre Point) command specifies an arc by using a centre point and various other inputs (radius, diameter, start points, end point, tangential ele-ments, arc angle). Sequence of inputs:

<Point> Specify centre point as a point

Optionally: <Number> Specify radius/diameter as a number, as selected in the arc dialogue <Point> Start point or <Element> tangential element

<Point> End point or <Element> tangential element, or <Number> Arc angle as a number

Direction

By default, arcs are drawn anticlockwise from the first point specified. You can switch to "clockwise" in the arc dialogue by clicking or pressing [Return].

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10.2.4 Dimensioning EPLAN Cabinet"s dimensioning commands are semiautomatic. To add dimension-ing, you simply pick one or two points or elements and specify the position of the dimension text. EPLAN Cabinet then generates dimensioning from your input. The same command covers almost all types of dimensioning based on the input method and sequence. For example, Ctrl-tapping two lines produces angle dimen-sioning, while Ctrl-tapping a circle creates diameter and radius dimensioning. Alternatively you can use various presets in the dimensioning dialogue (vertical, ho-rizontal etc. dimensioning).

Elements | Dimensioning

Toolbar

Freehand symbol

Dimensioning elements

Dimensioning is made up of: • Dimension text • Dimension prefix (if used) • Dimension suffix (if used) • Dimension line • Dimension auxiliary lines • Dimension symbols

Placement of dimension text

The placement point for dimension text is easy to specify: dimension text is 'rub-bered'; that is, it is displayed at the cursor and can be dragged to its ultimate posi-tion. The placement point for dimension text also determines the direction of the dimen-sioning.

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Dimensioning parameters

Each dimensioning element has dimensioning parameters in addition to the gen-eral attributes such as layer, colour, width, line type, identifier. These parameters include the text height, dimensioning symbol, etc.

Dimensioning types

The following types of dimensioning are available: • Linear dimensioning • Angular dimensioning • Circle and arc dimensioning (radius dimensioning, diameter dimensioning or

arc length dimensioning)

Dimensioning direction

The direction setting is only relevant for linear dimensioning. The available set-tings are: Auto Horizontal, vertical or parallel dimensioning depending on

where you position the dimension text. Horizontal Linear dimensioning parallel to the X axis of the selected coor-

dinate system. Vertical Linear dimensioning parallel to the Y axis of the selected coor-

dinate system. Parallel Dimensioning along a line.

Fixed angle Dimensioning at right angles to a line. Stroke the line first.

Dimensioning prefixes and suffixes

Dimension prefixes and suffixes are options provided to allow specified text or other characters to be placed before and/or after dimension numbers. Prefixes and suffixes are used for adding a diameter symbol, tolerances, a degree symbol, etc. You preselect the dimension prefix and suffix each time you use the Dimensioning command. The default setting for radius dimensioning is the letter "R"; for angles it is "°", and for rotational parts it is "Ø". These default settings can be modified while using the dimensioning command, just like any other dimensioning parameter. Note that the prefix and suffix are inserted immediately before or after the dimen-sion number; if a space is required, include it in the prefix or suffix. The specified prefix and suffix can be modified by selecting Edit Dimension Text.

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10.2.4.1 Dimensioning types

Linear dimensioning

This dimensioning command is used for dimensioning a distance or a line. Pick: <Point> <Point> Specify a direction for the linear dimensioning (X, Y or simple offset) in the dialogue box. If you select 'automatic', all types are dragged with the cursor and their direc-tion is finally determined when you place the text point.

Angular dimensioning

Relative angular dimensioning shows the angle between two picked lines. Pick: <Line> <Line> Note that the angle is always measured anticlockwise. Which line you pick first de-termines which of the two possible angles is used.

Dimensioning a circle or arc

The following can be dimensioned for circles and arcs: • Radius • Radius to centre point • Diameter • Arc length (arcs only) Pick: <Circle/Arc> Picking a circle/arc selects circle/arc dimensioning. The available options can be toggled by pressing [Return] or selected under Interactive Mode in the dimension-ing dialogue.

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Dimensioning a radius

Pick: <Circle/Arc> [Return] Radius dimensioning measures the radius of a circle or an arc. The dimension line can any length and runs from the circle or arc to the dimension text. The dimension text can be inside or outside the circle or arc. The default dimension prefix is R.

Dimensioning a radius to the centre point

Pick: <Circle/Arc> [mode: To Centre] Unlike normal radius dimensioning, the dimension line in radius-to-centre-point di-mensioning always extends to the centre point of the circle or arc.

Dimensioning a diameter

Pick: <Circle/Arc> To dimension a diameter (for example of a drilled hole), pick the circle or arc and place the dimension text inside or outside it. If you want to place the dimension text outside, be sure the centring option in the dimensioning dialogue is not selected.

Dimensioning the length of an arc

Pick: <Arc> [mode: Length] To dimension the length of an arc, pick the arc and place the dimension text. The dimension text has an arc over it to indicate that it is the length of an arc. The-re are not other marking options. Dimension auxiliary lines are drawn parallel up to an angle of 90° and as lines to the centre of the arc for larger angles.

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10.2.4.2 Editing dimensioning

Right-click dimensioning | Element dimensioning

[Style parameters]

Modifies dimension and text parameters • Font • Line width in mm • Text height in mm • Text width scale factor in %

10.2.4.3 Editing dimensioning text

Edit | Edit Dimension Text

Right-click dimension text | Edit Dimension Text

Pick an existing dimension. The Edit Dimension Text dialogue opens. You can mo-dify the dimension text, prefix and suffix. Tap a dimension to copy the modified text to it. You can apply the modification in this way to any number of dimensions as a-long as the dialogue is open. Change dimension text With normal dimensioning, the Dimension Text option is set to "Measurement"; that is, the dimension text is the measured dimension. As an alternative, you can use Change Dimension Text to specify a different value or select a different appear-ance for the measured value. Editing dimension prefixes and suffixes Pick an existing dimension. You can now edit the prefix and suffix of the existing dimension in the Prefix and Suffix boxes on the Edit Dimension dialogue. Dimension prefixes and suffixes can be numbers, special characters or text. Click the arrow next to the Prefix or Suffix box for a selection of symbols and text. You can also type a user-defined text. Display options for the suffix The suffix can be set to Raised/Small, Centred/Small, Lowered/Small or Normal.

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10.2.5 Text: Overview In EPLAN Cabinet, "text" means one or more lines of text. Multi-line texts are known as text blocks. In addition to the general attributes, each text block is assigned text parameters that are described below. Text you have just edited remains "open" for editing until you terminate or reselect the Text command or specify a new placement point, and any changes to the text parameters immediately take effect on it. Attributes (layer, width, etc.) are assigned to the text when you specify the place-ment point but can be modified at any time.

10.2.5.1 Entering text

Elements | Text

Text box on the Text dialogue

Selecting the text command opens a dialogue box with several tabs. The first tab contains a text box for you to enter text from the keyboard. The other tabs contain font and text parameter settings. You can type text in this box as in a text editor.

Context menu in the text box

Right-clicking in the text box opens a context menu with commands: • To insert text from or copy it to the clipboard. • To insert text from a file. • To insert special characters or to select a fixed-width font for display in the

text box.

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Inserting special characters in text

A character map can be displayed for you to select characters that are not on the normal keyboard.

Selecting special characters in the current font

Elements | Text | [Special Characters]

This displays all non-keyboard characters in the current font. Double-click a charac-ter to insert it into your text.

Selecting characters from the Symbol font

Elements | Text | [Symbol Font]

This displays all characters in the Symbol font. Double-click a character to insert it into your text.

10.2.5.2 Placing text

Placement point

Text is entered and placed in two steps: • Enter the placement point • Type the text in the text box on the Text dialogue and press [Return] to con-

firm. These two steps can be performed in either order: • You can first specify the position of a text or text block by entering a place-

ment point, and then type the line(s) of text you want to appear at the speci-fied point. The text is immediately placed in your drawing.

• If you are not sure about the placement point, type the text first. The text moves with the cursor until you place it by entering a point.

Use the Undo command if you want to remove text you have placed. The lines are removed in reverse order.

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10.2.5.3 Setting default text parameters Text parameters can be modified on the Font and Position dialogue tabs. The vari-ous parameters are explained in the sections that follow: • Font • Text height • Text width • Geometric/scaleable text • Text appearance • Text justification • Text angle • Font • Line spacing To modify a parameter, select it in the dialogue box. Type a value or select one from the list. Text parameter settings apply for an entire text. Individual words or lines in a text cannot have different parameter settings, though you can alter the vertical align-ment of individual characters or selections.

Font

Elements | Text | Font

The Font parameter offers a selection of all installed printer and TrueType fonts. PostScript and Adobe fonts cannot be used.

Text height

This parameter offers default settings of 2.5, 3.5, 5, 7 and 10 mm. You can also type a custom height.

Text scale factor

The text scale factor states the text width as a percentage of the text height. For example, a text width of 150% would expand the text into a wide font, while a width of 70% would compress it into a condensed font. Select one of the built-in widths or type a width. The minimum width is 25% and the maximum is 500%.

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Text width on TrueType fonts

On TrueType fonts, the text width relates to the style ("Normal", "Bold", etc.).

Text appearance

The following formatting options are available for text: • Italic (-15° slant)

• Underline • Strikethrough These effects can be used on their own or in combination.

Text angle

Elements | Text | Position

The angle of a text is expressed in degrees. The direction of rotation is mathemati-cally positive (anti-clockwise). A number of values are listed for selection. Other values can be entered by typing. The preview shows how the text will appear.

Line spacing

The selection lists five different numerical values and "Normal". With internal fonts, "normal" means twice the text height. Because the line spacing is a mathematical function of the text height, modifying either will change the other in proportion.

Text justification

Text is justified by specifying an append point. The position of a text relative to its append point is specified by a combination of two settings: • Horizontal: Left, Centre or Right • Vertical: Top, Centre or Right You can combine any one of the horizontal settings with any one of the vertical set-tings. Select a horizontal and a vertical setting by clicking the appropriate position buttons. The preview under the buttons shows the horizontal and vertical alignment of the text relative to its placement point.

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Normal/hard

When selecting text justification, you can choose between "normal" and "hard" alignment. With a text block, the alignment setting relates to the first line of the block. • Normal alignment leaves a small space left and right between the text and the

append point. • Hard alignment positions the append point flush with the first character.

Alignment to first line or block

The two options at the bottom right of the Justification box specify whether to align the append point of the text to the first line of the block or to the entire block. If it is aligned to the entire block, the append point can be in the middle of the block.

Alignment

Individual characters, words or lines of a text block can be given a different vertical alignment to the remainder: superscript, centred, subscript or normal. This is useful for exponents, formulas, comments, etc.

Elements | Text | [Alignment]

A vertical alignment setting is indicated in the text box by ^1, ^2, ^3 or ^4 and ap-plies to all text from then on until a different vertical alignment is specified. Text with a vertical alignment other than normal is shown in drawings with a slightly smaller font size.

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10.2.5.4 Editing text Use this command to edit single and multi-line texts in a drawing.

Click text | Edit text

Pick the text block you want. This selects the Text editor and loads the selected text block. You can now edit the text and press [Return] or click [OK] to copy it back to the drawing.

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10.3 Editing elements

10.3.1 Measuring

Tools | Measure

Freehand symbol

Measuring between two points

Input: <Point> <Point> Select the first of the two points you want to measure between. For example, select an end point of a line or a point where two lines intersect. The program then prompts for a second point: "Measure: Point 2". When you have specified both points, the measurement dialogue opens with the measurement results.

Measuring a line

Input: <Element> To measure a line, pick it by Ctrl-Tapping <ELM>. The display is the same as for measuring between two points. In this case, P1 and P2 are the start and end point of the line you have picked.

Measuring a circle

Input: <Element> Ctrl-tap the circle you want to measure. The results and variables are listed.

Measuring a circular arc

Input: <Circular arc> Ctrl-tap the arc you want to measure. The measurement results and variables are listed.

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10.3.2 A(uto) trimming With this trimming command, a single point specifies the element and the portion to trim.

Edit | A Trim

Toolbar

Freehand symbol

The picked section is either automatically deleted or assigned the specified attrib-ute set. The trimmed portion can be selected by any of the following: • Two intersection points • An intersection point and an end point • Two end points Elements that do not intersect with other elements are thus either deleted or dis-played with the specified attribute set.

