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Sidewinder Changelog

What's new in Sidewinder 9.54

Apr 25, 2024
  • Entering “0” in the motor operational stopping time input will now result in a “Drift” stop condition for all load cases.

New in Sidewinder 9.52 (Apr 18, 2024)

  • Additional feeder belt updates.
  • Improved Word report plots for users with Windows dpi “Screen Scaling” turned on. If you have a display that uses windows scaling (125%, 150%, etc.) then please give this feature a try. Sidewinder fonts and charts will look much crisper. It is found under the User Preferences.

New in Sidewinder 9.51 (Apr 4, 2024)

  • Several feeder belt updates and improved tooltips.
  • Added new information to the “Project Files” -> “Load Cases” tab.

New in Sidewinder 9.49 (Mar 15, 2024)

  • High and low speed couplings have been added to the reducer inputs and output in Sidewinder.
  • This includes the following full catalog models:
  • Falk / Rexnord – Grid (T10/T25)
  • Falk / Rexnord – Gear (G52/G82)
  • Falk / Rexnord – Flange (MCF 3000)
  • Flender – Gear (ZAPEX)
  • Ringspann – Grid (RES)
  • Ringspann – Gear (RDZ)
  • Ringspann – Flange (RFK)
  • MAV – Flange (FC2008)
  • Vulcan – Flexible (GSN)
  • Vulcan – Flexible (GBN)
  • And more to come….
  • The user can select a manufacture, and a coupling type (Grid, Gear, Flange, etc.) on the reducer input page. Sidewinder will then select the appropriate coupling model from the internal lookup catalog. The default service factor is 1.2 but the user can enter this as well
  • Additionally, the motor and reducer/other output data has been split in two. There is now a separate tab for the motor, and then one for the reducers, couplings, shaft mounted reducers/V- belts, and overhung loads.
  • Coupling ratings, service factors, and maximum bore diameters are output.
  • This information is also output in the data block when exporting to AutoCAD.
  • The couplings principal dimensions and mass is also taken from the manufacture catalogs for the specific selection.

New in Sidewinder 9.46 (Mar 5, 2024)

  • Fixed an issue in the “Brake Temperature” worksheet page to correctly account for high-speed brakes.

New in Sidewinder 9.45 (Feb 27, 2024)

  • A new AutoCAD exporting option has been added to the File -> Export menu. The new “A1” page layout includes a plethora of Sidewinder design information.

New in Sidewinder 9.43 (Feb 20, 2024)

  • Added DIN 'f' return side multiplier.

New in Sidewinder 9.41 (Jan 22, 2024)

  • A few user input fixes when working with 6 or more loading point feed locations.

New in Sidewinder 9.40 (Jan 12, 2024)

  • Updated the transition angle used for the belt transition calculations. Previously, the belt transition length calculations used the idler wing angle from the specific transition idler type. For example, if idler type #3 is the transition idler type, and it had a troughing angle of 20 degrees, then 20 degrees was used for the calculations.
  • With this update Sidewinder now looks at the next element (for the tail transition), or the element before (for the head transition). It then uses the troughing angle for that idler set for the calculations. The selected transition angle is shown in the output.

New in Sidewinder 9.38 (Jan 3, 2024)

  • Power new updates have been added to the CAD overlay feature. The CAD overlay allows drawings to be imported into Sidewinder and then overlayed on top of the vertical profile.
  • Previously both AutoCAD dwg and dxf files could be imported. With the latest update Sidewinder can now directly import Adobe pfd files and scanned images. Adobe files are
  • internally converted to an AutoCAD dwg vector format and imported in the same manner as AutoCAD files. This allows imported pfd files to be saved as part of the swi input file.
  • We have also added and improved many features when working with the imported files. This includes the ability to crop unwanted areas, rotate the images, and other useful drawing tools.
  • Drawings can quickly be scaled by clicking on two known points and enter that dimension (this is very useful). Furthermore, users can import and save up to three drawings. As such a head, tail, and conveyor profile, can be imported if desired
  • Users can import images and scanned drawings. This includes png, jpg, and bmp file formats. The imported drawings can easily be scaled using known points on the image and the auto scale button. This allows users an easy method to ensure the conveyor profile has been correctly input in Sidewinder. Click the load file button, and then select the file type on the “Open File” dialog window.

