What's New in Automation Studio™ P8.0
Once more, Automation Studio™ P8.0 - Professional Edition pushes the ‘Trade-Oriented’ concept implemented in the software a step further, always with the same objective: achieve higher productivity with less effort. Designers, test and reliability specialists, trainers and maintenance technicians and engineers will all appreciate the new features and functions and add them to their box of essential tools.
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*The availability of some of the new features is subject to the configuration of the purchased license.
New search in online catalogues
The new version of Automation Studio™ online catalogues now allows advanced searches based both on keywords and on technical properties present in the catalogues. The technical data to be searched can be quickly defined and filtered based on manufacturers and catalogues, thanks to a new user-friendly interface.
New and updated manufacturers’ catalogues
Many Manufacturers' Catalogues have been added and updated. The new technical data allows compatible manufacturer components to be used within the Hydraulic Manifold Block workshop, and enables direct integration of the pre-configured and documented manufacturer components into your Manifold Block in Automation Studio™. Manifold compatible components are identified in the Catalogue Manager.
- Argo-Hytos NEW
- AVENTICS UPDATED
- BUCHER Hydraulics SOON
- Cy.Pag UPDATED
- Dana Brevini Pumps & Motors UPDATED
- Danfoss MVB Valves NEW
- Danfoss Pumps and Motors UPDATED
- Hengli Cartridge Valves NEW
- Hengli Mobile Valve NEW
- HydraForce UPDATED
- Koganei UPDATED
- Parker Industrial Proportional Directional Control Valves UPDATED
- Parker Motors UPDATED
- Related Fluid Power SOON
- Sun Hydraulics UPDATED
- Weber-Hydraulik NEW
- Yuken Pumps UPDATED
- Yuken Valves UPDATED
Additional Manufacturers' Catalogue components are added and updated on a weekly basis.
New machining parameters list and export
The list of all machining operations can be generated once the 3D manifold design is completed. The types of machining operations are described according to industry standards. Each parameter can be directly modified from the list, with the values being automatically updated on the 3D layout and in the technical drawings.
Interface Automation Studio™ with Mastercam®
This list of machining operations is exported as an XML file. This allows direct transfer of machining information from Automation Studio™ to CAM software to help streamline production.
Generic orifice plug
An orifice plug component with various configurable sizes has been added to the generic manifold catalogue.
Cavity thread visualization
Cavity threads are now represented visually in the Cavity Manager and in the 3D Manifold Layout.
Spotface / counterbore merge
It is possible to remove a spotface from a cavity if the cavity already contains a counterbore.
Own hole closure catalogue
Default hole closure plugs are available in the application. It is now possible for a user to have their own hole closure catalogue.
Manifold auto-create feature
Sorting parameters for “Auto-Create” routing solutions can now be customized.
Technical documents
Improvements have been made to the technical and production drawings, including the ability to add arrows at the end of a line, add machining information and group callouts. The machining parameters can be displayed as tables on the production drawing document. The new version allows them to also be displayed as callouts around the views.
Block cost calculation system
A new cost calculation system was added. All the data relating to the manifold block are exported to an Excel file (part list, machining parameters, diagrams, etc.). The user can then create their own block cost calculation formulas based on the actual block data.
New manufacturer cavities
Additional manufacturer cavities have been made available for use in the manifold workshop.
- ARGO-HYTOS
- Bosch Rexroth
- Bucher Hydraulics
- Dana Brevini
- Danfoss
- Delta-Power
- Eaton
- FEMA
- HAWE Hydraulik
- Hengli Hydraulics
- HYDAC
- HydraForce
- Oilgear
- Parker
- Related Fluid Power
- Sun Hydraulics
- Wandfluh
- Weber-Hydraulik
- Yuken
New GRAFCET module
The new GRAFCET module fully complies with the IEC 60848 standard and allows programs to be edited and simulated. Our GRAFCET module allows the usage of different input event types, output modes (continuous and stored modes), structuring (partition, forcing, enclosing, macro-steps).
New SFC module
The new SFC module fully complies with the IEC 61131 standard and allows programs to be edited, simulated and, later on, exported. Conditions and actions can call the project's ladder diagram networks (LD). The module supports structured text language (ST). It also takes into account the different action qualifiers, as well as control actions with or without a final scan.
New connector builder
The new builder allows bills of materials and images for 2D and 3D diagrams to be configured for connectors. New pin, socket and connector symbols have been added.