10.3.3 T trimming Use T trimming to lengthen or shorten lines and circular arcs.

One end of the trimmed element remains unchanged, while the other end is moved to lengthen or shorten the element.

Edit | T Trim

Toolbar

Freehand symbol

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Picking the elements for trimming

The T Trim dialogue provides two ways of picking the element to be trimmed: Fixed end Pick the element you want to trim at the end that is to remain unchanged. This is the default. Variable end Pick the element at the end where you want to lengthen it. This is useful when working in details at a high zoom factor, when both ends are not visible on the screen at the same time. Once you have picked an element (its ends are highlighted if searchpoints are en-abled), pressing [Return] toggles between the two options. You can then do either of the following: • Enter a point to lengthen or shorten the line to that point.

If the specified trimming point is not on the line to be trimmed, the line is ex-tended until its end is as near as possible to the specified point (where a per-pendicular from the end of the line passes through the point).

• Pick an element to lengthen or shorten the line to that element. If the trimming element and the line being trimmed intersect at more than one point, the program selects the intersection nearest to where you pick the line.

Arcs

Arc length Specify a numerical value to lengthen or shorten the arc to that value. Angle Specify a numerical value to widen or narrow the arc to that value.

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10.3.4 Moving elements This command moves elements in the currently selected editing mode. Elements can be moved with or without creating additional copies, and can be resized while being moved. The main parameters for the command are displayed for editing in a dialogue.

Edit | Move

Toolbar

Freehand symbol

Specifying the move vector

There are several ways to specify the move vector: • <Point> <Point>

Specify start and end points of the vector in the drawing. • <Number> <Number>

Specify an X and Y value for the move vector in the dialogue. If the coordinates system is rotated, the X and Y values specified for the move vector relate to the rotated coordinate system.

• <Line> (<Number>) Pick a line to use the direction of the line as the move vector. If the line is picked near its end point, this point is interpreted as the start point of the move vector. Entering a minus sign rotates the vector by 180° without changing the length.

Changing the move vector

The move vector has the same capabilities as a line (normal/right angles, plummet-ing point, etc.). The input mode for the move vector can be restricted by changing the Mode settings in the dialogue. In most cases, the mode settings can be toggled by pressing [Return]. Right angle You can toggle between normal and right angle in the dialogue until you specify a move vector

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"Right angle" restricts move vectors to vectors parallel to the X or Y axis. Once you have specified the first point for the move vector, you can toggle between normal and right angle move vectors by pressing [Return]. Once you have specified a (normal) move vector, you can toggle between normal, X, Y, or Z by pressing [Return] or in the dialogue under Mode. For example, select-ing X means only the X component of the move vector will be applied. This change is shown in the dialogue but can still be altered manually. The last mode you use will be selected again the next time you call up the Move command.

Move with/without copy

Both commands work on the same principle. When you select Move without Copy, the Number of Copies parameter is 0; with Copy, the default value is 1. With values greater than zero, Move can imitate the Copy command.

Divide

Divides the move vector by the specified number of copies. The copies are placed at the resulting interval along the vector.

Stretch

Selecting Stretch switches the editing mode to Polygon. You can switch to Rectan-gle editing mode by using <Search>. "Stretch" means that the Move command only applies to points. The elements that the points belong to change shape accordingly. One end of an element must be in-side the polygon. Off If Stretch is off, elements are moved and rotated in their entirety. On If only one end of a line is inside the polygon, only the one point will be moved. The line stretches or shortens to match. Associative As with Stretch, "Associative" only moves points and stretches the lines they be-long to, but any tangential transitions in the affected points remain intact.

Size

The size factor resizes elements when they are moved. A factor greater than 1 en-larges the elements; a factor less than 1 reduces their size.

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10.3.5 Rotating elements This command rotates elements about a point.

Edit | Rotate

Toolbar

Freehand symbol

Angle

A positive angle of rotation rotates elements anticlockwise. If an angle is not en-tered in the dialogue, the instruction window prompts for the angle"s rotation point. Two points can be picked instead of specifying an angle. The angle of rotation is that subtended about the rotation point by the two picked points.

Copies

If the Number of Copies parameter is greater than zero, the Rotate command gen-erates copies. It then leaves the selected part at its original location in the drawing while creating the specified number of rotated copies.

Divide

On: The angle of rotation is divided by the specified number of copies. The copies are placed at the resulting regular intervals around the rotation point. Off: The angle is not divided by the number of copies and is taken as absolute.

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Stretch

"Stretch" means that the Rotate command only affects points. Selecting Stretch switches the editing mode to Polygon. You can switch to Rectangle editing mode by using <Search>.

Specifying the rotation point

Enter a point of rotation anywhere in the drawing or <search> for an existing point.

10.3.6 Filleting elements Use this command to round off the corners where two drawing elements meet (li-nes, circles, or circular arcs).

Edit | Fillet

Toolbar

To specify the elements you want to fillet: • Either tap a <Point> inside the corner to be filleted

• Or <Element> <Element> to pick the first and second elements The current fillet radius and trimming parameters are displayed for editing. The radius can be modified at any time by entering a number. This value will then be retained as the default fillet radius.

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Trimming fillet elements

The dialogue has an option to trim fillet elements. This option can be toggled in the dialogue by pressing [Return]. On Both elements are trimmed when the fillet is added (default). Off Neither element is trimmed when the fillet is added. 1st element only Only the first element is trimmed. 2nd element only Only the second element is trimmed.

Filleting 3D solid edges

The 3D Fillet command generates smooth curves at the edges of solids and holes. You can edit the Fillet feature step to specify different start and end radii with a smooth curve between them. Pick an edge of the solid, or one or more edges that meet at a corner. The side from which you pick an edge will determine where the start radius is when you later edit the fillet to give it a different start and end radius. Press [Return] to confirm the selected elements and create all fillets in one opera-tion.

Radius Enter a fillet radius.

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10.3.7 Chamfering elements Use this command to bevel the corner where two lines meet.

Edit | Chamfer

Toolbar

To specify the elements you want to chamfer: • <Point>

Either tap inside the corner to be chamfered (this method can only be used to create a symmetrical 45° or 135° chamfer).

• <Element> <Element> Or pick the first and second elements.

The current chamfer parameters for trimming, spacing, angle and edge line are displayed for editing. These parameters are explained below.

Trimming chamfer elements

The dialogue has an option to trim chamfer elements. This option can be toggled in the dialogue by pressing [Return]. On Both elements are trimmed when the chamfer is added (default). Off Neither element is trimmed when the chamfer is added. 1st element only Only the first element is trimmed. 2nd element only Only the second element is trimmed.

Spacing

Distance of the chamfer from the corner point of one side.

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Angle

Angle of the chamfer to the sides.

Filleting 3D body edges

The 3D Chamfer command creates regular bevelled corners at edges and vertices of solids and holes. Enter one or more chamfer angles and distances from the corner. Press [Return] to confirm. All chamfers are executed in one operation. 10.4 Creating and modyfying solids

All solids derive from a base contour. This may be given 3D dimensioning (needed to make a feature object) and is converted into a feature solid using the 3D solid generation commands. All commands you need to do this are on the menu bar. A solid is created from a contour drawn as elements (rectangle, circle, polygon, trapezium, etc.) or as a polyline. Contour search by point selection Tap near a contour element to have the contour traced automatically, including any dimensioning that belongs with it.

Activating modelling space

Modelling space is the space in which 3D models are created. Besides working in views, you can also work directly in modelling space. In modelling space, solids are drawn in one view only, usually the isometric view. Alternatively, you can use one of the elevations for the 3D model and draw in that elevation instead. The 3D model view covers the whole drawing area.

Double-click the Viewpoints node

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10.4.1 Extruding a contour The Extrude command creates a solid from a closed contour, which may or may not be dimensioned. The contour is projected (extruded) to the extrusion height perpendicular to the working plane of the view the contour is picked in. The extru-sion height automatically becomes a parameter of the feature step. If the contour is dimensioned, the dimensioning is integrated into the Extrude feature step as an additional parameter.

Edit | Extrude

Toolbar

An Extrusion dialogue opens for you to specify extrusion parameters. The height is the extrusion height. Feature name Pick the contour and any dimensioning in rectangle mode or by using contour search. Tapping near a contour element automatically traces the contour, but not including any dimensioning. Set or <search> for an origin for the contour. Any later modifications to the pa-rameters relate to this origin. Specify the extrusion height. There are four ways to do this:

• Enter a number: A positive value extrudes the contour upwards in modelling space. A negative value extrudes it downwards.

• Type a number in the dialogue. • Enter or <search> for a point in the drawing (in a suitable view perpendicular

to the contour). • Ctrl-tap a line to use its length for the height. Once you have confirmed the entered value with [Return] the contour is converted into a solid. Any dimensioning is "packed" into the solid. Each new solid is given a different colour, in accordance with the default setting in the 3D system parame-ters.

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10.4.2 Rotating a contour The 3D rotation command rotates a closed contour, which may or may not be di-mensioned, about an axis to create a rotational solid. The default angle of rotation is 360°. The angle of rotation automatically becomes a parameter of the feature step.

Edit | Rotate

Toolbar

Inputs

Pick the contour and any dimensioning in rectangle mode. Pick the rotation axis. Set or <search> for an origin for the contour. For a partial rotation, specify the angle. The contour will then be converted into a rotational solid using the specified angle. The rotation axis can also be a straight line on the contour, though not one that cuts the contour.

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10.4.3 Adding solids Adding combines two or more solids into one.

Edit | Add

Toolbar

Pick the solids one by one. The dialogue lets you choose whether the command acts relative to a face on the primary solid or absolutely without a reference plane.

10.4.4 Subtracting solids Subtraction deletes that part of a solid which is penetrated by the subtractor solid. The subtractor can also be deleted, depending on the selected mode.

Edit | Subtract

Toolbar

Pick the solids. Two buttons are provided for you to specify that the command should act relative to a face on the primary solid or absolutely without a reference plane.

Delete subtractor

Delete selected Deletes the subtractor, leaving a single solid. Delete not selected Retains the subtractor.

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10.4.5 Punching solids This command punches a contour right through a solid. The contour is always punched through the solid perpendicularly to the working plane.

Edit | Punch

Toolbar

1) Solid Pick the solid(s). 2) Contour(s) Then pick the contour(s) to punch through the solid(s). Alternatively, tap near a contour element to select the contour by using the contour search feature. Confirm your selection. Use [Elements] to select more contours to punch through the same solid. Once you have selected all the contours, press [Return] to perform the punching operation. 3) Origin Specify an origin for the contour(s).

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10.4.6 Recessing solids This command works similarly to punching, except that instead of penetrating right through the solid, a recess is created to a depth specified as a point or distance.

Edit | Recess

Toolbar

Recess value Depth of the recess in the solid, as measured from the contour. Positive values recess upwards, negative values downwards. The direction is indicated by a small icon. 1) Solid First pick one or more solids. 2) Contour(s) Then pick one or more contours to recess into the solid. Alternatively, tap near a contour element to select the contour by using the contour search feature. Confirm your selection. Use [Elements] to select more contours to recess into the same solid. Once you have selected all the contours, press [Return] to perform the recess operation. The direction of the recess is now indicated by a small icon. 3) Origin Specify an origin for the contour(s). Important settings for recessing: • The position of the working plane and hence the position of the contour, as

the recess value is measured from it. • The direction of the recess. Press [Return] to perform the solid modelling operation.

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10.4.7 T-trimming solids This command corresponds to the 2D "T Trim" command. It cuts off a solid at a re-ference element and at a plane perpendicular to the trim element in the view in which the trim element is drawn or an edge of the solid is picked.

Edit | T-Trim

Toolbar

First pick the solid to trim. It can be picked by Ctrl-Tapping it with the pen or by us-ing Rectangle or Polygon editing mode. Then pick the trim element. Possible trim elements: • Lines • Circles • Circular arcs • Edges of intersecting solids

Retain cut-off part

When you trim a solid, you can also have it separated into two parts. Both parts are retained as separate solids.

Delete trim element

Enable this option to have the reference element deleted after the trimming opera-tion.

Arc

This dialogue option controls how keyboard input is interpreted when trimming 3D circles and circular arcs. The options are angle or arc length.

Pick

This option controls whether clicking a 3D line or 3D arc indicates the fixed or vari-able end. It has no effect on the trimming of solids.