New in Sidewinder 9.35 (Dec 19, 2023)

  • PAX: Fixed a bug which prevented importing a pulley geometry from a csv file.
  • Added material trajectories for reversible conveyors.

New in Sidewinder 9.34 (Nov 22, 2023)

  • PAX: Added BIKON 2066 to available locking devices.

New in Sidewinder 9.32 (Sep 12, 2023)

  • PAX: Added an input to reduce the tightening torque of the locking device screws.
  • PAX: Added the ability to import single or multiple pulley geometries from a csv file. To import a geometry, push the “Import” button on the “Pulley” tab

New in Sidewinder 9.31 (Sep 5, 2023)

  • Added an option to upsize the XT type locking device to the next larger size. For example, if the shaft size is 2.75”, the require XT size is XT30 per the catalog. If you select “XT+1” in the locking device menu, the resultant size will be XT35.

New in Sidewinder 9.29 (Aug 3, 2023)

  • Further improvements to the stringer calculations. The stringer deflections can now be shown by checking the “deflection” checkbox.
  • The stringer deflection due to the carry side idlers is shown by the blue line. The return idler deflection component is shown by the green line. The purple line is the uniformly distributed load (kg/m) which is the sum of the hood cover mass, the stringer mass, and the user input “other frame loading” value (for snow loading and any other additional loadings the user wants to add).
  • The total deflection is shown by the redline. The maximum deflection is also listed in the text output.
  • If the “angle bracket” is set to non, or left blank, then the deflection is assumed to be a simply supported beam. As such the ends of the stringer are allowed to rotate as shown below.
  • If the “angle bracket” is set to left, right, inside, outside, or both, then the deflection is assumed to be a clamped beam. As such the slope at each end is zero. These assumptions are not perfect, but we feel are a very good approximation. Of course, there are many factors which will ultimately affect the stringer and frame design, but that is a detail which can be carried out at the structural engineering detailed design level. The goal of this in Sidewinder is to be able to give a good first estimate for the stringer size and steel mass.

New in Sidewinder 9.28 (Jul 29, 2023)

  • We have added several new stringer configurations and a range of additional input options and calculations. We are still working on finalizing the complete stringer deflections calculations (and accompanying graphs) but all of the layout and other details are compete.

New in Sidewinder 9.26 (Jul 4, 2023)

  • Several updates to the new dynamic inputs, tooltips, and overall user interface.
  • Added a menu option in the project files to force unique labels for all items.
  • Belt Tripper Worksheet
  • This new worksheet calculates the catenary sag in the vertical curve radius of a belt tripper. It
  • will also estimate the reaction force for a hold-down wheel located in the vertical curve section.
  • This is done for four belt tension conditions (Empty, Full, Max Running, and Max Dynamic).
  • The user can enter zero in any tension case to ignore that condition.
  • The wheel position is the contact point location of the hold down wheel and belt (not the center
  • of the wheel as then the diameter would also need to be entered). This location is shown by the
  • red cross.

New in Sidewinder 9.25 (Jul 3, 2023)

  • Starting / Stopping Dynamics – There has been a change to the way the starting and stopping inputs are entered. This change makes the inputs much more logical and easier to understand. No new inputs have been added, and there are no changes to the way the calculations are performed.
  • This is only a change to the user interface.
  • For starting, the inputs depend on the motor type selected. For a VFD at starting and stopping time is entered on the motor input page. For a fluid coupling, or direct squirl cage motor the maximum motor torque and other inputs are shown.
  • For braking, the dynamic inputs are now shown on the braking page. Tooltips are available for all inputs.
  • Again, there are no new inputs, this change simply allows easier access to the current inputs and makes their organization more user friendly.
  • Many updates and improvements to the user manual.