Virtual Trainers
Automation Studio™ offers a series of ready-to-use training benches which demonstrate how to design technical functions by connecting components from different technologies, by programming automated machines to activate operative parts. The DIGITAL TWIN of your hardware trainer can be easily created. Flexible links have been implemented to complement the 2D CAD illustrated libraries in reflecting the visual aspects of hardware trainers for both fluid power and electrical technologies.
Multitechnology Diagrams
The addition of Multitechnology Diagrams makes it possible to group together, on the same page, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical components as well as circuits made in a ladder diagram and human-machine interface elements, recreating a realistic digital twin.
Library of illustrated hydraulic components
This library allows users to create comprehensive illustrated hydraulic circuits to meet educational and training needs.
Library of cutaway pneumatic components
To meet the needs of training departments, this library has been added to create pneumatic circuits that display the internal workings of the most commonly used pneumatic components.
Zoom increase
The zoom can go up to 4000% so that objects can be drawn more precisely for animation purposes.
Visual usage indicator
Visual cues have been added on various components, which make it easier to identify, for example, which cylinders participate in a mechanism, what is the source of the electric charge and its operating quadrant and in which direction the mechanical power is transmitted.
2D animations
This enhanced visual interface improves the user experience when creating 2D animations, all visible in one place. A preview of the animations will help you validate the expected behaviour.
Quick line type selection
While drawing a conduit or a wire, or after selecting it, you can modify the type of link from a list which is displayed instantly.
Dynamic adjustment of actuator forces
To make initial testing easier and quicker, and to eliminate the need to define forces in advance, forces can be applied to the hydraulic and pneumatic actuators in simulation by clicking on them while the simulation is running.
Component categories
To define specific naming rules or particular appearances based on the type of component, the component categories have been developed. Each category can have a unique set of attributes that differentiates it from the other categories.
New options for colouring electrical wires in simulation
You can now choose the criterion for colouring electrical wires in simulation, based on thread type or globally. In addition to the type of current, one can choose colours according to the level of voltage or the level of current. You can also keep the appearance that the wires have in editing.
Orbitrol
The Orbitrol model has been redesigned with the aim of addressing all identified usage scenarios.
New catalogue of mathematical blocks
The catalogue of mathematical blocks will open the possibility to create custom and adjustable components, objects, functions and systems from mathematical models to drill down into the sub-component level.
You can now choose the behaviour you want for the components in your circuits during simulation: by performance curve, mathematical models of your own, or both. This catalogue gives an unmatched flexibility to Automation Studio™.
New block components
This library is enriched with mathematical blocks allowing matrix calculations as well as complex number operations.
DC machines
New DC machines (motors and generators) operate in all four quadrants and have mechanical connectors. This includes permanent magnet, separately excited, series wound and shunt wound.
Operational amplifiers
The new operational amplifiers make it possible to carry out the basic assemblies.
Three phase induction motor with neutral, squirrel cage
To complete our range of motors, we have added the asynchronous motor with neutral.
Online Manufacturers’ Catalogues
Manufacturers' Catalogs are now available online. There is no longer a need to manage catalogue files or worry about updating them. The web Catalogue components are always up to date. Simply drag the desired components from your browser onto your Automation Studio™ schematic to use them.
User-friendliness
Shortcuts giving access to the layout of the current document as well as to its drawing scale have been added in the “Home” tab, “Documentation” group.
Optimization
Optimizations to generate more compact blocks.
User-friendliness
Addition of a dialogue box confirming the unit system selection when generating a new manifold block.
Custom Component Edition
To increase efficiency, the user can now edit the source circuits of a custom component without having to return to the original project. The user will be able to modify the symbol and its animation, its logic and behaviour circuits.
To meet the needs of training and technical publications departments, new line highlighting attributes have been added. The highlighted line endpoints can be flat or rounded, the corners can be square, rounded or chamfered, and the segments defining component connectors can be highlighted or not.
Appearance of Fluid Components
To meet the needs of training and technical publications departments, directional valve positions can be highlighted in edition and simulation according to their activation status. A library of additional objects can be provided on request in order to complete components that do not yet support these highlighting standards.
Appearance of Fluid Lines
To meet the needs of the training and technical publicatons departments, new appearance attributes for each line type have been added. Highlighting can now be activated in simulation, can support patterns, and can be full or sectional.
Naming Rules
The naming rules are enhanced with new attributes. The user can display the dimensions in fractional form in the names of the lines, select the unit system, the precision, etc. The available variables have been organized to more clearly indicate thier use.
Export in Simulation Mode
To meet the needs of training and technical publications departments, it is possible to export circuits in a graphic format while the simulation is running.