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10.5 Display options and input aids

10.5.1 Changing attributes EPLAN Cabinet assigns values to each element such as a line, circle, or text. The-se values are known as basic attributes and specify: • Layer (E) • Colour (F) • Line width (B) • Line type (L) • Identifier (K)

Right-click element | Element

A dialogue opens with three tabs listing system, element type and appearance at-tributes. If you open the dialogue from the context menu, an element is already selected and its attributes are displayed in the dialogue. If you open the dialogue from the menu bar, you need to pick an element to display its attributes in the dialogue. Modify attributes in the dialogue as required and click [OK] to have them automati-cally applied to the element(s) picked at the start. Alternatively you can pick ele-ments after modifying attributes to have the modifications applied to those ele-ments.

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The attributes on the right can be modified as follows: • By typing over them

• By selecting or clearing a checkbox to enable or disable them

• By choosing from a list • Or tap an item in the dialogue and type a value: a number for the layer, col-

our, width or line type attributes, or three letters for the identifier attribute. Wildcards: Identifiers can include question marks (?). A question mark in place of a letter means retain the letter at that position in the existing attribute. Available/unavailable: Attributes are displayed in grey if they cannot be modified, like the start and end points of a line or the colour of the current screen display. You can deliberately make attributes unavailable for editing by double-clicking them on the left. If an attribute is unavailable, its value is not applied to other elements.

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Passing on modified attributes

Once you have modified the attributes, pick the elements to which you want the changes to apply. The usual editing modes are available (element, rectangle, group, etc.). When you pick an element in Element mode, the attributes are applied immedi-ately. In the other editing modes, the picked elements are highlighted in a different colour and you are prompted to confirm the modification to their attributes. [OK] applies the changes.

10.5.2 Relative point input [Alt Gr] + Tap

Tools | Relative Point Input

To choose a reference point, Ctrl-tap down near the point you want and then briefly hold down the mouse button or pen. The program leaves normal point-input mode for the duration of one input. You can then specify a new point by specifying its dis-tance in X and Y from the reference point. You can use this command wherever point input is allowed. A pair of X and Y direction arrows appears at the point found. You can then enter a pair of coordinates relative to this reference point, and continue drawing at the point defined by the coordinates. If the coordinate cross appears at a point that is not the one you want to use as a reference point, specify the point you want by using the normal point input method. The reference point must be one that already exists in your drawing.

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10.5.3 Setting working plane on a plane surface A working plane is the XY plane you are working on in 3D space. For example, a working plane specifies the plane on which contours for a feature solid are drawn. In 2½D mode, all drawn elements are projected onto the working plane. In 3D mode there is no working plane and all elements are drawn in space. The working plane is the plane defined by the X and Y axes of the coordinate sys-tem. That is, the coordinate system points indicates the current working plane.

Tools | Set Working Plane

Tap a surface on a solid.

10.5.4 Assigning a colour to a surface Shading can be applied to individual surfaces of a solid. The surface must be as-signed a colour.

3D Views | Shading & Rendering | Surface Colour

The surface at the cursor is highlighted. Click the surface you want. There are two ways to assign a colour: Use colour of solid Click the surface without pressing [Return] to make the surface the same colour as the solid. Assign surface colour Before clicking the surface, press [Return] to select a colour. Then click the surface to assign the colour to it.

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Creating standard sheets

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11 Creating standard sheets .....................................11-2 11.1 Standard sheets: Principles.................................................... 11-2 11.2 Retrieving and selecting standard sheets............................. 11-3 11.2.1 Selecting a standard sheet................................................................ 11-3 11.2.2 Showing and hiding standard sheets ................................................ 11-4 11.3 Modifying standard sheets...................................................... 11-5 11.3.1 Editing a standard sheet drawing...................................................... 11-5 11.3.2 Updating a standard sheet ................................................................ 11-5 11.4 Text variables in standard sheet drawings ........................... 11-5 11.4.1 Automatically assigned %T text variables......................................... 11-6 11.5 Standard sheet variables......................................................... 11-7 11.5.1 Modifying/creating drawing variables ................................................ 11-7 11.5.2 Maximum number of extended standard sheet variables.................. 11-7 11.6 Creating custom standard sheets .......................................... 11-8

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11 Creating standard sheets

11.1 Standard sheets: Principles

Standard sheets (title blocks) are symbols placed in an EPLAN Cabinet drawing. It is not possible to add data to or modify a standard sheet directly. A standard sheet is modified by modifying the underlying standard sheet drawing (symbol drawing). The data items in a standard sheet are special text items in the standard sheet drawing that take data values from standard sheet variables. The number and names of standard sheet variables used in a standard sheet can be modified. It is also possible to create custom standard sheets. The default location for standard sheet drawings is the NORM directory on logical drive S:. If drive S: is unassigned, standard sheets are kept in @:ZEI\S\NORM. This contains various standard sheets when EPLAN Cabinet is first installed: S:\NORM\eCabinetA*.ZEI Default standard sheets

Variables in a standard sheet

EPLAN Cabinet stores the drawing properties to be shown on standard sheets in standard sheet variables. The system standard sheet variables can be added to by declaring user standard sheet variables. Both types can be used as text variables in standard sheets.

Standard sheet database

A standard sheet database table determines which standard sheet variables are displayed for completion in the dialogue when you create a sketch or edit a standard sheet. EPLAN Cabinet uses a four-level hierarchy for defining standard sheet data structures: • General default (NBCOLDEF table in LOGOCAD database) • Logical drive (NBCOLDEF table in NBCOLDEF database, located in the

directory assigned to the logical drive) • Standard sheet group • Single standard sheet

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11.2 Retrieving and selecting standard sheets

11.2.1 Selecting a standard sheet

File | Standard Sheet

Navigator: Double-click drawing name

Click existing standard sheet | Edit standard sheet

The Standard Sheet dialogue allows you to attach a standard sheet to a drawing or to edit the drawing"s existing standard sheet. The dialogue opens automatically when you create a new drawing.

Format

See Chapter 10, "Creating drawings"

Default

Data can be entered for a number of standard sheet variables on the Default tab of the Standard Sheet dialogue. The list depends what items you have assigned to this dialogue tab in the Standard Sheet Manager. See Chapter 6: System parameters: Standard sheets The ID Number, Name and By boxes are labelled *** to indicate that they are mandatory items. If you assign a standard sheet to a drawing, you MUST complete these items.

Revision Control

On the Revision Control dialogue tab, you can specify the name of a source drawing if one exists. The dates in Created On and Last Revised are automatically assigned and cannot be modified. Depending on the configuration, other tabs may be shown on which other standard sheet variables are specified.

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Modifying the Standard Sheet dialogue

The Standard Sheet dialogue can be modified and added to. This includes displaying additional variables for completion in the dialogue and adding custom dialogue tabs.

11.2.2 Showing and hiding standard sheets

Hiding the standard sheet

Click the standard sheet | Hide Standard Sheet

This hides the standard sheet in the current drawing.

Showing the standard sheet

File | Standard Sheet

The Standard Sheet dialogue opens. The currently selected standard sheet is displayed in the dialogue. Click [OK] to redisplay the standard sheet. A hidden standard sheet is automatically redisplayed the next time the drawing is opened.

Showing and hiding the standard sheet in the Navigator

Clicking next to the drawing name to remove or reinstate the tick/check mark next to the drawing name also hides and redisplays the standard sheet.

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11.3 Modifying standard sheets

11.3.1 Editing a standard sheet drawing

Click the standard sheet | Edit standard sheet drawing

The standard sheet drawing is opened for editing. The drawing is read-only. Clicking "Save" saves it on logical drive S:. A standard sheet drawing can also be opened for editing by using FILE | OPEN.

11.3.2 Updating a standard sheet If a standard sheet drawing has been modified, the changes will not be displayed in a layout drawing until the standard sheet has been updated.

Click the standard sheet | Update standard sheet

The standard sheet after editing and saving of the standard sheet drawing is re-loaded and displayed with the modified properties and content. 11.4 Text variables in standard sheet drawings

Text items are not usually entered by hand in a standard sheet drawing, but are automatically completed from data in standard sheet variables. The following rules apply: • Upper case only • Letters and numbers only (A-Z and 0-9) • First character must be a letter Some standard sheet variables do not need to be entered in the Standard Sheet dialogue. They are automatically assigned by EPLAN Cabinet. See "Automatically assigned %T text variables"

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Standard sheet variables

To use a standard sheet variable, write %T VARNAME% where the text is to appear, replacing VARNAME with the name of the standard sheet variable.

11.4.1 Automatically assigned %T text variables All standard sheet variables listed in the table below are automatically assigned when used in a %T text variable.

%T text Content Example

%T GENDAT % Creating date 01.04.06

%T BEARB % Creator Name

%T PRINTDATE % Date last printed 01.04.06

%T PRINTUSER % Last opened by Name

%T COMPANY % Company Name

%T STREET % Street address Name

%T CITY % City address Name

%T CUSTOMER % Customers Name

%T PROJNAME % %T PLANT

Project name Plant

Name Name

%T COMMISSI % Commission Name

%T PROJUSER % Project user Name

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11.5 Standard sheet variables

Standard sheet variables are drawing properties that are stored with a drawing. The following are available: • System standard sheet variables. These are automatically assigned by the

system (drawing name, date, etc.) • User standard sheet variables (extended standard sheet variables)

11.5.1 Modifying/creating drawing variables Activate drawing variables for the standard sheet dialogue to edit them in the dialogue. See Chapter 6, System parameters: Standard sheets, under "Edit descriptions of variables"

11.5.2 Maximum number of extended standard sheet variables

There is not a fixed maximum. Standard sheet variables are stored as drawing parameters. Space is allocated to the data dynamically, taking into account the length of the variable"s name and its content. More variables like this one can be stored: "NORM.A"="12"... Than like this one: "NORM.DRAWING_CREATION_DATE"="16_01_05" Or this: "NORM.CONTENT"="This is a drawing with a lot of text"

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11.6 Creating custom standard sheets

A standard sheet is created in the same way as an EPLAN Cabinet drawing, except that it does not have a standard sheet of its own (its standard sheet setting is NONE), and its drawing scale and units must be set to 1:1 and mm (to maintain the size ra-tios in design drawings with different scales and units). A drawing must be created for each format used, resulting in a standard sheet series. The names of all drawings in a series must begin the same and have an added format code (although if you only use, say, A4 format, you will only need an A4 standard sheet). It is easy to create your own standard sheets if you already know how to create drawings in EPLAN Cabinet:

1. Create a drawing

Open a sketch with these settings: • Standard sheet: NONE • Format: A4 (or a format of your choice, like 300 x 120 mm) • Units: MM • Scale: 1:1 A separate standard sheet drawing is needed for each format used.

2. Draw the geometry and insert text

In the drawing, draw the elements that make up a standard sheet: the sheet border, title block border and geometry (lines and columns), company logo with address if required, and any %T text items for prompting. If you use description text items (name, address, etc.) when creating a standard sheet, create them with the "to scale" and "scalable" options disabled. This prevents them from being resized if the drawing scale is changed. The text parameters on existing standard sheets should be modified in the same way so that the text items are not to scale and not scalable.

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3. Save the drawing

Save the drawing to S:\NORM. Drawing names in the NBTEST sample series must match this convention: NBTEST4.ZEI A4 horizontal

NBTEST4H.ZEI A4 vertical

NBTEST3.ZEI A3 horizontal

NBTES3H.ZEI A3 vertical NBTEST. . . Other formats

4. Create other formats

Now create any other formats you want to use.

5. Add the standard sheet to the list (NORMBLAT.LST)

You next need to add the standard sheet to a list so that it is shown the next time standard sheets are listed for selection.

Standard sheet dialogue | Sheet type | Right-click | Edit list B\LISTEN\NORMBLAT.LST

Be sure to comply with the naming convention. For example, if you select the Default standard sheet with format "A4" and "Portrait", EPLAN CABINET looks for a file called S:\NORM\ DINA4H.ZEI. Add the following line to the NORMBLAT.LST file: 'S:\NORM\NBTEST' "Custom standard sheet" If the drawing for a specific format is missing from the standard sheet series, a message is displayed when you attempt to create a drawing in that format.

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6. Additional standard sheet variables

If you have entered additional standard sheet variables in your standard sheet drawing, you now need to enter these in the database using the Standard Sheet Manager. See Chapter 6, System Parameters: Standard Sheets, under "Editing descriptions of variables"

7. Finished

From now on, you can select your own standard sheet from the list and use it like those supplied with EPLAN Cabinet.