New in Sidewinder 9.23 (Jun 15, 2023)

  • Various updates to when importing Google Earth elevation profiles.

New in Sidewinder 9.22 (Jun 7, 2023)

  • Corrected an issue with v9.19 that was forcing a 2:1 drive arrangement at the head and also incorretly setting the speed for longer conveyors.
  • Added several new element table outputs.
  • Project files and vendor reports now include the new 'Identical Conveyor Count' input value.

New in Sidewinder 9.21 (Jun 5, 2023)

  • Added several new element table outputs.
  • Corrected an issue with v9.19 that was forcing a 2:1 drive arrangement at the head.
  • Project files and vendor reports now include the new 'Identical Conveyor Count' input value.

New in Sidewinder 9.20 (Jun 3, 2023)

  • Project files and vendor reports now include the new "Identical Conveyor Count" input value.

New in Sidewinder 9.19 (Jun 2, 2023)

  • Pipe Conveyor Updates:
  • The pipe conveyor column on the vertical curve output tab now shows the total arc angle of all sections with the same horizontal radius. This is more useful than each individual section as the total arc angle is more important than each individual local angle.
  • An additional column has been added showing the ratio of the curve radii to the pipe outer diameter. This value is useful when qualitatively evaluating the radius requirements with experience and other rules of thumb
  • Shaft Updates:
  • The absolute shaft deflection is now shown on the shaft output data. Additionally, a 'Percent of Span' input, and output, has also been added. The default value is 0.05%, but this can be set by the user on the pulley input page. If this value is exceeded, it will be highlighted in RED on the shaft summary output page.
  • Other Features:
  • Corrected a bug that prevented certain files (mostly pipe conveyors) from opening when the user double clicked on a *.swi input file from Windows file explorer.
  • The take-up commodity code is now output for all take-up types when added to the output reports.
  • An input has been added for the total count of identical conveyors. This is only used in project summary files, but can be very useful if you have duplicate conveyors, or multiple belt feeders on a project. This will allow the component quantities to be summarized for the individual conveyor, and total conveyor count. For example, if you have two identical conveyors beside each other you could enter 2, and the total idler count for one conveyor may be 500, but then the total overall idler count (again on the project summary pages) would be 1000.

New in Sidewinder 9.17 (May 6, 2023)

  • The following data is added:
  • Min Displacement Running: the minimum lateral belt displacement in the horizontal curve for all running tensions. If negative, the lateral displacement is opposite to the horizontal curve center. Positive displacement is towards the horizontal curve center.
  • Max Displacement Running: the maximum lateral belt displacement in the horizontal curve for all running tensions.
  • 3. Min Displacement Momentary: the minimum lateral belt displacement in the horizontal curve for all momentary tensions (i.e. starting / stopping).
  • Max Displacement Momentary: the minimum lateral belt displacement in the horizontal curve for all momentary tensions (i.e. starting / stopping).
  • 5. Min Normal Idler Force: Minimum normal force of belt on any idler roll for all running and momentary tensions. If negative, this is an indication that belt lift may occur.
  • Min Edge Distance: the minimum distance between the material and belt edge for all running and momentary tensions.
  • Max Surcharge Angle: the maximum surcharge angle that occurs distance between the material and belt edge for all running and momentary tensions
  • A new tab “Horizontal Curves” is added to the Detailed Results (push ). This grid contains detailed results for the horizontal curve analysis. The results for each curve is split into “Empty SS” (empty belt load cases only), Running, and Momentary tension for the “All” tab.
  • If a load case tab is selected, the results are split between Running, O-Stop, E-Stop, and Starting tensions.
  • The tab also shows the vertical belt profile and shades the location of the horizontal curves.
  • Further if you select a row, the location of the horizontal curve group is shown in the profile plot.
  • Tonnage Calculator:
  • Various improvements to the tonnage calculator (small button to the right of the tonnage input label). Hours/year can also now be used as a valid input.
  • Pulley Shaft Length (Opposite Side) - Plan View Layout:
  • Users can now enter the shaft length for the opposite side of a drive pulley when a single brake or backstop is used. This length is also shown on the pulley and shaft pages.

