SMC and Famic Technologies offer the convenient and efficient virtual assembly of pneumatic systems

Designing and planning pneumatic circuits has never been easier: SMC has made its own product library available for this purpose for use with the design and simulation software Automation Studio^TM from Famic Technologies. The two companies are working together to support planners and machinery builders with their combined knowledge in the areas of simulation and application. Users of Automation Studio^TM can now create and simulate pneumatic circuits using SMC components.

Application expertise meets simulation knowledge

“As a developer of high-performance systems and services in the fields of software engineering and industrial automation, Famic Technologies is the ideal partner for Industry 4.0 applications,” says Christian Ziegler, Manager Digital Business Development at SMC. “In an era of increasing digitalization, the benefits of the virtual planning and simulation of circuits are obvious. It enables users to personally compile technologies that are suitable for them and to test individual solutions. For that reason, we are combining our technological knowledge with the simulation expertise of Famic Technologies.” If the pneumatic circuit is suitable and works well, the designer can directly export the components in question as a parts list. “This saves time and money for users, as they no longer need to laboriously search through catalogs for the parts,” explains Richard Gagné, Quality Manager at Famic Technologies. “It also makes the work of SMC’s pneumatics experts easier, as they know that the parts lists compiled in this way have already been tested in the virtual environment.”

The complete integration of all technology modules in the Automation Studio^TM software—from pneumatics to the human-machine interface—is particularly useful, as it enables the virtual assembly, animation, and validation of entire systems. Richard Gagné: “Simulation also offers additional benefits. For example, virtual circuit diagrams can be subjected to extensive start-up tests in a safe environment. This provides designers with unique insights into the function of their planned systems.”

A quicker and more convenient route to finished products

The further integration of the SMC pneumatics library into Automation Studio^TM catalogues makes the planning and realization of complete systems even easier—and applications even more efficient and productive. Christian Ziegler is delighted with the successful collaboration: “Working alongside Famic Technologies, we have created a genuine win-win situation. We benefit from the increased visibility of our products, Famic extends its range of technologies, and designers can now access our extensive portfolio of high-performance and reliable pneumatics solutions.” Richard Gagné is also convinced of the merits of the partnership: “Virtual planning and design plays a key role nowadays in the realization of new machinery and equipment. Our collaboration with SMC shows the potential that still exists in this area.” And the future holds even more promise: as a next step, SMC and Famic Technologies plan to integrate the complete SMC product portfolio into the digital catalogue, which would give designers digital access to the leading manufacturer’s, partner’s and solution provider’s electrical automation technologies as well.

Caption: An inventor’s paradise: Engineers can now make full use of the SMC pneumatic library in Automation Studio^TM, enabling them to plan the right pneumatic circuit for the job – and integrate it into complete sytems.

Photos: SMC Deutschland GmbH and Famic Technologies Inc.
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About SMC Deutschland

A leading manufacturer, partner, and solution provider for pneumatic and electrical automation technology, SMC Deutschland GmbH provides a comprehensive product assortment, from valves to temperature control devices, with more than 12,000 basic models and over 700,000 variations for a broad range of industrial sectors. The innovative automation solutions of the company based in Egelsbach near Frankfurt am Main can be found in the automotive, electric, photovoltaic, medical, packaging, and food industries, among others, as well as in machine tool building, robotics, and automation. SMC generated sales of 150 million euros in the 2019/20 financial year and employs more than 750 people in Germany. In addition, a comprehensive expert service and distribution network is at the disposal of all customers.

SMC Deutschland GmbH is part of the SMC Corporation, which can be found in 83 countries worldwide with over 31 production locations. The global market leader for pneumatic automation technology, with a market share of 36 percent, generated sales of around 4.4 billion euros in the 2019/20 financial year and employs 20,850 employees worldwide.

About Famic Technologies

Since it was founded in 1986, Famic Technologies has offered a full range of high-end products and services in the area of software engineering and industrial automation. Innovation, quality, and performance are the cornerstones of the company. Famic Technologies has always been one step ahead, particularly with respect to the development of Automation Studio^TM, innovative system design, and simulation software that was originally intended for training and further education in relation to fluid technology systems and is now used industry-wide in the areas of system design and engineering, as well as maintenance, service, and further education.