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Parts and drilling patterns in the parts management database

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12 Parts and drilling patterns in the parts management database.................................................................12-2

12.1 Creating a part in the parts management database ............. 12-2 12.1.1 Selecting the parts database............................................................. 12-3 12.1.2 Creating a part .................................................................................. 12-4

12.1.2.1 Manufacturer/supplier............................................................. 12-5 12.1.2.2 Electrotechnical parts ............................................................. 12-6 12.1.2.3 Fluid parts............................................................................. 12-12 12.1.2.4 Mechanical parts .................................................................. 12-12 12.1.2.5 Mechanical parts: Enclosures .............................................. 12-13 12.1.2.6 Mechanical parts: Mounting panels ...................................... 12-23 12.1.2.7 Mechanical parts: Doors....................................................... 12-25 12.1.2.8 Mechanical parts: Ducts ....................................................... 12-27 12.1.2.9 Mechanical parts: Mounting rails .......................................... 12-28 12.1.2.10 Mechanical parts: Cable clamp rails..................................... 12-30 12.1.2.11 Mechanical parts: Busbars ................................................... 12-31 12.1.2.12 Mechanical parts: Busbar holders ........................................ 12-35 12.1.2.13 Mechanical parts: Busbar adapters ...................................... 12-37

12.2 Creating drilling patterns ...................................................... 12-40 12.2.1 Creating a new drilling pattern ........................................................ 12-41

12.2.1.1 Specifying an individual hole (length-independent).............. 12-43 12.2.1.2 Specifying an individual threaded hole (length-independent)12-45 12.2.1.3 Specifying a rectangular cutout (right-angle)........................ 12-46 12.2.1.4 Specifying a rectangular cutout (filleted) .............................. 12-48 12.2.1.5 Specifying a rectangular cutout (chamfered)........................ 12-50 12.2.1.6 Specifying a slot ................................................................... 12-52 12.2.1.7 Specifying a hexagonal cutout.............................................. 12-54 12.2.1.8 Specifying an octagonal cutout ............................................ 12-55 12.2.1.9 Specifying holes for ducts/rails (length-dependent) ............. 12-56 12.2.1.10 Specifying threaded holes for ducts/rails (length-dependent) .......

............................................................................................. 12-57

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12 Parts and drilling patterns in the parts management da-tabase

12.1 Creating a part in the parts management database

For a part to be used in EPLAN Cabinet, it must first be created in the appropriate EPLAN parts management database. There are currently three versions of the EPLAN parts management database: • Parts management database for EPLAN electric P8 • Parts management database for EPLAN 5 • Parts management database for EPLAN 21 This document describes how to create a part in EPLAN electric P8. Note: EPLAN electric P8 and EPLAN Cabinet use the same parts management system and can also use the same database. The same user interface is used for creating parts. It no longer matters whether a part is created in EPLAN electric P8 or EPLAN Cabinet. Start the parts management database.

Information, Organization and Security | Parts Management Database

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Tip: You can start the parts management database from EPLAN Cabinet or from EPLAN electric P8.

12.1.1 Selecting the parts database In the parts management system, you first need to specify the database in which parts are going to be stored. This can be a database of your own with ready-made parts, or it can be the database provided with EPLAN. If you want to provide other users with master data (as a parts supplier), you are best creating a new database. To do this:

Tools | New Database

Specify a directory and a name for the database. You are then asked if you want to open the new database straight away. Choose "Yes". The database is opened.

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12.1.2 Creating a part Several different groups of parts and data are kept in the parts database:

• Electrotechnical parts

• Fluid parts

• Mechanical parts

• Drawings (drilling patterns)

• Connections (contact data for routing)

• Customers

• Manufacturers/suppliers What data have to be specified for a given part depends to begin with on the se-lected generic product group, product group and product subgroup.

This merely means that a contactor has different properties to a duct. This document only describes the data needed for each type of part in EPLAN Ca-binet.

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12.1.2.1 Manufacturer/supplier To add a new manufacturer or supplier, open the context menu (right-click over "Manufacturer/Supplier") and choose "New".

A new manufacturer/supplier is added. The right-hand side of the dialogue has spaces to enter all relevant data.

Tip: If you plan to make the data available to customers (for example as a parts sup-plier), it is advisable to complete all items.

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12.1.2.2 Electrotechnical parts To add a new electrotechnical part, open the context menu (right-click over "Elec-trotechnical") and choose "New".

A new electrotechnical part is added. The right-hand side of the dialogue has spaces to enter all relevant data.

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Tip: The generic product group, product group and product subgroup properties are au-tomatically assigned according to where you are in the parts hierarchy when you click New, but you can also edit these properties yourself at any time. The properties needed for a part to be used in EPLAN Cabinet are as follows:

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General tab

Generic product group Electrotechnical Product group General Product subgroup General In each of these properties, you can select a group from a predefined list. If you change the product group, the parts are rearranged in the hierarchy in accordance with the hierarchy display options specified under [Tools] > Settings. Part number

The part number is unique, meaning it can only occur once in the hierarchy. This is checked automatically when a part or variant is saved. Part numbers can be up to 50 characters long. Care should be given to the choice of numbering system when assigning part num-bers. Example: Manufacturer, Group No., Serial No., Item No.: SIE.3TB.0001 Model number

Unlike the part number, the model number is not unique (especially for cables). If possible, the model number should match the data in the manufacturer"s cata-logue. Designation1

Further information on the part can be entered here, for example more data from the manufacturer"s catalogue. This information is not used by the software but it can be included in the printed parts list.

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Designation2

Further information on the part can be entered here, for example more data from the manufacturer"s catalogue. This information is not used by the software but it can be included in the printed parts list. Manufacturer

Click […] to select a short or long version of the name. The short name can alterna-tively be entered by hand. The long name cannot be edited. Supplier

Click […] to select a short or long version of the name. The short name can alterna-tively be entered by hand. The long name cannot be edited. Order number

Type an order number for the article, if possible matching the data in the manufac-turer"s catalogue. Note: This document only covers the data items that are passed on to EPLAN Cabinet. If you use EPLAN electric P8, it is recommended that you complete all items.

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Mounting data tab

These data items are used for specifying the device-specific dimensions in mm. They must be specified if you do not use a graphical macro for the part in EPLAN Cabinet. Width Numeric value in mm Height Numeric value in mm Depth Numeric value in mm Clip-on height/centre mismatch

By default, a device is placed in EPLAN Cabinet at the middle of a mounting rail (unless a graphical macro is used). You can use this parameter to specify where to place a device other than at the middle of a rail. Positive or negative values can be specified. Cabinet graphical macro

The Cabinet graphical macro associates a part with the Cabinet graphical macro used for graphical representation of the part in EPLAN Cabinet. Click […] to select an existing graphical macro. The name and directory path for the macro are then copied into the box. Note: It is best not to specify full directory path in this instance. Instead of, say, C:\EPLAN Cabinet\GRAFIKMAKROS\Monitor1.zei, specify just "Monitor1". If you use […] to select a graphical macro, delete the path part of the name.

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This makes the Cabinet graphical macros independent of your installation. This ap-proach is necessary for example if you make data available to customers, because you cannot know where customers store their graphical macros. The creation of Cabinet graphical macros is described in detail in a separate sec-tion. Mounting clearance width left/right Numerical values in mm Mounting clearance height above/below Numerical values in mm Mounting clearance depth front/rear Numerical values in mm On this tab, you can specify that EPLAN Cabinet should automatically leave addi-tional space either side of the parts concerned when placing them in a drawing.

Technical Data tab

Construction This allows you to assign the part a construction (definition of a drilling pattern) al-ready in the parts management database. For detailed information on creating drilling patterns, see the Creating Drilling Pat-terns section. Connections This allows you to assign the part a connection (definition of contact data for auto-matic routing in EPLAN Cabinet) already in the parts management database. Note: Assemblies can be specified in the parts management database in exactly the sa-me way as parts. In EPLAN Cabinet, assemblies are treated like parts. It is not currently possible to place them as assemblies and subsequently break them up into their constituent parts.

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12.1.2.3 Fluid parts All information in the Electrotechnical Parts section applies for Fluid parts.

12.1.2.4 Mechanical parts The following parts relevant to EPLAN Cabinet can be created in the article man-agement system: • Enclosures • Doors for enclosures • Mounting panels for enclosures • Mounting rails • Cable clamp rails • Ducts • Busbar systems • Busbar holders • Busbar adapters

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12.1.2.5 Mechanical parts: Enclosures

At least the following properties should be specified for these parts to be meaning-fully used in EPLAN Cabinet:

All enclosures (any make)

General tab

Generic product group Mechanical Product group Enclosure Product subgroup Specifying the product subgroup determines the basic type of enclosure. Part: All relevant data items comprise separate parts (e.g. side panels, rear panel, top panel, bottom panel, etc. – e.g. Rittal TS8). Body: Enclosure consists of enclosure body without separate parts (e.g. Rittal AE). Part number The part number is unique, meaning it can only occur once in the hierarchy. This is checked automatically when a part or variant is saved. Part numbers can be up to 50 characters long. Designation1 Further information on the part can be entered here, for example more data from the manufacturer"s catalogue. This information is not used by the soft-ware but it can be included in the printed parts list.

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Mounting data tab

Width, Height, Depth These data items are used for specifying the device-specific dimensions in mm. Note: On an enclosure of type "Part", the three dimensions determine the size of the ex-trusion frame.

On an enclosure of type "body", the three dimensions specify the size of the enclo-sure body.

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Enclosure tab

Wall thickness Value in mm Spacing when in series This spacing can be included automatically when two or more enclosures are ar-ranged in a row. Profile horizontal height If the enclosure has an extrusion frame (e.g. TS8), this item states the height of the laterals.

Profile horizontal depth If the enclosure has an extrusion frame (e.g. TS8), this item states the depth of the laterals.

Profile vertical width If the enclosure has an extrusion frame (e.g. TS8), this item states the width of the verticals.

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Profile vertical depth If the enclosure has an extrusion frame (e.g. TS8), this item states the depth of the verticals.

Doors tab

X position X is the distance by which the mounting panel is offset to the right The distance is measured from the bottom left rear corner of the enclosure. If two or more doors are used, a distance must be specified for each door. The X position is then also given relative to the hinge side of the door.

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Y position Y is the forward offset. The distance is measured from the bottom left rear corner of the enclosure. The offset always relates to the inside edge of the door. The value is always nega-tive.

Z position Z is the vertical (upward) offset. The distance is measured from the bottom left rear corner of the enclosure.

Part number Click the [...] button to select a part number for the door. Note: The assigned door must have been previously created as a part in the data-base. Variant This is always 1.

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Mounting Panel tab

Location Possible locations • Rear • Left • Right X position X is the distance by which the mounting panel is offset to the right The mounting panel is viewed from the front when specifying this item.

Y position Y is the distance by which the mounting panel is offset to the front. The mounting panel is viewed from the front when specifying these items.

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Z position Z is the distance by which the mounting panel is offset vertically upward. The mounting panel is viewed from the front when specifying these items.

Part number Click the [...] button to select a part number for the mounting panel. Note: The assigned mounting panel must have been previously created as a part in the database. Variant This is always 1. Angle This is always "0.00 mm".

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Enclosure part (model-specific)

Enclosure Party tab (type "part")

Projections

These items determine the size of each field, always relative to the extrusion frame. A positive value means that the part in question projects. A negative value means it is that amount smaller than the extrusion frame.

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Distance

The distance determines the position of each field and is specified relative to the extrusion frame. Rear panel: distance from inside of rear panel from outside of frame

Side panel: distance from inside of side panel to outside of frame

Top panel: distance from underside of roof to outside of frame

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Bottom panel: distance from topside of floor panel to outside of frame

Depth Depth of each field.

Enclosure body (model-specific)

Enclosure Body tab (type "body")

Width/height of door opening Specifies the size of the door opening at the front of the enclosure.

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Door rebate

Door top offset Door right offset These items determine the position of the door opening at the front of the enclo-sure. A value of 0 means the door opening is centred.

12.1.2.6 Mechanical parts: Mounting panels

At least the following properties should be specified for these parts to be meaning-fully used in EPLAN Cabinet:

General tab

Generic product group Mechanical Product group Housing Product subgroup Mounting panels Part number The part number is unique, meaning it can only occur once in the hierarchy. This is checked automatically when a part or variant is saved. Part numbers can be up to 50 characters long.