New in Sidewinder 9.15 (Apr 27, 2023)

  • Some spelling fixes. Update in the Sidewinder Manual.

New in Sidewinder 9.14 (Apr 20, 2023)

  • Added a workpage for calculating belt liftoff for trippers.

New in Sidewinder 9.13 (Apr 11, 2023)

  • Minor update in the element input table.
  • PAX meshing correction at bearing restraint.

New in Sidewinder 9.12 (Mar 30, 2023)

  • PAX Updates:
  • Added “Required Hub Diameter” to the output results grid. This is the calculated required hub diameter based on locking device manufacturer’s equation:
  • See PAX Manual, Section 8.5.7. If the required diameter is larger than the actual hub diameter, the cell will be highlighted red.
  • Fixed input bug in variable "Bearing to Coupling"
  • Added tool tips to "Design Criteria" and "Boundary Adjustments" grid on the Summary Tab

New in Sidewinder 9.10 (Mar 20, 2023)

  • PAX Updates:
  • If the safety factor for the Goodman Ratio is less than 1.5 (or Goodman Ratio > 0.67) then the cell on the summary page is highlighted Pink. CEMA B105 requires a safety factor of 1.5.
  • Other Updates:
  • Various Newton Chute Lite Updates (v4.05)
  • Corrected the “Plan View” Drive Layouts for certain drive configurations.

New in Sidewinder 9.09 (Mar 8, 2023)

  • Several minor user interface updates.
  • PAX Updates:
  • Adjusted Yield Ratio warning and failure ratio levels in the Design Criteria. Yield ratio is highlighted if actual ratio is greater than 1.0.
  • Corrected grammatical error in report in which previously the hub stress was compared to shaft yield strength.

New in Sidewinder 9.08 (Feb 14, 2023)

  • Adjusted pulley design tension calculation so that the design tension will always be equal to or greater than the steady state tensions. Note that design tensions are used to determine require
  • pulley shaft diameter. The shaft diameter is a function of tension, torque, pulley mass, belt wrap angles, and any overhung loads. The modified tension that results in the largest shaft diameter will be the final pulley design tension.
  • Previously, the idler output window and report showed a shaft diameter for CEMA idlers (eg C5, C6, E7, etc). The CEMA idler specification does not include shaft diameter, and thus this output
  • should not be shown when using the CEMA idler calculation method. As such the shaft output size has been removed when using this method.
  • PAX Updates:
  • Goodman ratios for shaft fillets that were higher than 0.66 were previously being highlighted on the Summary page. This has been removed and the Goodman ratio will only be highlighted if the ratio is higher than the Design Criteria. Newton Chute Lite
  • Added a preliminary option for Langlaagte Chutes designs in the Auto Chute generation. The input dimensions are shown below and are valid when the “Lower Ledge” option has the
  • Langlaagte selection. The rear height is still set with the Skirtboard height input (Lower chute section) with the exiting height being set using the P4 dimension. Also, the skirtboard width and lengths are still used. However, the actual lower skirtboards are not included (nor should they be for this option).

New in Sidewinder 9.07 (Feb 7, 2023)

  • Added slider belt conveyor types.

