Smartphones are at of the heart of the IoT digital transformation of industry, which is automating more engineering activity. They accelerate processes because data is instantly accessible via mobile apps, which can enhance performance with analytics and now, can put CAD at an engineer’s fingertips — literally in the engineer’s pocket.

The linear motion control industry is being revolutionized by mobile app capabilities; e.g. — putting products and specification information at an engineer’s fingertips; interchange one manufacturer’s component for another’s in a design; and download CAD models right onto the phone or tablet, in seconds — whereas the average time to download a CAD model on a computer is 15 minutes.

Broken is the chain to catalogs and computer screens that kept engineers at their desks and product representatives weighed down with papers and computers. Using mobile apps, engineers can brainstorm anywhere a meeting is called, trade show presentations can be customized to a visitor’s needs, spec sheets and CAD can be downloaded, printed and emailed faster than from a website.

Engineers Always Have a Mobile Phone in Their Pocket

Even though design engineers may be designing on one, two, or maybe even three computer screens, they still have yet another screen in their pocket, i.e. — a phone screen. This screen is being used in motion controldesign to speed the incorporation of components into the design process.

Whether engineers know what component they need and just want the CAD model, or need to look up a linear guide, slide or ball spline in a catalogue, they can now do it easier and faster from a mobile app than from a website.

Easy Product Interchange

In fact, from an app, they can interchange one manufacturer’s component for another’s by entering the product number of the linear bearing into the interchange function — and up pops another manufactuer’s comparable product number. All of this without taking up screen space on their computers.

Easier, Faster CAD — and More Compatible Formats

Downloading CAD is quick and instantly usable because it’s in the native CAD format desired. So, in addition to end users not having to either recreate the 3-D model manually or start by looking at a 2-D drawing, they won’t be given a format that isn’t compatible with their system. Typically, the apps have over 20 native and neutral formats available.

Automated Calculations

How long will your linear guide last? On at least one mobile app there is a rated life calculator. It easily calculates the life of a specific product that the viewer has identified, such as one from NB’s Slide Guide series. You can print or email the results in a PDF format.

Why Mobile Is So Fast

Dan Koivisto, a technical consultant for CADENAS PARTsolutions — a leading software developer and online CAD catalog provider, describes creating the CAD catalog for just such an app. “We’re the engine behind the CAD, but we don’t have static CAD models stored; we create them on the fly — as configured and requested by the customer. This approach is very ‘lightweight’ and versatile, which is why they are so accessible via mobile devices and email. This is how ‘NB Linear,’ Nippon Bearing’s app, is able to provide instant 3-D previews and instant downloads in hundreds of 2-D and 3-D formats.”

Typically, engineers will figure out what part they want aided by the app; check specifications; download the CAD model; and email it to their computer. Next, they will call or email the manufacturer to actually order it. The manufacturer forwards the order to a local distributor for quick fulfillment. If the engineers have questions, the app emails the manufacturer while they are still on it.

How to Use an App to Identify the Right Product

On the NB Linear Mobile app, you begin the process of identifying what you need by choosing a product type and clicking on “Buy NB Products;” this directs you to a listing of specific part numbers. Or, if you have a product part number, enter the part number or series name in the search icon on the top menu so you can download its CAD spec sheet, add it to your favorites, or add it to your cart.