Manual Override With Detent
Directional valve command to represent a manual override with detent groove, according to ISO 1219.
Directional Valve Springs
An option has been added to adjust the spring compression screw during simulation.
Directional Valve Power Curves
An option has been added to define the power curves of a directional valve from the differential pressure or the inlet pressure.
Downstream priority pressure compensator
This component is designed to be used downstream of an orifice as a pressure compensator. When used to maintain a pressure differential on an upstream orifice, this valve can maintain a constant priority flow regardless of the downstream load.
Upstream priority pressure compensator, with static load sense
Upstream priority pressure compensator, with static load sense. This valve is intended to provide priority flow in the required amount while allowing excess flow to be used for auxiliary functions and maintaining a constant pressure drop across the control flow orifice, regardless of the load pressure.
Upstream priority pressure compensator, with dynamic load sense
Upstream priority pressure compensator, with dynamic load sense. This valve is intended to provide priority flow in the required amount while allowing excess flow to be used for auxiliary functions and maintaining a constant pressure drop across the control flow orifice, regardless of the load pressure. The dynamic load sense feature generally provides a better response time. Additionally, it increases the spring differential on the control flow orifice by a ratio that depends on the orifice sizing.
Viscometer and Density Meter
A measurement component has been added in order to access the measurement of the kinematic viscosity as well as the density of the oil in a node of the circuit.
Proportional Pressure Regulators
Models are made sensitive to back pressure.
Coolers
An option has been added to define the dissipated power according to the inlet temperature, the outlet temperature or the average of these 2 values.
Liquid Collector Exhaust Pressure Type
This component uses pneumatic pressure and flow to collect and reuse hydraulic fluid that has leaked into the system.
Lubricator
The addition of a lubricator, which will allow constant and automatic lubrication to the correct level, is a necessity for most pneumatic components to work correctly and have a satisfactory life span.
Curve Modelling Restrictors
Pressure drops modelled by performance curves as a function of flow rate and variable opening - for air with simplified pneumatic modelling.
Block Components
New block components have been added to handle matrix operations and complex numbers.
2-Quadrant Curves in the Electric Motor
Added a two-way model. A new simulation model that takes into account the Torque-Speed characteristic Curve in the forward and reverse rotation has been added. In addition, a motor with 2 mechanical shafts is now available in the library.
4-Quadrant Joystick
Joystick to generate 4 control variables.
Temperature Generator
A slider was added to make it possible to change the temperature during the simulation.
Environment Variable Generators
Components with temperature or light as a simulation variable now use the environment variables of the essential subdivision where the component is located.
Lack of current or inrush brake
Asynchronous motor 6 connectors
Transistor
Behavioural improvement. A capacitor has been added to stabilize the voltage between the collector and the emitter and between the drain and the source.
Ladder for Mitsubishi MELSEC iQ-R Series PLC
Hydraulic Manifold Block Workshop
Create and edit manifolds in Automation Studio™ with the new Hydraulic Manifold Block workshop.
An Auto-Create function can quickly propose up to 100 manifold solutions based on your Automation Studio™ schematic and set constraints. You are then able to tweak the proposed designs to your liking.
Take pressure and flow measurements at any point in time during simulation.
New & Updated Manufacturers' Catalogues
Many Manufacturers' Catalogues have been added and updated. The new technical data allows compatible manufacturer components to be used within the Hydraulic Manifold Block workshop, and enables direct integration of the pre-configured and documented manufacturer components into your Manifold Block in Automation Studio™. Manifold compatible components are identified in the Catalogue Manager.
- Automation Studio™ Electrical - Variable Frequency Drives NEW
- CKD Corporation SOON
- Continental Hydraulics Valves NEW
- Cy.Pag. NEW
- Danfoss Orbital Motors UPDATED
- Doosan Mottrol NEW
- Eaton Sectional CLS & CMA Mobile Valves UPDATED
- Humphrey Products NEW
- IMI Precision / Norgren SOON
- Koganei UPDATED
- Linde Hydraulics UPDATED
- Mitsubishi Electric SOON
- Shanghai Guorui Hydraulic Technology co (GRH) POWER Valves NEW
- SMC Pneumatics NEW
- Tecnord SOON
- Wandfluh NEW
- Zhejiang Gaoyu Hydraulic Machinery Co Ltd NEW
Additional Manufacturers' Catalogue components are added and updated on a weekly basis.