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Designation1 Further information on the part can be entered here, for example more data from the manufacturer"s catalogue. This information is not used by the soft-ware but it can be included in the printed parts list.

Mounting data tab

Width, Height, Depth These data items are used for specifying the device-specific dimensions in mm.

Blocking Surfaces tab

X position, Y position The X position and Y position items determine the position of the bottom left hand corner of the blocking surface relative to the mounting panel origin. The mounting panel origin is at bottom left. Front This item determines the position of the blocking surface – at the front or the rear of the mounting panel. Width Width of the blocking surface Height Height of the blocking surface Type There are blocking surfaces for placement and for drilling holes.

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12.1.2.7 Mechanical parts: Doors

At least the following properties should be specified for these parts to be meaning-fully used in EPLAN Cabinet:

General tab

Generic product group Mechanical Product group Housing Product subgroup Door Part number The part number is unique, meaning it can only occur once in the hierarchy. This is checked automatically when a part or variant is saved. Part numbers can be up to 50 characters long. Designation1 Further information on the part can be entered here, for example more data from the manufacturer"s catalogue. This information is not used by the soft-ware but it can be included in the printed parts list.

Mounting data tab

Width, Height, Depth These data items are used for specifying the device-specific dimensions in mm.

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Door tab

Type The type is always "default". Hinge Determines whether the door is hinged on the left or the right. Wall thickness Door panel thickness.

Blocking surfaces

X position, Y position The X position and Y position items determine the position of the bottom left hand corner of the blocking surface relative to the mounting panel origin. The mounting panel origin is at bottom left. Front This item determines the position of the blocking surface – at the front or the rear of the mounting panel. Width Width of the blocking surface Height Height of the blocking surface Type There are blocking surfaces for placement and for drilling holes.

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12.1.2.8 Mechanical parts: Ducts

At least the following properties should be specified for these parts to be meaning-fully used in EPLAN Cabinet:

General tab

Generic product group Mechanical Product group Ducts Product subgroup General Part number The part number is unique, meaning it can only occur once in the hierarchy. This is checked automatically when a part or variant is saved. Part numbers can be up to 50 characters long. Designation1 Further information on the part can be entered here, for example more data from the manufacturer"s catalogue. This information is not used by the soft-ware but it can be included in the printed parts list.

Mounting data tab

Width, depth These data items are used for specifying the device-specific dimensions in mm.

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Technical Data tab

Construction This allows you to assign the part a construction (definition of a drilling pattern) al-ready in the parts management database.

12.1.2.9 Mechanical parts: Mounting rails

At least the following properties should be specified for these parts to be meaning-fully used in EPLAN Cabinet:

General tab

Generic product group Mechanical Product group Housing accessories, internal extension Product subgroup Mounting rail Part number The part number is unique, meaning it can only occur once in the hierarchy. This is checked automatically when a part or variant is saved. Part numbers can be up to 50 characters long. Designation1 Further information on the part can be entered here, for example more data from the manufacturer"s catalogue. This information is not used by the soft-ware but it can be included in the printed parts list.

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Mounting data tab

Height Height in mm.

Mounting Rail tab

Width at top Width of the mounting rail at the top

Width at bottom Width of the mounting rail at the bottom.

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Technical Data tab

Construction This allows you to assign the part a construction (definition of a drilling pattern) al-ready in the parts management database.

12.1.2.10 Mechanical parts: Cable clamp rails

At least the following properties should be specified for these parts to be meaning-fully used in EPLAN Cabinet:

General tab

Generic product group Mechanical Product group Housing accessories, internal extension Product subgroup Cable clamp rails Part number The part number is unique, meaning it can only occur once in the hierarchy. This is checked automatically when a part or variant is saved. Part numbers can be up to 50 characters long. Designation1 Further information on the part can be entered here, for example more data from the manufacturer"s catalogue. This information is not used by the soft-ware but it can be included in the printed parts list.

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Mounting data tab

Width Width in mm. Depth Depth in mm.

Technical Data tab

Construction This allows you to assign the part a construction (definition of a drilling pattern) al-ready in the parts management database.

12.1.2.11 Mechanical parts: Busbars

At least the following properties should be specified for these parts to be meaning-fully used in EPLAN Cabinet:

Busbar systems

General tab

Generic product group Mechanical Product group Busbars

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Product subgroup System Part number The part number is unique, meaning it can only occur once in the hierarchy. This is checked automatically when a part or variant is saved. Part numbers can be up to 50 characters long. Designation1 Further information on the part can be entered here, for example more data from the manufacturer"s catalogue. This information is not used by the soft-ware but it can be included in the printed parts list. Designation2 The various busbar systems can be grouped here. The selection can then be fil-tered by these groups when placing busbars in EPLAN Cabinet.

Mounting data tab

Cabinet graphical macro Specifies the macro drawing to be used for the individual rails (poles). The drawing contains the basic shape of each rail.

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Busbar System tab

Profile geometry Specifies parameters relating to the shape of each rail. The parameters depend on the basic shape. Basic shape = SA_Standard Profile geometry = depth x height

Basic shape = SA_RI_PLS Profile geometry = depth x height (bottom) x height (top) x thickness

Generally: Six parameters can be used in a macro drawing for a rail. In the macro drawing, the parameters are named T, HU, HO, EXT1, EXT2 and EXT3. In the parts manage-ment database, the parameters are entered in the same order with an "x" as a se-parator: TxHUxHOxEXT1xEXT2xEXT3

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Number of rails Specifies the number of rails in the busbar system. Rail spacing Specifies the spacing between each pair of rails.

Distance from rails to mounting panel Distance from the mounting panel to the bottom edge of the rails.

Holder part number Click the [...] button to select a part number for the holder. Note: The assigned holder must already be in the parts database. Holder variant This is always 1. Holder vertical offset Offset of holder centre relative to rails.

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12.1.2.12 Mechanical parts: Busbar holders

General tab

Generic product group Mechanical Product group Busbars Product subgroup Holders Part number The part number is unique, meaning it can only occur once in the hierarchy. This is checked automatically when a part or variant is saved. Part numbers can be up to 50 characters long. Designation1 Further information on the part can be entered here, for example more data from the manufacturer"s catalogue. This information is not used by the soft-ware but it can be included in the printed parts list. Manufacturer Click […] to select a short or long version of the name. The short name can alterna-tively be entered by hand. The long name cannot be edited. Supplier Click […] to select a short or long version of the name. The short name can alterna-tively be entered by hand. The long name cannot be edited.

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Mounting data tab

Width, Height, Depth These data items are used for specifying the device-specific dimensions in mm. They must be specified if you do not use a graphical macro for the part in EPLAN Cabinet. EPLAN Cabinet graphical macro This links a part to graphical macro used to create its visual representation in EPLAN Cabinet. Click the […] button to choose an existing graphical macro and copy its name and path to the Graphical Macro box.

Technical Data tab

Construction This allows you to assign the part a construction (definition of a drilling pattern) al-ready in the parts management database.

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12.1.2.13 Mechanical parts: Busbar adapters

General tab

Generic product group Mechanical Product group Busbars Product subgroup Adapters Part number The part number is unique, meaning it can only occur once in the hierarchy. This is checked automatically when a part is saved. Designation1 Further information on the part can be entered here, for example more data from the manufacturer"s catalogue. This information is not used by the soft-ware but it can be included in the printed parts list. Manufacturer Click […] to select a short or long version of the name. The short name can alterna-tively be entered by hand. The long name cannot be edited. Supplier Click […] to select a short or long version of the name. The short name can alterna-tively be entered by hand. The long name cannot be edited.

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Mounting data tab

Width, Height, Depth These data items are used for specifying the device-specific dimensions in mm. They must be specified if you do not use a graphical macro for the part in EPLAN Cabinet. EPLAN Cabinet graphical macro This links a part to graphical macro used to create its graphical representation it in EPLAN Cabinet. Click the […] button to choose an existing graphical macro and copy its name and path to the Graphical Macro box.

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Mounting Rails tab

X position Distance along the X axis of the rail insertion point from the adapter origin. Y position Distance along the Y axis of the rail insertion point from the adapter origin. Z position Distance along the Z axis of the rail insertion point from the adapter origin. Part number Adapter part number. Click the [...] button to select a part number for the mounting rail. Note: The assigned mounting rail must have been previously created as a part in the database. Variant This is always 1. Length Length of the mounting rail.

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12.2 Creating drilling patterns

Drilling patterns are defined in the EPLAN parts management system, under CONSTRUCTIONS.

Drilling patterns are generally divided into two types: • Drilling patterns for length-dependent parts (e.g. ducts and mounting rails) • Drilling patterns for length-independent parts (e.g. devices) A drilling pattern can be made up of one or more holes/contours.

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The following types of hole or cut are available: • Drilled holes • Threaded holes • Rectangular cutouts, right-angle • Rectangular cutouts, chamfered • Rectangular cutouts, filleted • Slots • Hexagons • Polygons • User-defined contours

12.2.1 Creating a new drilling pattern To add a new drilling pattern, open the context menu (right-click over "Construc-tions") and choose "New".

A new drilling pattern is added. The right-hand side of the dialogue has spaces to enter all relevant data.

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All items in the Construction tab should be specified for the drilling pattern to be meaningfully used in EPLAN Cabinet. Note: Always enter "1" for Construction Variant. EPLAN Cabinet currently only processes construction variant 1.

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12.2.1.1 Specifying an individual hole (length-independent)

Go to the Drilling Pattern tab.

Click the New button. . Specify the following items for the drilled hole:

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Drilling Pattern tab

Type Drill X position Distance in mm along the X axis of the hole from the origin. Y position Distance in mm along the Y axis of the hole from the origin. First dimension Diameter of the hole in mm

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12.2.1.2 Specifying an individual threaded hole (length-independent)

Go to the Drilling Pattern tab.

Click the New button. . Specify the following items for the threaded hole:

Drilling Pattern tab

Type Thread X position Distance in mm along the X axis of the hole from the origin. Y position Distance in mm along the Y axis of the hole from the origin. First dimension Nominal diameter of the threaded hole in mm

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12.2.1.3 Specifying a rectangular cutout (right-angle) Go to the Drilling Pattern tab.

Click the New button. . Specify the following items for the right-angle rectangular cutout:

Drilling Pattern tab

Type Rectangular Subtype Right-angle X position Distance in mm along the X axis of the rectangular cutout from the origin. Y position Distance in mm along the Y axis of the rectangular cutout from the origin. Angle Angle of the rectangular cutout First dimension Height of the rectangular cutout in mm Second dimension Width of the rectangular cutout in mm

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12.2.1.4 Specifying a rectangular cutout (filleted) Go to the Drilling Pattern tab.

Click the New button. . Specify the following items for the filleted rectangular cutout:

Drilling Pattern tab

Type Rectangular Subtype Filleted X position Distance in mm along the X axis of the rectangular cutout from the origin. Y position Distance in mm along the Y axis of the rectangular cutout from the origin. Angle Angle of the rectangular cutout First dimension Height of the rectangular cutout in mm Second dimension Width of the rectangular cutout in mm Third dimension Fillet radius in mm

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12.2.1.5 Specifying a rectangular cutout (chamfered) Go to the Drilling Pattern tab.

Click the New button. . Specify the following items for the chamfered rectangular cutout:

Drilling Pattern tab

Type Rectangular Subtype Chamfered X position Distance in mm along the X axis of the rectangular cutout from the origin. Y position Distance in mm along the Y axis of the rectangular cutout from the origin. Angle Angle of the rectangular cutout First dimension Height of the rectangular cutout in mm Second dimension Width of the rectangular cutout in mm Third dimension Chamfer width in mm

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12.2.1.6 Specifying a slot Go to the Drilling Pattern tab.

Click the New button. . Specify the following items for the slot:

Drilling Pattern tab

Type Slot X position Distance in mm along the X axis of the slot from the origin. Y position Distance in mm along the Y axis of the slot from the origin. Angle Angle of the slot First dimension Height of the slot in mm Second dimension Width of the slot in mm

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12.2.1.7 Specifying a hexagonal cutout Go to the Drilling Pattern tab.

