Pro Panel 2023 | Eplan

This guide outlines the foundational steps for creating a 3D control cabinet design in EPLAN Pro Panel 2023

, moving from initial setup to production-ready documentation. 1. Project Initialization

Before starting the 3D layout, ensure your base project is correctly configured. Create a New Project File > New , name your project, and select a suitable template. Configure Master Data Parts Management dialog to set up your components database. Layout Space

: In the Layout Space Navigator, create a "New Layout Space" to house your 3D environment. 2. Enclosure and Mechanical Assembly

Build the physical structure of your cabinet using 3D models. Insert Enclosure : Select an enclosure from your device list or Data Portal and place it in the layout space. Mounting Panels & Accessories Drag the mounting panel into the 3D view. menu to add cable ducts and mounting rails.

: Use the "A" key to toggle handle points for precise placement. 3. Component Placement and Routing

Populate the cabinet with electrical devices and define wiring paths. Device Placement

: Select protection devices or safety switches from the device list and click on the mounting rails to snap them into place. Automatic Routing Define routing paths and rules within the cabinet. Wire Routing

command to automatically calculate wire lengths and fill levels for cable ducts. 4. Manufacturing and Documentation Generate the necessary files for the shop floor. Model Views eplan pro panel 2023

: Create a new schematic page and insert a "Model View" of your mounting panel to provide clear 2D references for assembly. Drilling Patterns : Define and assign Drilling Patterns to components; these can be exported for CNC machines.

: Derive detailed wiring lists and parts lists automatically to support manual or automated manufacturing. Mastering Drilling Patterns in EPLAN: A Step-by-Step Guide

EPLAN Pro Panel 2023 represents a significant leap in the industrialisation of control cabinet and switchgear engineering, transitioning from traditional 2D drafting to a sophisticated 3D "digital twin" workflow. Developed by EPLAN, a part of the Friedhelm Loh Group, this version leverages a modernised user interface to streamline the complex design and manufacturing processes essential for modern automation. Core Capabilities and the Digital Twin

The central innovation of EPLAN Pro Panel 2023 is its ability to create a high-fidelity 3D model of electrical control panels directly from schematic data. This digital twin serves as more than just a visual aid; it is a data-rich representation that includes:

Component Placement: Precise 3D positioning of devices, DIN rails, and wiring ducts using drag-and-drop functionality.

Virtual Routing: Automatic determination of exact wire lengths and routing paths within the cabinet, which allows for the pre-fabrication of wires to save significant manufacturing time.

Manufacturing Integration: Generation of critical data for automated production, such as drilling patterns for NC machines and labeling for device identification. Efficiency through Automation

Version 2023 focuses on reducing manual entry and errors through several automated features: This guide outlines the foundational steps for creating

EPLAN Pro Panel 2023 focuses on streamlining the industrialization of control cabinet manufacturing through a highly efficient 3D digital twin

. This version introduces significant performance upgrades and user-centric features designed to reduce design time and improve data consistency. Key Highlights of Version 2023 New 3D Graphics Engine:

A core update that provides significantly faster rendering and smoother navigation within 3D layout spaces, especially for complex, large-scale cabinet designs. eStock Cloud Integration: Seamlessly manage and share device data through the EPLAN eStock

cloud service, ensuring all team members use the same verified parts information. Enhanced Insert Center:

An optimized interface with visual icons and improved search functionality that allows users to find and place symbols, 3D macros, and articles more intuitively. International Macro Management:

Supports up to 20 different circuit diagram macros per part, allowing for easier adaptation to varying international standards (like IEC or NFPA) within a single project. Direct Manufacturing Integration:

Automatically generates production-ready data for NC machining (drilling, milling, cut-outs) and provides 1:1 scale printing for manual drilling templates. Core Workflow Benefits Digital Twin Precision:

Designers can accurately determine wire lengths, routing paths, and positioning for DIN rails and wiring ducts before physical assembly starts. Efficiency Gains: Studies indicate that using Pro Panel can lead to up to a 44% reduction in time and costs 90% decrease in time expenditures for specific engineering tasks. Smart Routing: Common Criticisms and Workarounds in 2023 No software

The software calculates the most efficient routing paths for wiring, which can then be exported to EPLAN Smart Wiring for guided manual assembly. Eplan Pro Panel: Documentations including 3D layout

Common Criticisms and Workarounds in 2023

No software is perfect. Despite the improvements, users have noted a few issues:

Steep Learning Curve: The "new 3D engine" changed the location of several context menus. Long-term users need about 2 days of retraining to find the routing toolbar.
Subscription Costs: The shift to subscription has angered some small shops. Workaround: EPLAN offers a "Project Rental" license (90-day terms) for contractors who only need the software for one large build.
Busbar Complexities: While wire routing is faster, 3D flexible busbars still require manual manipulation. EPLAN promises a dedicated busbar module in the 2024 update.

8. Licensing & Deployment

Licenses: Named user, shared network, or subscription (ePULSE).
Deployment: On-premises or cloud-connected.
Extensions: EPLAN FieldSys (harness design), EPLAN Panel + (advanced thermal FEA).

Performance Benchmarks: Is 2023 Worth the Upgrade?

We tested EPLAN Pro Panel 2023 against version 2022 on a standard engineering workstation (Intel i7, 32GB RAM, NVIDIA RTX A2000).

5. Practical Use Case Example

Task: Design a 800×1000×300 mm wall-mount enclosure.

Steps in Pro Panel 2023:

Import schematic from Electric P8.
Place mounting plate → define grid.
Insert DIN rails and ducts (automatic length adjustment).
Import 3D macros of contactors, PLCs, terminals.
Run auto-placement assistant (guidance rules).
Wire components – 3D cable paths with length reporting.
Thermal check – add 2 ventilation units.
Generate drilling patterns for enclosure base.
Output: 2D mounting layout, wire list, NC export.

2. Improved Copper Bar Processing (Busbars)

For high-power switchgear, copper busbars are essential. Pro Panel 2023 has significantly upgraded its capabilities here.

3D Bending: You can now define complex 3D bends for busbars more easily.
Manufacturing Data: The software generates precise manufacturing data (DXF files) for cutting and bending machines, bridging the gap between design and the workshop floor.