Apps for Engineers: Mobile engineering apps for reference-based applications

Engineering mobile applications have potential to help engineers do their jobs better. Applications for Autodesk, Leviton, Schneider Electric, and Lincoln Electric help with project documentation, National Electrical Code, timing relays, and weld settings.

By CFE Media January 1, 2017

Engineering mobile applications have potential to help engineers do their jobs better. Applications for Autodesk, Leviton, Schneider Electric, and Lincoln Electric help with project documentation, National Electrical Code, timing relays, and weld settings.

Buzzsaw

iOS 4.2+, Android 2.2+

Cost: Free

Company: Autodesk Inc.

The Buzzsaw mobile app allows users to securely access architecture, engineering, and construction project designs and documents from anywhere. Users can view Autodesk Revit and Navisworks models and metadata about elements in designs, view 2-D and 3-D drawing Web format (DWF) files, view standard office documents and images, and upload project photos directly to the Buzzsaw cloud.

Captain Code

iOS 6.0+, Android 4.0+

Cost: Free

Company: Leviton Manufacturing Co. Inc.

The Leviton’s Captain Code app is a great solution to stay current with the National Electrical Code (NEC). This information tool is searchable by market vertical, product number, or article number. The app allows users to quickly identify and review code changes as it draws from three perspectives to provide clear and comprehensive code data including NEC text directly from the NFPA document, analysis from experts at the National Training Alliance, and manufacturers input to further explain code intent and solutions for compliance.

Timing Relay Functions Tool

iOS 4.3+

Cost: Free

Company: Schneider Electric SA

The Timing Relay Functions Tool is a learning tool that visually demonstrates 10 of the most common timing functions available on time delay relays. This tool is designed to help installers choose the correct timing function to fit their application. Users select a type of trigger (power or switch), choose from the available timing functions and then apply power on the interactive wiring diagram. The wiring diagram and timing chart will demonstrate how the selected function works.

Weld Parameter Guide

iOS 6.1+, 3.0+

Cost: Free

Company: The Lincoln Electric Company

Lincoln Electric’s Parameter Guide is a full-featured app designed to supply weld settings for shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding/flux-cored arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding. The app comes pre-loaded with embedded look-up tables, ideal for remote locations; a "smart" look-up feature which reviews each user input and calculates the available recommended options remaining for each parameter; U.S. and metric settings included, eliminating the need to carry a metric convertor and a notes section with additional weld set-up and procedure information. The simplified graphical user interface features icon-based menus for easy navigation.


Author Bio: Since its founding in 2010, CFE Media and Technology has provided engineers in manufacturing, commercial and industrial buildings, and manufacturing control systems with the knowledge they need to improve their operational efficiency. CFE delivers the right information at the right time around the world through a variety of platforms.