New in Sidewinder 9.06 (Feb 3, 2023)

  • Google Earth – Elevation Profile Importing:
  • Google Earth allows users to draw a line, or path anywhere in the world. You can then save that path, and more importantly “create an Elevation Profile” for it. This is a very useful feature when doing initial design work, especially when exact site data is not available. However, there is unfortunately not any easy way to export that profile to be used by Sidewinder. Historically, we would take a screen shot of the profile and then paste it in AutoCAD. We would then scale the image, draw a new polyline on top of it, and then import that line into Sidewinder.
  • This was always a lot of work, and hard to get exact. As such, we have added a handy new feature which will do this automatically. A screen capture of the window is taken, and the profile line is automatically generated and scaled. It can then be imported as the ground profile, or as the conveyor geometry itself.

New in Sidewinder 9.05 (Jan 24, 2023)

  • Dwg CAD File Overlay Importing:
  • Sidewinder now allows users to directly import an AutoCAD dwg file into the conveyor
  • Geometry. To use this feature simply select the “CAD Overlay” tab on the “Vertical Profile”
  • Page. The user can input a drawing scaling factor, as well as other options such as excluding
  • Hidden file layers or mirroring the image
  • The most powerful aspect of this feature is that user can now graphically click on the drawing to
  • Easily add or move both elements and pulleys. Complex conveyor layouts can now be created in
  • A matter of minutes
  • CAD Offsets:
  • To set the x,y offset for any CAD file that has been imported, the user can simply right click on
  • The profile window and select “CAD Overlay Offset” and then one of three options. Normally
  • The user would then select either the head or tail pulley and then click on that specific location on
  • The drawing. The x,y offsets will then be automatically entered in the textbox and the drawing
  • Will move to the correct location
  • CAD File Saving:
  • The imported cad file can be saved as part of the Sidewinder swi file. This allows other users to
  • Open the Sidewinder file and still have full access to the drawing. The original dwg file can be
  • Moved or deleted as Sidewinder no longer needs access to it.
  • Sidewinder has a very efficient method for storing the CAD drawing, and in most cases the file
  • Will only be a fraction of the original size. An approximate files size is shown (0.05 mB, or a
  • Mere 50 kB in this case). Text and dimensions are not imported or saved by design
  • Vertical Profile Page – Improvements
  • In conjunctions with the CAD importing there have been several significant improvements to the
  • Vertical profile page inputs and plotting.

New in Sidewinder 9.03 (Jan 12, 2023)

  • Corrected an issue with project files in the v9.0 release.
  • Further improvements to the plan view layouts images.

New in Sidewinder 9.02 (Jan 11, 2023)

  • Drive Layout:
  • Small fix when showing the plan view layout windows for pulleys with single backstops.
  • Idlers - Reports:
  • Several additions and improvements to the idler report output details.
  • Added idler bearing Minimum L10 Life, Minimum L10 Life without Vertical Curves, and 95% L10 Level to the output report.
  • Added Roll L10 failures per year and %Roll L10 failures per year to the output window and report. These numbers are the expected idler roll failures due to bearing L10 failures.
  • In the "Idler Set Data" in the report, the bearing L10 life output was the 95% L10 Level.
  • This is now changed to Minimum L10 Life of the idler bearings.
  • In previous versions the output variable "95% L10 Level" was actually listing 90% L10 Level.
  • This has been corrected to 95% and the result is the L10 bearing hours that 95% of the idler bearings exceed.
  • PAX:
  • Fixed bug in PAX with shaft length when meshing

New in Sidewinder 8.62.02 (Dec 21, 2022)

  • Core Updates:
  • Several improvements to the user interface and reports.

New in Sidewinder 8.62.01 (Dec 16, 2022)

  • Core Updates:
  • Several improvements to the user interface and reports.

New in Sidewinder 8.61.05 (Dec 13, 2022)

  • User Library Updates:
  • User library files can now be opened for any geographical region settings and units. The .csv files are now saved with a semicolon “;” separator. All current library files will be automatically converted the first time the user enters the “Equipment and Library Database” in Sidewinder.
  • Plan View Drive Layout Improvements:
  • Several improvements with the drive/brake/backstop layouts. Sidewinder now sets the “Bearing to Coupling” distance to the input value (or automatically calculates it) for all drive configurations. This is true for any brake/backstop arrangement as shown below:
  • This is also true for shaft mounted configurations like a Dodge TA2, or Siemens Quadrive arrangement. Sheave sizes (and number of V-belts) are also now shown dimensionally correct.

