NI Brings Engineers from CAD to Motion in Minutes

By DE Editors

National Instruments(Austin, TX) has released NI Motion Assistant 2.0, the latest versionof the interactive software for prototyping single- and multiaxismotion control systems.

According to a press release, machine builders and OEMs can use MotionAssistant 2.0 to import motion profiles from CAD and drafting programsusing the DXF file format. With this time-saving feature, engineers cangain access to motion profiles. Additionally, the software’sinteractive environment makes it easy to implement profiles in NICompactRIO programmable automation controllers or generate code forPCI/PXI plug-in motion controllers while maintaining the ease of use ofprevious versions. The software is ideal for engineers who buildmachines for engraving or cutting profiles in sheet metal, glass, wood,foam, or cloth, or for scanning applications in the semiconductor, lifesciences, and electronics industries.

After saving a motion profile as a DXF file in a CAD or draftingprogram such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks, engineers can use NI MotionAssistant 2.0 to import the profile and save motion-specific commandsin an XML file format without writing additional code. They can thendynamically import this XML file into National Instruments LabVIEWsoftware or C applications with NI motion hardware. Along with theability to import motion profiles, NI Motion Assistant 2.0 continues tooffer machine builders and OEMs tools to design motion applications inan interactive environment as well as the ability to deploy thoseapplications by converting projects into C code for any C compiler orinto NI LabVIEW virtual instruments.

NI Motion Assistant 2.0 also features smart contouring, so engineerscan redefine a user-defined trajectory based on their desired moveconstraints while preserving move geometry. They now can easilyimplement trapezoidal or S-curve velocity profiles for moves withcomplex geometry, which helps minimize jitter on mechanical componentsand increase machine life.

In addition, NI Motion Assistant 2.0 features a graphical,point-and-click interface with 3D visualization capabilities forcreating powerful motion control applications using stepper, servo, andpiezo actuators.

For more information or to download a new, fully functional evaluation version, visit ni.com/motion.

Sources: Press materials received from the company. Additional information gleaned from the company’s website.