More companies are developing apps for engineers to use with their smartphones. In some situations, these apps speed the engineering design process. One of the more recent app announcements comes from NB Corporation of America, which has launched NB Linear Mobile, a free app for its line of linear products. Available for iOS and Android devices, this app makes NB Corp.’s entire catalog available, including splines, actuators, and other devices. Additional features make the purchase of bearings, splines, actuators and other components easy. You can use Apple Pay or Android Pay and shop directly from your mobile device.
NB Linear Mobile app home screen.
With mobile apps, users can brainstorm anywhere a meeting is called, customize trade show presentations to a visitor’s needs, and download spec sheets and CAD files that can be printed and emailed.
Whether users 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, mobiles apps make these tasks fast and easy.
In some cases, these mobile apps can be used to interchange one manufacturer’s component for another’s. All that’s required is to enter the product number of the linear bearing into the interchange function and see another manufacturer’s comparable product number.
Mobile apps come with a range of features. One example is calculating the life of a particular component, such as a linear guide. You can print or email the results in a PDF format.
After “Buy” is selected, enter the part number or series name in the search icon in the top menu, then the CAD 2D or 3D model can be instantly download. Its PDF spec sheet can selected. It can be added to ‘Favorites’ and ‘Shared’.
Of course, making the purchase of products easier is a major reason for these apps. On the NB Linear Mobile app, you identify what you need by choosing a product type and clicking on “Buy NB Products.” This directs you to a listing of specific part numbers. If you have a product part number, enter it or the series name in the search icon on top menu. Now you can download its CAD data, spec sheet, or add it to your favorites, or add it to your cart.
If you want to find an NB product that is interchangeable with a different manufacturers’ product, the app lets you choose from various manufacturers. From the menu bar, select “Product Interchange.” Choose a manufacturer and partially enter a part number or enter the full part number, and click “GO.” Then you can download the part’s spec sheet or CAD file. Of course, once the NB part number is identified and entered into the CAD download function, the eCAT Viewer by Cadenas launches it and it can be configured and emailed in seconds.
The CAD model of a linear ball screw actuator.
These mobile apps put products and specification information at an engineer’s fingertips, downloading CAD models onto the phone or tablet in seconds. This is how ‘NB Linear,’ Nippon Bearing’s app provides instant 3D previews and instant downloads in hundreds of 2D and 3D formats.
The NB Linear Mobile app can provide other information as well. Users can use it to find a company’s location, receive the latest company news, view exhibition schedules, among other information.
NB Corporation of America
www.nbcorporation.com
Filed Under: Actuators, Factory automation, Ball screws • lead screws, Design World articles, Bearings, Linear motion • slides
