|
In the mid-1980's Raychem installed a Medusa CAD system and harness design
software developed by ADE Ltd. While successful, the Medusa software and DEC
VAX mini-computers were expensive, so the system was limited to use by a few
specialist harness designers.
By the mid-1990's developments in PC hardware and software provided a more affordable and
ergonomic basis for a second generation CAD system for wiring harness design. After much debate,
HarnWare was the name chosen for the system. Originally Raychem only intended
HarnWare for in-house use. However, even the limited Version 1 software attracted
considerable interest among customers and partners. We decided to make the
system available to Tyco customers prepared to invest time in attending a
training course and learn how to make effective use of
HarnWare for mutual business benefits.
Now Raychem is part of Tyco Electronics, and the number of
HarnWare users has grown to more than 1,047 engineers in 332 companies located in over 36
countries. This means that HarnWare is now the most widely used wiring harness design CAD
system. This achievement is particularly impressive, as it has occurred by word of mouth
and without any advertising or marketing expenditure.
The most recent version, V5.2, was released in January 2006 and includes such enhancements as:
- HarnVis, which is a 3D harness design visualisation system. To-scale 3D models of HarnWare harness designs are
automatically generated by HarnVis. These virtual prototypes can reduce the potential for errors and can be used
to produce harness lay-up board designs.
- Conduit harness system design
- HexaShield adaptor, star and ferrule selection
- Band strap adaptor selection
- Harness weight estimator
- Enhanced wiring schematic and schedule facilities
- Enhanced connector selection, part number construction and planform facilities
- Multi-core cable database
- User parts library
Work is already underway on a new system which will interface with HarnWare and will assist with other areas of the
electrical wiring system design process.
| 
|