Click the New button. . Specify the following items for the hexagonal cutout:

Drilling Pattern tab

Type Hexagon X position Distance in mm along the X axis of the hexagonal cutout from the origin. Y position Distance in mm along the Y axis of the hexagonal cutout from the origin. Angle Angle of the hexagonal cutout First dimension Side length of the hexagonal cutout in mm

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12.2.1.8 Specifying an octagonal cutout Go to the Drilling Pattern tab.

Click the New button. . Specify the following items for the octagonal cutout:

Drilling Pattern tab

Type Octagon X position Distance in mm along the X axis of the octagonal cutout from the origin. Y position Distance in mm along the Y axis of the octagonal cutout from the origin. Angle Angle of the octagonal cutout First dimension Side length of the octagonal cutout in mm

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12.2.1.9 Specifying holes for ducts/rails (length-dependent)

Go to the Drilling Pattern tab.

Click the New button. . Specify the following items for the holes:

Drilling Pattern tab

Type Drill X position Distance in mm along the X axis of the holes from the origin. Y position Distance in mm along the Y axis of the holes from the origin. First dimension Hole diameter in mm Repetitive spacing Spacing between subsequent holes End spacing Distance along the X axis between the penultimate hole and the last one. Drill each nth hole Specifies which hole should be drilled each time.

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12.2.1.10 Specifying threaded holes for ducts/rails (length-dependent)

Go to the Drilling Pattern tab. Click the New button.

. Specify the following items for the threaded holes:

Drilling Pattern tab

Type "Thread" X-Position Distance in mm along the X axis of the threaded holes from the origin. Y position Distance in mm along the Y axis of the threaded holes from the origin. First dimension Threaded hole diameter in mm Repetitive spacing Spacing between subsequent holes End spacing Distance along the X axis between the penultimate hole and the last one. Drill each nth hole Specifies which hole should be drilled each time.

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Creating and using graphical macros

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13 Creating and using graphical macros .................13-2 13.1 Graphical macros: General ..................................................... 13-2 13.1.1 Specifying a graphical macro for EPLAN Cabinet............................. 13-3 13.1.2 Graphical macro drawings in EPLAN Cabinet................................... 13-4 13.1.3 Using graphical macros in EPLAN Cabinet....................................... 13-5 13.1.4 Creating a graphical macro drawing in EPLAN Cabinet.................... 13-6 13.2 Drawing a graphical macro in the Graphical Editor ............. 13-7 13.2.1 Creating the geometry for a graphical macro.................................... 13-8 13.2.2 Adding solids in a graphical macro ................................................. 13-22 13.2.3 Specifying macro orientation in 3D space....................................... 13-23 13.2.4 Specifying the drawing origin in a graphical macro......................... 13-27 13.2.5 Saving a graphical macro................................................................ 13-29 13.2.6 Testing a graphical macro............................................................... 13-30

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13 Creating and using graphical macros

13.1 Graphical macros: General

A device placed in EPLAN Cabinet must be assigned the following parameters: • Height, width and depth

or • Graphical macro If a device is only assigned a width, height and depth (and not a graphical macro), a rectangular default part with the specified dimensions is automatically placed in the drawing.

A graphical macro is a drawing file specified in EPLAN Cabinet. Each graphical macro contains a single solid. The placement point is determined by the drawing o-rigin.

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Graphical macros are in EPLAN Cabinet: • Provide the graphical representations of devices in an enclosure • Ensure that devices are automatically positioned at exactly the right place, for

example in doors and side panels • Make it possible to perform more accurate collision checking

13.1.1 Specifying a graphical macro for EPLAN Cabinet In EPLAN Cabinet, devices are placed in an enclosure. The devices are not neces-sarily specified in EPLAN Cabinet; they are specified in a schematic (e.g. in EPLAN electric P8). Each EPLAN Cabinet project is generally assigned a schematic project. The data from the schematic is passed to EPLAN Cabinet. This consists of data on devices, including parts data. Parts are specified in the parts management database. This is where technical data is entered. Whether or not a graphical macro is placed is determined in the EPLAN parts management database.

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13.1.2 Graphical macro drawings in EPLAN Cabinet A graphical macro is a 3D drawing file (format *.ZEI) in EPLAN Cabinet. A graphical macro drawing can only ever contain one solid. The drawing is saved in a specific directory. The name of the drawing determines the name of the graphical macro.

Cabinet graphical macro: "Makro1" Drawing name: "Makro1.zei" The graphical macro is saved in a specific directory: \ECDTriga4\GrafikMakros\.

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13.1.3 Using graphical macros in EPLAN Cabinet Data from the schematic is passed via the EPLAN parts list to EPLAN Cabinet, where it is automatically processed when placing devices in an enclosure.

Placing a contactor using a graphical macro

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13.1.4 Creating a graphical macro drawing in EPLAN Cabinet

There are three ways to create a graphical macro • Draw a graphical macro using 3D modelling tools

You can draw a graphical macro to your own requirements by using the 3D modelling commands in the EPLAN Cabinet Graphical Editor.

• Import 3D models provided by device manufacturers

The 3D import interface can be used to import models into EPLAN Cabinet, where they can be edited (to correct the orientation, assign an origin etc.) and manually saved in the correct directory.

• Manufacturers supply macros ready for use in EPLAN Cabinet

These can be used straight away without additional editing.

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13.2 Drawing a graphical macro in the Graphical Editor

This section describes how to create a graphical macro using the EPLAN Cabinet Graphical Editor. A Graphical Editor licence is needed. Start EPLAN Cabinet. On the menu bar:

Tools | Graphical editor

The menus, toolbars, and Navigator change to show the Graphical Editor com-mands and features. A graphical macro is created in the following steps: • Create the geometry or import a model • Add solids • Specify the macro’s orientation in 3D space • Specify the drawing origin • Save in the graphical macros directory • Test

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13.2.1 Creating the geometry for a graphical macro Create a new sketch.

File | New

In the standard sheet dialog that now opens, you can simply click [OK] to confirm without making any changes.

Note: The format of the drawing does not matter when creating a graphical macro. A 2D sketch is created. Switch to a 3D view (front or ISO view) to turn it into a 3D drawing. Note: An EPLAN Cabinet graphical macro is always a 3D drawing.

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Example:

The following example shows how a graphical macro is created.

Note: The geometry can be created so the graphical macro has the right orientation for fitting in the enclosure from the outset. This is done by drawing in the right view. Al-ternatively, the orientation can be corrected after completing the geometry (as in this example).

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Note: Drawing and modelling commands

The drawing and modelling commands for creating the geometry of a graphical macro (line, extrude, punch, etc.) are not described in this document. Instructions on their use are contained in the Graphical Editor section of the manual and in Help.

Switch to 3D view

Switch to a 3D modelling view, such as from above.

View | Viewpoints | From above

This can also be done by double-clicking on the ‘From above’ viewpoint in the Na-vigator.

Coordinate system

A coordinate system is always visible in the drawing. It has three axes: Red = X axis Green = Y axis Blue = Z axis

The X and Y axes determine the working plane. This is the plane that is usually u-sed when drawing. The Z axis extends into 3D space. In the view from above, you are looking along the Z axis.

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Draw the basic geometry

Now draw the basic geometry for the monitor in the example.

Elements | Rectangle

Rectangle

Draw a rectangle with the dimensions 300 x 200 mm.

Extrude the base geometry to create a solid

Now choose the Extrude command.

Edit | Extrude

Extrude

Extrude the contour to a height of 30 mm. The first solid is complete. Switch to ISO view.

View | Viewpoints | ISO

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Set the working plane

Now set the working plane on the top face of the solid.

Tools | Working plane

Click the top surface to select it and press [Return] to finish. The coordinate system moves to a corner of the selected surface.

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Set the viewing plane to the working plane

Under Viewpoints in the Navigator, click ‘Viewing plane (on working plane)’.

The view switches to the surface that has been selected as the working plane.

Draw a second solid

In the middle of the surface, draw another rectangle of size 260 x 160 mm. Extrude the contour to a height of 70mm. The second solid is complete. Switch to ISO view.

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Note: The extrusion direction depends on the orientation of the Z axis. If the Z axis is cur-rently reversed, the solid will be extruded in the opposite direction. In such cases, specify a negative value for the extrusion distance or change the orientation of the Z axis. All of these parameters can be changed afterwards. This completes the basic modelling of the monitor in the example. You can now add further details (fillets, drilled holes, colours, etc.).

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A note on detailing:

Less is most definitely more. The more detail you add to a macro drawing, the lar-ger the drawing becomes and the more capacity is needed for the system to handle it. With this in mind, only add as much detail as is absolutely necessary. This has considerable performance benefits when working with the completed macro. Specifically, this means: • No unnecessary fillets/chamfers that are not needed for project work in

EPLAN Cabinet. • No excessive faithfulness to detail. • Use colours sparingly. Assign the right basic colour to the solid from the start.

Completing the front

In the example, the front of the monitor will now be added together with a simplified representation of the controls. Rotate the model to display the monitor's front side.

View | Rotate model

Rotate model

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Set the working plane to the front surface.

Under Viewpoints in the Navigator, click ‘Viewing plane (on working plane)’. The view switches to the front of the monitor.

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On this surface, draw a rectangle of size 200 x 160. The rectangle is 20 mm from the top and the right edge.

Fillet the corners

Edit | Fillet

Fillet

Fillet the corners of the rectangle with radius 10 mm.

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Draw circles

Elements | Circle

Circle

Draw three circles of diameter 20 as shown.

Note: These elements add detail to the front of the monitor. Their purpose is only visual and they have no functional effect.

Recess circles into solid

Select the Recess command.

Edit | Recess

Recess

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Recess all the contours just drawn -1 mm into the front of the first solid. Note: The recessing direction depends on the orientation of the Z axis. If the Z axis is cur-rently reversed, the elements will be recessed in the opposite direction. In such ca-ses, specify a negative value for the recess depth or change the orientation of the Z axis. This completes the basic modelling of the monitor in the example.

Use ‘Rotate view’ to change the view so that the front of the monitor is dis-played isometrically.

Colour the surfaces

If desired, the surfaces created by recessing can now be assigned a colour.

View | Colour to surface

Press [Return] to open the colour selection and choose a colour.

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Select the inside surface of the round-cornered rectangular cutout and click it to assign it the colour.

Press Return to switch colours. Assign colours to the round cutouts.

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Change the basic colour

If desired, you can still change the basic colour of the solid. Right-click the solid and choose Solid Attributes – Colour on the context menu.

The solid will have the selected colour when it is placed in EPLAN Cabinet.

The geometry is now complete.

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13.2.2 Adding solids in a graphical macro Graphical macros in EPLAN Cabinet are subject to a strict rule: A graphical macro only ever contains one solid. There are no exceptions. To meet this requirement, all separate solids in our example must be added to-gether to make one solid. The EPLAN Cabinet Navigator lists the solids in a drawing under ‘Drawing ele-ments’.

Note: All modelling steps can be edited at any time in the Navigator (colours, extrusion height, recessing depth, etc.). Add the different solids to make a single solid:

Edit | Add

Add

Drag and drop in the Navigator

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13.2.3 Specifying macro orientation in 3D space The orientation of the solid in the graphical macro drawing affects how it is placed on mounting panels, doors or other planes. The next step is to specify the orientation. In the graphical macro drawing, the placement plane on the mounting panel or door is always determined by the X and Z axes. This must be allowed for by matching the placement orientation to the orientation of the axes.

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The XZ plane in the graphical macro is put on the plane of the mounting panel or door on placement. This behaviour is fixed in EPLAN Cabinet and cannot be changed. When creating a graphical macro, you need to make certain that the right surface on the graphical macro (the surface to be placed on the mounting panel or door) is on the XZ plane.

Checking the orientation

To check the orientation of the graphical macro: • In the Navigator, double-click the viewpoint ‘Isometric 1’. • Again in the Navigator, double-click the working plane ‘XY plane [plan]’.

The XZ plane cuts through the solid (as indicated by the blue and red arrows). This is the surface where the graphical macro will be placed on the mounting panel or door.

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In the picture below, this surface is shown on a mounting panel or door:

Problem:

The new graphical macro will be at an angle of 90° to the mounting panel or door.

Solution:

The solid must be rotated in the graphical macro drawing. In the monitor example, a -90° rotation about the X axis is needed.

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Choose the ‘Rotate’ command.

