Free assembly system planning software
February 2013
IT in Manufacturing
The Bosch Rexroth MTpro design software supports users with or without previous CAD experience in planning entire frames, workstation systems and conveyor systems. Tectra Automation has made the software available for free on DVD and an entry level MTpro light version is available on the Rexroth website for download free of charge.
“By using drag-and-drop interfaces and intuitive linking and positioning mechanisms, users can create a complete layout in a matter of minutes,” says Greg Calder, linear motion and assembly technologies product manager at Tectra Automation. “Based on the blueprint, the MTpro software automatically generates parts lists, which can be sent directly as an order to the Rexroth eShop or as a request for a quotation.”
The software allows for parts lists to be exported as a pdf, while designs can be saved in more than 20 different formats for use in 2D or 3D CAD libraries. Parts lists can also be imported into MTpro using FMSsoft drawings.
“Being highly customisable, the MTpro interface lets users plan even the most unique work environments – accommodating different body types, user-specific ergonomics and various other factors. Designs can be viewed in 2D and 3D, while built-in, two-way interaction with AutoCAD, Inventor and SolidWorks allows users to insert drawings directly from other platforms,” says Calder.
The full MTpro version contains all products from the Bosch Rexroth assembly technology spectrum, including aluminium profiles and accessories, lean workstations, conveyor systems and parts. The free DVD includes Layout Designer software, which requires users to purchase full licensing online.
The MTpro light version features most essential assembly technology components, and includes a 60-day free layout designer trial period. Thereafter users can purchase a one-year licence for R1500, and for R750 in each year after that.
Minimum software requirements include Windows 2000 or newer (32- and 64-bit), OpenGL-compatible graphics, Adobe Reader 6 or newer, 2,5 GB hard disk space, Internet access and a DVD-ROM drive. Only MTpro’s Layout Designer requires a licence, while parts list generating tools, viewing and exporting simply require the installed software.
The MTpro light version can be downloaded from www.boschrexroth.com/mtpro_light, where pricing on the full MTpro version can also be found.
For more information contact Greg Calder, Tectra Automation, +27 (0)11 974 9400, [email protected], www.tectra.co.za
Further reading:
Siemens ecosystem strengthens data and AI integration
Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens has announced significant expansions to its Industrial Edge ecosystem, accelerating data and AI integration and releasing enhanced cybersecurity functionalities. These enable a seamless integration of IT and OT environments, optimise processes and reduce operational disruptions.
Read more...
Siemens manages shipbuilding process for HD Hyundai
Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens has been selected by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering as a preferred partner to establish an integrated platform to manage the entire shipbuilding process as a single data flow to help ensure consistency across all its global shipyard facilities.
Read more...
Transforming the process industry through digitalisation
Endress+Hauser South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
By connecting field devices, systems and people, digitalisation creates new opportunities to optimise operations, enhance maintenance strategies and support continuous improvement. As a leading instrumentation provider and major source of process data, Endress+Hauser plays a key role in enabling this transformation.
Read more...
The OT operator’s guide to security and uptime on the plant
RJ Connect
IT in Manufacturing
The article addresses three common questions about industrial network deployment and maintenance, exploring ways to achieve better control and visibility with more efficiency.
Read more...
The assets you can’t see are the ones that can shut you down
IT in Manufacturing
ABEGuardOT is an asset management solution that delivers continuous, non-intrusive visibility across multi-vendor environments, including Siemens, Rockwell, ABB, Honeywell, Schneider Electric, Emerson, GE and Yokogawa, with support for OPC UA, EtherNet/IP, Modbus and Profibus.
Read more...
Edge I/O NTS and the need for industrial speed
Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
One of the most compelling solutions to emerge from industrial automation is Edge I/O NTS, which represents a natural evolution of computing from centralised servers to localised, device-level input/output processing, offering improved speed, efficiency and resilience.
Read more...
The next wave of AI-driven process automation
Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
As process industries hurtle toward an AI-driven future, four powerful trends are set to redefine automation strategies in 2026: hyper automation, AI-first automation, low code/no code platforms, and advanced process intelligence.
Read more...
Huge increase in denial-of-service cyber threats
IT in Manufacturing
NETSCOUT has released its Distributed Denial-of-Service Threat Intelligence report, revealing sophisticated attacker collaboration, resilient botnets and compromised IoT infrastructure that drove more than eight million DDoS attacks worldwide.
Read more...
Sustainable manufacturing
ABB South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
ABB’s production facility in Shandong province, China is delivering measurable energy and emissions reductions through the implementation of advanced digital energy management and electrification solutions.
Read more...
Open automation is breaking legacy chains
Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Industrial automation is now entering a new era defined by open, software-driven principles that are breaking decades of hardware-bound limitations.
Read more...