Zuken Releases Panel Builder 2025 for E3.Series Design Software

The E3.Series software suite from Zuken is a complete electrical and hydraulic 2D design platform. The software allows designers to work in a digital space to develop schematics for wire harnesses, fluid power systems, control panels, switchgear, and cabling systems. Along with detailed diagrams, designers can produce in-depth documentation and instructions for technicians and assemblers. Recently Zuken has released Panel Builder 2025 as part of the E3.Series software suite to expand its capabilities and usefulness.

Electrical devices wired using schematics from the Panel Builder software. Image used courtesy of Zuken

Panel Builder 2025

Control panels are the brains and nerve center of any automated equipment. They often require many hours of design and even more to build. By using an advanced software suite, such as E3.Series with Panel Builder 2025, machine builders can produce detailed schematics and work instructions for technicians.

A demonstration of using the wiring task manager within Panel builder. Image used courtesy of Zuken

Wiring Task Manager

In a traditional build space, the engineering department uses electrical schematics to show how devices are connected within an electrical circuit. It is then up to the technicians to read the schematics and determine how wires should run between these devices, and sometimes, even the panel layout is left up to the technicians.

With Panel Builder and the wiring task manager feature, the designer can design wire paths and even output wiring instructions. The wiring task manager provides clear visual instructions to operators on the shop floor and can be used with single or multi-panel installations.

These digital instructions can also be connected to a central database, which remains in sync with the assembly process, providing real-time feedback on the process, which can be analyzed later to determine inefficiencies within the assembly.

Assembly task manager within Panel Builder provides clear visual instructions to operators and technicians. Image used courtesy of Zuken

The placement of devices within a control cabinet is critical. If the panel layout doesn’t flow properly, the wiring will be messy and could cause electrical noise. The assembly task manager allows designers to play with different locations in a digital space and produce detailed work instructions similar to the wiring task manager.

These instructions can be connected to a centralized database for real-time monitoring of the assembly process. The digital instructions can also be sent directly to tablets for operators to step through and confirm the build process.

Revision Control

Printing uncontrolled drawings is a recipe for disaster for any machine builder and could result in fines or even losing ISO certification. With Panel Builder, all digital images, work instructions, and videos are version-controlled and can be released digitally or in the traditional way on paper. This process reduces the risk of workers spending hours installing equipment incorrectly, which could result in damaged equipment or even injured personnel.

Release To Equipment

To help automate the panel-building process, many companies have released off-the-shelf machines for processing wires; the new version of Panel Builder can interface with some of the more popular machines on the market. With Panel Builder’s advanced algorithm, the software can accurately route wires from terminal to device with the most efficient path possible. This wire length can then be fed to a wire processing machine to automatically cut the wire to the proper size, saving extensive waste compared to manual processing.

The features of Panel Builder 2025 will aid in accurately installing new machines and equipment, more efficiently specifying exact design stipulations, and equipping designers with effective revision control.

Featured image used courtesy of Zuken