Edit | Rotate

Rotate

Select the depicted axis of rotation by holding down the [Ctrl] key and clicking the edge. Type -90 for the rotation angle and click the solid. The drawing then looks like this (viewpoint: ‘Isometric 1 (ISO)’, working plane ‘XY plane [plan]’:

The graphical macro now has the correct orientation.

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13.2.4 Specifying the drawing origin in a graphical macro The origin of the graphical macro drawing determines the append point on place-ment. The graphical macro is attached to the mouse cursor at this point during place-ment. When inserting a graphical macro into a drawing, you will usually specify a point on the mounting panel where the graphical macro is to be placed. The graphical mac-ro will then be inserted on the mounting panel with its drawing origin at this point. The situation can be different when placing a graphical macro in rather than on a door. The origin must be specified accordingly in the graphical macro drawing. The origin therefore depends on where the graphical macro will later be used. In the monitor example, specify the origin as follows: First, change the current working plane to the surface containing the origin. If nec-essary, use ‘Tools | Working plane’ to do so.

Specifying the origin

Elements | Drawing origin

Use the ‘point search’ feature to select the origin (click the point and hold down the mouse button for about two seconds). In the monitor example, the origin should be on the surface shown below so that the monitor is always placed at the right depth in the door.

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Place the origin at one of the top corners or halfway along the top edge.

Press [Return] to confirm.

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13.2.5 Saving a graphical macro A graphical macro drawing must be saved in a specific directory before EPLAN Cabinet can use it as a graphical macro. To save a graphical macro: On the menu bar:

File | Save as

Logical drive

Graphical macros are stored in the directory that is specified in Parameter man-ager - EPLAN - Data in the "Data" selection field. Default drive is the start directory @:. If the data drive on separate working stations is conneted to the same physical di-rectory in your LAN, each station will access to the same graphical macros.

Subdirectory

Graphical macros are located in the "ECDTriga4\Grafikmakros" subdirectory in the logical drive preselected. From this directory the graphical macros are also called for placement. You can create subdirectories under @:ECDTriga4\Grafikmakros. Even though this is allowed, still make sure that no two graphical macros have the same name. Two or more graphical macros with the same name but in different directories can cau-se problems. Always choose a unique name.

File name

Under ‘File name’, type a name for the macro. This name can be used in the parts database to associate a part with a graphical macro.

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13.2.6 Testing a graphical macro After creating and saving a graphical macro, it is advisable to test it in a drawing. The easiest way to do this is by placing the graphical macro in an EPLAN Cabinet project as an image using ‘Parts | Universal part’. • Close the graphical macro drawing. • Close the Graphical Editor. • Open an EPLAN Cabinet project. • Exclusively activate the outside of the door. • Choose the ‘Universal part’ command.

Parts | Universal part

In the Universal Part dialogue, type the name of the graphical macro you want to test in the Graphical Macro box.

Click [OK]. The graphical macro is displayed at the cursor. Place the graphical macro.

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Check the insertion depth, preferably in a side view.

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User-defined drilling contours

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14 User-defined drilling contours .............................14-2 14.1 Save contour as drilling pattern ............................................. 14-2 14.1.1 Drawing the base contour for a drilling pattern ................................. 14-2 14.1.2 Saving a base contour as a drilling pattern ....................................... 14-3 14.1.3 Manual contour definition .................................................................. 14-4

14.1.3.1 Placing drilling contours as user-defined drilling patterns ...... 14-5 14.1.4 Saving a contour as a machine-specific production description ....... 14-6

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14 User-defined drilling contours

14.1 Save contour as drilling pattern

You can save a 2D contour drawn in the Graphical Editor as a drilling pattern. Con-tours saved in this way have various uses: • As a graphical representation of a user-defined drilled hole • In the parts management database, as part of a drilling pattern for parts and

devices • As a graphical representation in a drilling template • As a graphical representation in a DXF-NC export • As a NC machining description for a drilling and milling machine

14.1.1 Drawing the base contour for a drilling pattern On the menu bar:

Tools | Graphical editor

Open a new drawing and, working in 2D, draw a contour in the shape you want - for example a rectangle with two rounded corners:

The illustrated dimensioning is provided for information only and is not needed when specifying a drilling contour. The drawing with the base contour is no longer needed after generating the drilling contour, as all information on the contour is saved in the NC parts database. If you wish, you can save the base contour in a folder of your choice, and modify it to cre-ate a new contour another time.

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14.1.2 Saving a base contour as a drilling pattern Once you have drawn the base contour, open the Contour Definition dialogue in the Graphical Editor.

Tools | Save contour as drilling pattern

The Contour Definition dialogue has four controls that are activated according to the selected mode and the stage reached in the process. A text box at the bottom of the dialogue displays what options are currently available and what has to be done next. In most cases, you can use the [Retract step] button to return to the previous stage.

Modes

There are two contour definition modes: Contour definition A graphical representation of the contour is defined manually and saved in the parts database. When placed as a user-defined contour in a project, the graphical data are fetched from the database. Machine-specific production description This generates a machine-specific NC program for drilling and milling the contour and saves it in the parts database. When placed in a project, the NC data are cop-ied into the project database (using Update Drilling Patterns). These are then in-cluded when creating the machine-specific NC output.

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14.1.3 Manual contour definition In the Contour Definition dialogue, select Contour Definition mode. You then have two options: 1) Select a contour name In the Contour Name box, select the name of an existing contour to use this name for the contour you have drawn. The contour definition previously saved under the same name will be overwritten. 2) Create a new contour Click the [New Contour] button. Type a name for the new contour in the Contour Name box. Specify an origin Next, specify a point on the contour as its origin. The location of the origin is not important if you have selected in Contour Definition, but if you have selected Ma-chine-Specific Production Description it is the reference point for NC machining. For this purpose, the origin should be on a straight line and not in a corner so the machine can find the direction of travel.

Select contour elements Now click the contour elements one by one in clockwise sequence.

The clicked elements change colour and are joined to form a closed contour. Ge-ometry elements do not need to touch: the software automatically computes the points of intersection, allowing a closed contour to be created from an inconsistent collection of lines and circles.

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Close and save the contour Once you are back at the starting element or have selected the last element, click the [Close contour] button. You can still discard the contour definition at this stage by clicking [Cancel]. Other-wise, click [OK] to save the contour and close the Contour Definition dialogue.

14.1.3.1 Placing drilling contours as user-defined drilling patterns

So that a new drilling contour can be used as a user-defined drilling in a project, select Update Drilling Patterns in the project to copy the new contour in the project database. You can then select and place the contour as a user-defined drilling pat-tern of type ‘contour’ under the name assigned to it.

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14.1.4 Saving a contour as a machine-specific production description

The second drilling pattern definition mode specifies an NC program for drilling and milling the contour on a machine. This takes account of the available machine ca-pabilities and tools. In the Contour Definition dialogue, select Machine-Specific Production Description.

Select a contour name

The drop-down list attached to the Contour Name box shows the contours previ-ously created in Contour Definition mode. Select one of the contours in the list. Once you have selected a contour, you can either use it as the basis for a produc-tion description or delete it by clicking the [Delete] button.

Select a machine

In the next step, select the machine to be used for machining the contour. The Ma-chine list shows all available machine types, e.g. Perforex and Steinhauer.

Select a milling tool

If two or more milling tools are specified in the machine configuration, select the milling cutter you want to use. If only one milling tool is specified, it is automatically inserted in the Tool box.

Select a rough borer

Now specify the size of the rough borer. The Rough Borer box lists all drilling tools that are specified in the machine configuration.

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Place the source contour

Next, place the source contour in a sketch or drawing. The contour is placed in the drawing at the origin that was specified in the Contour Definition dialogue.

Approach contour

After placing the source contour, you continue working in the dialogue. You can specify in it how the milling cutter is to approach the contour from the initial rough cut. Distance Distance between hole and contour So that the machine does not leave a ridge on approaching the contour tangentially out of the rough cut, the drilling tool is kept at a slight distance from the contour (di-stance plus half the drill radius). The distance thus determines the tangent of the drilled hole parallel to the contour. Tangentially (arc) The machine approaches the contour from the rough cut tangentially in a semicir-cle and then contours in the contour. This option is always used if the first contour element is a circular arc. Perpendicularly (straight line) The machine approaches the contour from the rough cut perpendicularly in a straight line and then turns 90° to the right to enter the contour.

Milling depths

The second option in the dialogue determines heights and depths for the milling cutter as it moves above and through the workpiece. Miller over panel Height at which the milling cutter moves when traversing above the workpiece (Per-forex default: 4 mm).

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Miller in panel Depth range within which the milling cutter travels through the workpiece (Perforex default: -4 mm to -7 mm, allowing the cutter to move in a 3 mm vertical range).

Specify a starting point for machining

Once all parameters are specified in the dialogue, you can continue in the drawing. On the contour where it is provisionally placed in the drawing, click the start ele-ment where machining is to begin. The starting point should be on a straight line and not in a corner so that the cutter can properly approach the contour. The milling path is then displayed on the contour, creating a graphical representa-tion of the NC program.

Representation of milling paths and end points

Milling paths The end point of every program step (traversed straight line or arc) is shown as a circle (1). The milling path is shown as parallel lines, arcs and segments of circles (2).

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Colour coding Blue: Rough bore (1) Green: Milling cutter above workpiece (2) Red: Milling cutter inside workpiece (3)

Where the milling cutter enters or exits the material, a red and a green circle are shown at the same place. To tell entry and exit apart, the second circle (for the se-cond program step) is shown a little smaller than the first: • Large green circle with smaller red circle inside it: cutter entering workpiece

(depicted) • Large red circle with smaller green circle inside it: cutter rising to exit work-

piece

Adding drilled holes

You can manipulate the milling contour by adding more drilled holes. These are machined using the selected drilling tool. Distance between hole and contour The hole (the edge of the drill) can be placed: • At 0 distance from the contour (1) • At a negative distance, inside the contour (2) • At a positive distance, outside the contour

If ‘Distance between hole and contour’ is selected, the settings for the append point are ignored. Place the holes by clicking where you want them in the drawing.

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Drill Select the drill to be used in the list. Append points Choice of nine possible append points; these are only used if ‘Distance between hole and contour’ is not selected.

Placing fins

Fins are breaks in the machining process that are placed with a specified width in straight parts of a contour. They are where material is left standing. The necessary rough cut is added automatically. Specifying fin widths and placing fins Type a fin width in the box provided, then click the [Place] button. Click a straight part of the contour to place the fin. Once all fins have been placed, click the [Done] button.

Colour coding Red: Milling cutter inside material (1) Green: Miller cutter above material (2) Blue: Rough cut (3)

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Ignore contour element

The [Ignore contour element] button specifies elements in the source contour that are not to be traversed by the milling cutter. This is useful, for example, if the mill-ing cutter is too wide for the contour and the milling path is to be truncated so a small-diameter hole can be drilled at the point in question (1). Click the elements you want to ignore. The selected elements are shown in blue (2). Click the [Done] button to remove all selected elements from the NC program and close the contour with a straight traverse (3).

The drilled holes needed in place of a cut can be specified with [Additional holes].

Finish and generate NC program

Click [OK] at the bottom of the dialogue to generate the NC program and save it in the NC parts database. Contours can be placed as user-defined holes in project drawings or inside drilling patterns. They can be saved: • In the 3D model • In the drilling pattern • In an NC DXF export • As an NC program for the selected machine The generated contours are copied to the NC program and included in the ma-chine-specific output files. You will see the contours machining paths in the ma-chine software.