Online Manufacturers' Catalogues
The Automation Studio™ Web Catalogues lets you drag & drop components directly from the web browser interface to your Automation Studio™ schematic. These components are always the most up-to-date version. Therefore, there is no need to locally manage multiple manufacturers' catalogue files. The Web Catalogues for Automation Studio™ will be made available shortly after the release of Automation Studio™ P7.
New Hydraulic Components
- Planetary gearboxes
- Differentials and torque converters
- Separate control surface valves
- Pressure compensated flow dividers
- Jumps with label frame
Improved Hydraulic Components Simulation Models
- Hydraulic motor plates can now have a limited stroke
- Added an exchange surface area for the external dissipation of hydraulic heaters
- Improved curve tracking in pressure regulators
- Pressure compensated flow dividers
- Improved manual directional valve commands
Support of Transmission Shafts in the Mechanism Manager
The Mechanism Manager now accepts rotating drive shafts. This implies that all rotating elements, such as hydraulic, pneumatic, electric motors and gearboxes, etc., can now be simulated in the Mechanism Manager.
New Pneumatic Components
- Compressors
- Vacuum generators
- Vacuum cups
- Normally closed flow sensors
Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA)
Quickly obtain and communicate system failure information, thanks to the new FMECA module of Automation Studio™. It is based on, but not limited to, [IEC 60812] Failure Modes & Effects Analysis. This can greatly reduce troubleshooting time and increase system reliability.
Renewable Energy Custom Library
The new Renewable Energy library is made with illustrated components. It enables to create and simulate circuits with look-alike components from real-world applications. Some components even animate during simulation, creating an optimal experience for training activities.
PLC Custom Library
This library was created to enable trainees to actually wire up the PLC (Allen Bradley, Eaton, Koyo, LS Electric, Mitsubishi, Omron, Siemens, etc.), write the Ladder Logic and run the simulation to see the inputs and outputs being triggered on the PLC according to their ladder diagram.
DC Electrical Custom Library
This illustrated library is intended for DC electrical circuits. Components can be connected directly or by using the breadboard to create and simulate your circuit.
Residential Electricity Custom Library
Trainees can now quickly build residential electrical circuits using common components which they are familiar with.
Hydraulic Cross-Section View Library
Create your circuit using hydraulic components with a cross-section view that is animated during simulation. Trainees can now quickly visualize the flow movement in the circuit.
Hydraulic Cylinders with Load Custom Library
This custom library allows to quickly vary the cylinders load during simulation and instantly see how it affects the system.
Terminal Strips Builder
New terminals with jumper channels management of different categories were added:
- Feed-Through
- Ground
- Feed-Through with Ground
- Knife Disconnect
- Disconnect
- Sensor / Actuator
- Fuse Holder
- Distribution Blocks
Simplified terminals are still available. The new builder allows complete management of the terminal strips, including the accessories management and the part numbers. Terminal strip export and import functions are also available.
New Semiconductor Devices
New semiconductor components have been added to the Electrotechnical library, such as:
- Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT)
- Junction Field Effect Transistor (JFET)
- Metal-Oxyde-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET)
- Thyristors
Thyristors, bipolar transistors and field effect transistors have been introduced. The thyristor can be controlled by a variable or by an external circuit and the transistors have been designed to operate in both switching and amplification mode.
Improvement of the Battery Component
- The ageing effect on the battery capacity is now taken into account
- OCV hysteresis effect is taken into account by differentiating OCV vs SOC curves during charge and discharge
- New advanced model taking into account the voltage transients' behaviour during charge and discharge
- Predefined battery parameters for the different available battery types
AB-500 and AB-5000 Compatible Functions and Addresses
These new libraries are an update from our original library that did not include all the major functions. These two new libraries enable you to create control circuits using addresses (AB-500) or tag names (AB-5000).
Additional Math Block Components
Adaptors in (math) blocks enable the creation of complex behaviours for fluid power and electrical components.
New Discussion Forum
Many customers want to share their schematics with other parties or simply share their experience. The new Forum allows access to demonstration files, custom libraries and other information that can be helpful to your applications. We hope that you will also share your experience with everyone. If you don’t have an account in the Forum, register here
Virtual Systems Using Unity 3D
Virtual systems created using Unity 3D allow for a training experience with a high level of realism. These systems can be controlled within Automation Studio™ using Electrical Controls, PLCs and/or Sequential Function Chart. Access the Forum to download the files and procedure to install the Unity 3D models. New virtual systems are frequently added.
Online Help
You can now access Automation Studio™ help documentation online. The online help documentation is constantly improved and updated based on users' support cases and feedback. Also, the software installation file size is reduced.
