Step into the future: Simple and fast configuration of modern SNR axis systems

SNR linear axes of the series AXE are used in various industries such as automation, the automotive industry, the printing industry, or in special machine construction. The systems are developed and manufactured in the production facility in Bielefeld (Germany). The European group NTN-SNR Roulements, which belongs to the global company NTN Corporation, has now simplified its complex axis systems. The new interactive product configurator is based on the eCATALOGsolutions technology for Electronic Product Catalogs by CADENAS. It provides customers and interested parties of NTN-SNR the possibility to combine the linear systems AXE, built on the modular principle, in spite of their high complexity, quickly and easily according to their needs and requirements.

NTN-SNR designs, develops, manufactures and sells one of the worldwide largest product programs of roller bearings, housing bearings, linear guides, constant velocity joints, sensor bearings, maintenance products, and provides the related services. In the area of linear guidance and linear modules, there are innumerable configuration variants. For this reason, the NTN-SNR clearly chose CADENAS in searching for a solution for product configurators. "In the area of CAD models, in connection with the configuration of SNR axis systems, the only possibility for the special requirements of our company was this software solution and so our choice was the forward-looking concept of CADENAS," says Ulrich Gimpel, General Manager Lead Center Linear Motion of NTN-SNR.

“We are glad to have acquired NTN-SNR, another customer with complex products," says Alen Blechinger, CEO of CADENAS Solutions GmbH. "The software solution previously used by NTN-SNR wasn't able to depict the large variety of variants of the AXE series in detail. Therefore, we are proud that our eCATALOGsolutions technology can meet the high customer requirements with the interactive product configurator.”

With the new interactive product configurator, NTN-SNR customers can combine AXE linear axis systems error-free, individually without CAD software and prior knowledge according to their requirements. An infinite number of configuration options are possible. False combinations are avoided beforehand via sets of rules. Matching 3D CAD geometries of the assembly can also be created automatically and then easily integrated into the existing design. Models in numerous common native CAD formats, such as Inventor by Autodesk, Solid Edge and NX by Siemens PLM Software or SOLIDWORKS and CATIA by Dassault Systèmes, are available free of charge.

The product configurator offers engineers and designers a high degree of flexibility and enormous time saving. Users immediately receive the complete 3D CAD models of the previously configured component in high quality after just a few clicks. A manual enquiry of the CAD models of AXE linear systems in the Design Department at NTN-SNR is no longer necessary, which avoids unnecessary waiting times and time-consuming queries. "The workload for NTN-SNR has also been enormously reduced by the CADENAS product configurator. Our designers previously had to create all CAD models manually according to customer requests, and that took a whole lot of time," affirmed Bjoern Marx, Business Support Manager Lead Center Motion of NTN-SNR.

The introduction of the new product configurator was based on the close cooperation of NTN-SNR and CADENAS. "The CADENAS team implemented the project competently and professionally, and always proceeded in a practical and solution-oriented way," says Ulrich Gimpel. "As a further step, we are planning the creation of a product configurator for our product Ball Screws. The digital data is expected to go online in 2020."

The interactive product configurator for the SNR linear axis of the AXE series is available at:
https://ntn-snr.partcommunity.com

Further information about the interactive product configurator, based on the eCATALOGsolutions technology by CADENAS can be found here.

NTN-SNR ROULEMENTS, based in Annecy, France, is the European group of the Japanese NTN Corporation, one of the world's largest manufacturers of bearings. NTN-SNR manages all NTN's management and development activities in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and Brazil. As a major player in the conception, development and manufacture of bearings for automotive, aerospace and industrial applications, NTN-SNR offers a wide range of products, including various services and maintenance solutions.

NTN Corporation is registered with the following brands: NTN, SNR, BCA, Bower. The brand for the linear technology worldwide is SNR.

NTN employs nearly 25,000 people worldwide, has 76 production sites, 124 sales offices and 14 R&D centers.

Further information are available on www.ntn-snr.com