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EPLAN Cabinet 12-1

Index

A A(uto) trimming ......................10-31 Activating a component.............3-2 Activating a component exclusively..................................3-7 Activating a part in routing......8-16 Adding a new drawing to a current project .......................................2-14 Adding a new enclosure to the current drawing..........................4-2 Adding a Rittal TS8 enclosure ..4-3 Adding a template drawing to the current project..........................2-15 Adding solids .........................10-42 Adding solids in a graphical macro ......................................13-22 Additional information on RiCAD 3D enclosure models ...............2-67 Additional options for TS 8 enclosures ..................................4-4 Adjusting the position of a device...................................................5-17 Advanced print settings

Colour....................................7-9 Margins..................................7-9 Views...................................7-10

Applying non-standard routing criteria .......................................8-16 Assigning a colour to a surface .................................................10-49 Assigning materials to wires...8-25 Automatically assigned %T text variables....................................11-6 Auxiliary drawing line ............10-14

B Baying enclosures ...................2-73

C Cable bunching.......................... 8-9 CADCabel export ..................... 8-30 Centre line .............................. 10-14 Centring a view ........................ 3-14 Chamfering elements ............ 10-38 Changing attributes............... 10-46 Changing project information/project assignment ................................................... 6-29 Changing the length of components ............................. 4-42 Changing the location and plant designation/unit ID .................. 5-20 Changing the scale of a view.. 3-16 Checking a drawing................. 6-18 Circle (centre point and radius/diameter)..................... 10-17 Circles and arcs..................... 10-16 Circular arc (centre point and radius/diameter)..................... 10-18 Closing a drawing.................... 10-6 Configuring EPLAN Cabinet ... 6-43 Connecting outlets .................. 8-18 Connections list....................... 8-12 Connection-wire assignment.. 8-26 Copying an enclosure ............. 5-19 Correcting the orientation of the enclosure.................................. 2-31 Counting in projects parts lists ................................................... 6-14 Create drilling template............. 9-4 Create view of parts available for mounting on............................. 3-11 Creating a graphical macro drawing in EPLAN Cabinet ..... 13-6

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12-2 EPLAN Cabinet

Creating a new drilling pattern .................................................12-41 Creating a new enclosure project.....................................................2-4 Creating a new enclosure project by copying ................................2-10 Creating a new enclosure project from a template ........................2-10 Creating a new project in an existing EPLAN project............1-19 Creating a part..........................12-4 Creating a part in the parts management.............................12-2 Creating a project from a file.....2-6 Creating a project inside an EPLAN project ............................2-4 Creating an enclosure template from a drawing .........................2-18 Creating an enclosure template from an imported model ..........2-35 Creating and editing wires ......8-27 Creating and modyfying solids .................................................10-39 Creating custom standard sheets...................................................11-8 Creating custom views ............3-13 Creating drawings....................10-4 Creating drilling patterns.......12-40 Creating mounting rails in parallel...................................................4-19 Creating the geometry for a graphical macro .......................13-8

D Deleting a blocking line ...........8-21 Deleting a drawing from an enclosure project .....................2-17 Deleting a view .........................3-16 Deleting an existing enclosure project .......................................2-13 Deleting devices.......................5-22

Detail level for displaying parts in RiCAD 3D.................................. 2-68 Device tag labelling ................. 3-26 Dimensioning......................... 10-19 Dimensioning types............... 10-21 Display drilling view .................. 9-4 Display fill levels...................... 8-11 Display options and input aids ................................................. 10-46 Displaying component labelling ................................................... 3-26 Displaying device information 5-14 Displaying router errors.......... 8-10 Displaying routing lists ........... 8-12 Displaying wires ...................... 8-10 Drawing a graphical macro in the Graphical Editor....................... 13-7 Drawing the base contour for a drilling pattern.......................... 14-2

E Edit toolbar................................. 1-7 Editing a duct........................... 4-28 Editing a duct........................... 4-29 Editing a mounting rail............ 4-24 Editing a standard sheet drawing................................................... 11-5 Editing dimensioning ............ 10-23 Editing dimensioning text..... 10-23 Editing elements.................... 10-30 Editing existing labels............. 3-23 Editing sketches and drawings 10-4 Editing text ............................. 10-29 Electrotechnical parts ............. 12-6 Elements for creating components................................................. 10-10 Enclosure views....................... 3-10 Entering points with the mouse ................................................... 1-22

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EPLAN Cabinet 12-3

Entering text ...........................10-24 EPLAN Cabinet drawings ........2-14 EPLAN Cabinet menu bar........1-14 EPLAN Cabinet Navigator node ...................................................1-17 EPLAN Cabinet parameters.....6-30 EPLAN Cabinet projects............2-4 EPLAN Cabinet toolbars............1-3 Excluding a duct from routing 8-16 Export drillings to machine.......9-7 Export wires parts list..............8-28 Exporting NC data....................9-11 Exporting NC drilling data to DXF...................................................9-12 Exporting the wires parts list to a wiring centre.............................8-28 Exporting to a Triathlon wiring centre ........................................8-29 External enclosure templates .2-18 External Enclosure Templates toolbar.........................................1-8 Extruding a contour ...............10-40

F File toolbar..................................1-4 Filleting elements...................10-36 Finding an enclosure in RiCAD 3D...................................................2-60 Fit geometry to view size.........3-15 Fluid parts...............................12-12 Freehand symbols ...................1-26

G General print settings ................7-5 Generating a project parts list 6-15 Global parameter settings for labels.........................................3-19 Go to component in EPLAN ....5-15

Graphical export of a parts list to EPLAN ...................................... 7-14 Graphical export to EPLAN..... 7-13 Graphical macro drawings in EPLAN Cabinet ........................ 13-4 Graphical macros

General ............................... 13-2

I Importing a 3D enclosure model 2-25 Importing parts data ................ 6-17 Importing project parameters. 6-20 Information, Organization and Security toolbar ......................... 1-9 Insert mounting panel infill ..... 4-14 Inserting a universal part ........ 5-11 Inserting chassis/mounting rail ..................................................... 4-5 Inserting partial mounting panel ..................................................... 4-6 Installing RiCAD 3D................. 2-55 Internal and external sides of terminal strips.......................... 8-36 Isometric view of all parts......... 3-9 Item number labelling.............. 3-26

L Labels ....................................... 3-19 Line ......................................... 10-10 Logical drives........................... 6-47

M Machine and material selection 9-8 Making terminal connections match between layout and parts management database............ 8-35 Manual contour definition....... 14-4 Manufacturer/supplier ............. 12-5

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Maximum number of extended standard sheet variables .........11-7 Measuring ...............................10-30 Mechanical parts ....................12-12

Busbar adapters ................12-37 Busbar holders ..................12-35 Busbars .............................12-31 Cable clamp rails...............12-30 Doors.................................12-25 Ducts .................................12-27 Enclosures.........................12-13 Mounting panels ................12-23 Mounting rails ....................12-28

Modifying devices ....................5-16 Modifying mounting panels after placement .................................4-12 Modifying mounting panels after placement .................................4-13 Modifying standard sheets......11-5 Modifying views .......................3-14 Modifying/creating drawing variables....................................11-7 Mouse input..............................1-21 Mouse stroke input ..................1-23 Move enclosure ........................5-18 Moving a structural component..4-44 Moving a view...........................3-14 Moving elements ....................10-33

N Navigator...................................1-15 Navigator bookmarks ..............1-18 NC configuration ......................9-13 NC output dialogue ....................9-8

O Opening an existing enclosure project .......................................2-12 Optimizing connections...........8-24 Output to a symbol ..................6-25

Output to an EPLAN Cabinet standard sheet ......................... 6-22 Output toolbar.......................... 1-10

P Parameters

Colours and text.................. 6-39 Drilling pattern dimensioning6-41 Drilling pattern geometry..... 6-41 Eplan................................... 6-37 General ............................... 6-30 System................................ 6-31 Voltage types for wires/ducts6-42

Picking with the mouse........... 1-21 Place devices again................. 5-16 Place user-defined holes ........ 4-38 Placement options when placing devices ....................................... 5-7 Placement toolbar...................... 1-5 Placing a blocking line ............ 8-20 Placing a cable clamp rail ....... 4-30 Placing a duct .......................... 4-25 Placing a mounting panel ......... 4-8 Placing a mounting rail ........... 4-15 Placing a user-specified component ............................... 4-35 Placing and modifying a device 5-2 Placing busbar systems.......... 4-32 Placing busbar systems.......... 4-33 Placing drilling contours as user-defined drilling patterns.......... 14-5 Placing outlets ......................... 8-17 Placing text ............................ 10-25 Print layout parts list ............... 7-11 Print preview .............................. 7-4 Print variable parts list ............ 7-12 Print wires parts list ................ 8-28 Printer installation ................... 6-49 Printing a drawing ..................... 7-2 Project information.................. 6-21

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EPLAN Cabinet 12-5

Project parts list Configuration .........................6-3

Projects parts list .......................6-2 Punching solids .....................10-43

R Recessing solids....................10-44 Rectangle................................10-15 Relative point input................10-48 Remaining parts list.................8-15 Renumbering components......3-26 Repositioning label text...........3-27 Resizing a view.........................3-15 Retrieving and selecting standard sheets........................................11-3 RiCAD 3D enclosures ..............2-54 Rotate enclosure ......................5-18 Rotating a contour .................10-41 Rotating a user-defined part ...4-37 Rotating a view.........................3-31 Rotating elements ..................10-35 Routing

Basics....................................8-2 Routing control centre...............8-6 Running RiCAD 3D from CD....2-55 Running RiCAD 3D from hard disk...................................................2-55

S Save all......................................10-8 Save as......................................10-7 Save contour as drilling pattern ...................................................14-2 Saving a base contour as a drilling pattern.......................................14-3 Saving a contour as a machine-specific production description ...................................................14-6

Saving a current drawing as a template.................................... 2-16 Saving a drawing ..................... 10-6 Saving a graphical macro ..... 13-29 Saving an enclosure as a template................................................... 2-52 Screen division ........................ 6-44 Searching in the Navigator ..... 1-18 Selecting a standard sheet ..... 11-3 Selecting an enclosure from the database ..................................... 2-8 Selecting commands in EPLAN Cabinet ..................................... 1-20 Selecting devices in the device browser....................................... 5-5 Selecting the parts database .. 12-3 Set grid ..................................... 3-33 Setting a drawing origin for user-defined parts ............................ 4-37 Setting and changing the print area ............................................. 7-3 Setting default text parameters 10-26 Setting the drawing origin ...... 10-9 Setting working plane on a plane surface.................................... 10-49 Show paths .............................. 8-22 Showing and hiding labels ..... 3-24 Showing and hiding standard sheets ....................................... 11-4 Showing/hiding hidden edges 3-30 Showing/hiding shading ......... 3-29 Specify blocking surface for drilling......................................... 9-6 Specifying a blocking surface 5-13 Specifying a graphical macro for EPLAN Cabinet ........................ 13-3 Specifying a hexagonal cutout ................................................. 12-54 Specifying a octogonal cutout ................................................. 12-55

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12-6 EPLAN Cabinet

Specifying a rectangular cutout (chamfered).............................12-50 Specifying a rectangular cutout (filleted) ...................................12-48 Specifying a rectangular cutout (right-angle) ............................12-46 Specifying a routing range........8-7 Specifying a slot.....................12-52 Specifying an individual hole (length-independent) .............12-43 Specifying an individual threaded hole (length-independent) .....12-45 Specifying an origin for the enclosure ..................................2-48 Specifying enclosure components...................................................2-37 Specifying holes for ducts/rails (length-dependent).................12-56 Specifying macro orientation in 3D space.......................................13-23 Specifying mounting panels in enclosure templates ................2-20 Specifying the drawing origin in a graphical macro .....................13-27 Specifying threaded holes for ducts/rails (length-dependent) .................................................12-57 Standard sheet variables.........11-7 Standard sheets

Principles.............................11-2 Starting EPLAN Cabinet ............1-2 Stroke and hold movements ...1-25 Stroke movements without holding ......................................1-24 Subtracting solids..................10-42 Swap door hinging.....................4-7

T T trimming .............................. 10-31 Terminals in EPLAN Cabinet .. 8-32 Testing a graphical macro .... 13-30 Text

Overview........................... 10-24 Text variables in standard sheet drawings................................... 11-5 Tool selection for drillings........ 9-8 Tool selection for mrilling......... 9-9 Tool selection for thread cutting ..................................................... 9-9 Tools toolbar............................ 1-13 Totals in project parts lists ..... 6-11 Transferring an enclosure to EPLAN Cabinet ........................ 2-69 T-trimming solids................... 10-45

U Updating a standard sheet...... 11-5 Updating EPLAN project parts lists ........................................... 6-17 Using custom 3D models as enclosure templates ................ 2-24 Using filters in the device browser..................................................... 5-3 Using graphical macros in EPLAN Cabinet ..................................... 13-5 Using RiCAD 3D data .............. 2-57

V View toolbar ............................... 1-6 Viewing and assigning logical drives ........................................ 6-48 Viewpoints toolbar................... 1-11 Views toolbar ........................... 1-12 Visibility of labels .................... 3-21

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EPLAN Cabinet 12-7

W Windows printer drivers ..........6-49 Wires parts list .........................8-13 Wiring list....................................8-4

Z Zoom......................................... 3-17

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