Mouse Options Configuration
The new mouse button configuration menu allows users to set their desired mouse buttons behaviour in Automation Studio™.
Smaller Simulation Pace
New simulation steps of up to 1 micro-second are available to allow finer simulations. This feature is particularly useful to simulate high frequencies phenomena (up to 100kHz), especially in the electrical workshop.
Conservation of the Internal Identifier of a Component When Replaced
Component internal identification can be maintained when replacing the component. This is useful for systems that have a unique identifier for each component.
Other Customer Requested Improvements & Bug Fixes
- Performance improvements
- Fixed the radial speed variable of the transmission power units
- Fixed discrepancies of the output pressure value of the "Pressure and Temperature Flow Control" component
- Fixed the flexible lines acting as a plug after a while in simulation
- Fixed the behaviour of unloading valve with check and drain
- Changed the image shown in the component properties of the "Bidirectional Motor with Shaft"
- Fixed the Curve Export API not exporting all curves
- Fixed an incorrect pressure at port 2 of the pneumatic "Remote Pressure Reducing Valve" component
- Fixed unhandled exception error in PLCs when the '&' character was inserted in the description
- Fixed BOM order changing when a model is saved
- Fixed an issue with the BOM and lines when exporting to PDF
Manifold Block Workshop
New features are available with SR1 improving your experience during the design, documentation and simulation of your manifold blocks:
- Improvement of routing algorithms and in particular those of oblique channels;
- Addition of CETOP-type components and interfaces in the generic library;
- Ability to create a custom title block;
- Revision table available in the technical drawings;
- Customization of the number of decimal places that can be displayed on technical drawings;
- Improvement concerning the dimensions on the technical drawings (offset, movement);
- Ability to adjust the position of the shapes on the cavities of the generic components.
Installation and Circuits
The limit of 30 types of lines in installation circuits has been raised to better meet user needs.
New Hydraulic Components
- Instant temperature regulator;
- Mechanically activated check valves;
- Sequence valves normally open, with internal drain and external drain;
- Cartridge valves normally open;
- 3-way sequence valve normally closed;
- Restrictive pressure compensator positioned downstream.
Improved Hydraulic Component Simulation Models
- Addition of a pressure drop curve in the flow transducer;
- Improvement of the proportional flow regulator.
Mechanism Manager
Support for mechanically linked jacks in the mechanism manager.
Troubleshooting Module
- You can now declare several parameters for the same failure, thus being able to model a minor, moderate or major failure.
- You can now report unidirectional internal leaks.
Wire Management
Wires can now be individually set as perfect without changing the global setting.
Ease of use
- A dialogue box prompts for the choice of unit during the assignment operation to facilitate the interpretation of the value of one variable assigned to another;
- It is possible to hide the identifier of dynamic measuring instruments.
Fluid and Line Manager
Pipes and wires whose properties are used by the simulator are displayed in blue.
Managing properties’ preferences is also possible.
Configuration Export
Software settings can now be imported and exported for uniform computer configuration.
Illustrated Libraries
A new command opens illustrated libraries directly from the application.
Project Manager
The page numbers of documents can be displayed in square brackets in all dialogue boxes that show the list of documents, such as the Project Explorer.
Video Recording
The video recording tool offers the possibility to replay its video to validate the content, to save it or send it immediately after creating it.
Hyperlink
When a hyperlink type custom property is displayed on the diagram, it becomes clickable.
Service Release Number
The service release number for your version has been added in the dialogue box opened by the "About" command.
Ticket Request
A command has been added in order to be able to request assistance from Automation Studio™ in the Support tab. It will then be sent automatically to a support agent.
Viewer
Export your Automation Studio™ projects in a brand new format suitable for the free Automation Studio™ Viewer. This file format removes properties from documents and components that the designer does not want to share. This file format can only be opened with Automation Studio™ Viewer, making it easy to share while maintaining a high level of confidentiality.
Electrotechnical inputs / outputs
These new black box components (Universal input, Universal output, Input converter and Output converter) make it possible to efficiently model and simulate Electrotechnical components that have versatile inputs and outputs such as controllers, sensors, etc.
Library of preconfigured PLC Cards
A new specialized library of PLC input and output cards offers you the possibility to quickly expand your range of teaching materials for educational activities in automation
Additions in the Hydraulic Block Manifold module
Improvements have been made to automatic routing, options for displaying dimensions on technical drawings and automatic management of stackable CETOP valves. It is also possible to decide whether the routing algorithm can use oblique channels or not in the case of a "Counterbalance valve" type assembly.