Manifold
Virtual Engineer for Manifold is designed to empower users to create efficient and effective manifold systems with confidence. Be sure to explore all the features available to maximize your design capabilities
PROJECT SELECTION
  • Setup: You will be presented with options such as My Projects, My Systems, Projects Shared with Me, and Systems Shared with Me. To create a new system, select My Systems and then click on Create System.
  • Setting Up Your System: You will be prompted to select a system type. Choose Pneumatic Multipart system, which automatically sets the configuration to Expert mode.
  • Finalize Project Details: Enter a name for your project and add any relevant details. Click the Add button to proceed.
KEY FEATURES
  • Generate Results: After entering the minimum data requirements, the "Generate Results" button will become active. Press this button to initiate calculations for potential solutions.
  • Compare Solutions: After generating results, the "Compare" button will activate, allowing you to compare the list of potential solutions.
  • Save Progress: Use the "Save Progress" button at any time to resume your work later.
  • Reset Parameters: The "Reset Parameters" option should only be used if you want to start over, as it will clear all entered data.
  • Metric/Imperial Selector: Toggle between metric and imperial units for all inputs. You can also override this setting for individual inputs.
  • My Project Section: Access the "My Project" button to store your information. Here, you can share your projects internally or externally with customers or suppliers.

Looking for more help? Download the detailed guide.
SYSTEM SETUP
  • Review the Detailed Guide: Consult the detailed guide for information on all inputs, including descriptions and parameters. It is recommended to save this file for easy reference.
  • Main Interface: After creating your system, you will be redirected to the main interface of your new project. Here, you can begin the manifold configuration.
  • Selecting Part Assemblies: Ensure that Part Assemblies is selected from the left-hand menu. This section allows you to define the components of your manifold. Specify the number of stations required for your manifold (e.g., three stations for a three-station manifold).
  • Application Type: Click the plus sign (+) button to initiate the manifold creation process. Select the type of application for each station, such as Parker actuators, general pneumatic applications, and generic actuators.
ENTERING APPLICATION DETAILS
  • Defining Applications: For each station, you have the opportunity to input application details. Click on the application tile (marked with a plus symbol) to add details.
  • Naming Applications: Each application is initially given a generic name (e.g., Application 1), which you can rename by clicking on the existing text.
  • Adding Application Parameters: Within each application tile, you can select the specific application type you want to configure. This could include pneumatic applications, linear motion actuators, etc.
  • Application Details: Input the necessary parameters for each station, such as inlet pressure, pressure drop, flow coefficient (CV) required specifications and other operational details.
  • Utilizing the Airflow Calculator: To assess the total airflow requirements for your manifold, utilize the airflow calculator feature. This tool helps you calculate airflow based on your machine's cycle schedule. Adjust the settings to reflect operational scenarios, such as toggling valves on and off to simulate different states and calculating the corresponding airflow.
  • Simulating Operational Scenarios: Experiment with different operational cycles by adjusting valve settings. This allows the tool to calculate the necessary airflow and ensure that your manifold design meets application flow requirements.
GENERATING RESULTS & COMPARING PRODUCTS
  • Generating Product Results: After configuring your manifold, click the Generate Results button. This action prompts the tool to search for products that align with your specified application parameters.
  • Compare Table - Reviewing Options: Examine the comparison table that appears, which displays available options based on your configuration. You will see both optimized and double-addressed segments. The optimized options show results that match solenoids with electrical boards, while double-addressed options display only double-addressed circuit boards.
  • Tracking Changes in the Optimization Log: Access the Optimization log to review any modifications made during the configuration process. This feature allows you to understand how different options were adjusted to meet your requirements. Specify any auxiliary components or modules that may be required for the manifold, such as end plates, blanking plates, and auxiliary inlet modules.
FINALIZING YOUR SELECTION
  • Final Review: Once you have selected your desired configuration, navigate to the Manifold Options menu to review all details, including connectors and valve specifications. After confirming that everything is satisfactory, click Save and Proceed to finalize your configuration.
  • Summary Report: After saving, you can generate a Summary Report, which provides a comprehensive PDF detailing part numbers, valve specifications, and a bill of materials. This report can also be exported to Excel for further analysis or sharing. Part and component numbers and details can be used to streamline the quotation process.
Need Assistance?
We're here to help.
For questions about Parker products or using Virtual Engineer, please contact technical support | pdn.technical@support@parker.com
To place an order or check the status of an order, please contact Customer Support | pdn.support@support.parker.com
For marketing-related queries, please contact the Parker Pneumatic Division Marketing Department | pdnmktg@parker.com

Visit Parker.com