New in Sidewinder 8.59 (Dec 5, 2022)

  • Added debugging to check for incorrect convergence.

New in Sidewinder 8.57.01 (Nov 22, 2022)

  • Added 3 new variable to PAX:
  • Bearing to Shaft End (Left Side) – this variable lets you define the length between bearing and shaft end on a non-symmetric pulley
  • LD Stopper Length – Lets you control the distance between locking device center to the inside edge of a locking device stopper:
  • Sidewinder Conveyor Design Software - Updates November - 2022
  • Rim Thickness at Fillets – Allows you to increase the rim thickness in the end disk at fillets R1 and R2. The bottom edge will slope upwards to the rim thickness at the “Top Length” location as shown below.

New in Sidewinder 8.56.01 (Nov 9, 2022)

  • Updated output reports to only show the material sets used in the current file calculations. This is output when the "All material sets" checkbox is selected in the report options

New in Sidewinder 8.54.01 (Oct 11, 2022)

  • Fix a bug in PAX - the Ringfeeder allowable bending moment could be wrong if you ran
  • multiple pulleys of the same type in the same Sidewinder file

New in Sidewinder 8.52.01 (Aug 19, 2022)

  • The pulley mass is no longer shown on the counterweight label for vertical take-up systems. If the user selects to output the take-up details in the report, then an added paragraph is shown estimating the mass of the take-up pulley assembly (pulley, bearings, supporting steelwork). The counterweight mass including these estimations and the selected cable reeving ratio is also output.
  • Various updates and improvements in the output reports.

New in Sidewinder 8.50.04 (Aug 13, 2022)

  • Corrected a bug in v8.45 which was not adding in the drag from ‘skirtboard only’ elements to the total power calculations.
  • An idler troughing angle of ‘0’ can now be input for any 2-6 roll set.
  • The belt tap length now accurately reflects wrap angle length around pulleys (previously this was just the straight length from the entry to exit point).
  • Several updated tooltips for both input and output variables.

New in Sidewinder 8.48.01 (Aug 10, 2022)

  • Added Aramid ‘Maxx Armour’ belting to the standard belting library.
  • Minor graphical updates as well as several tool tip improvements.
  • Updated to Microsoft .Net Framework v4.8. This is a stable release and most PC’s running windows should already have this update installed as it was released in April 2019.

New in Sidewinder 8.47.03 (Jul 26, 2022)

  • An error opening certain files.
  • Conversion error in T1 and T2 design tensions in PAX.
  • Input error in input "Gap between Idlers" in the idler custom input section.

New in Sidewinder 8.46.01 (Jul 8, 2022)

  • Various feeder belt calculation updates.
  • Fix issue with the beltline profile not showing up on some output reports.
  • Several small user interface updates.

New in Sidewinder 8.45.01 (Jun 10, 2022)

  • Added a line on the material output showing the reduced material area. The maximum element slope is shown, as well as the ISO 5048 “k” factor using the equation below.
  • Corrected a calculation convergence issue on certain feeder belt files that caused Sidewinder to
  • lock up.

New in Sidewinder 8.43.02 (Jun 3, 2022)

  • Overhung Loads:
  • A few corrections and additions to the new overhung load calculations.

New in Sidewinder 8.41.01 (May 25, 2022)

  • Overhung Loads:
  • Overhung loads are now an integral part of the standard calculations and inputs. They are automatically calculated and stored when a right-angle shaft mounted reduced is selected. The overhung load values are all shown on the motor output page.

New in Sidewinder 8.40.01 (May 13, 2022)

  • PAX:
  • Added lwPolyline for the shaft, end disk, and shaft to the DXF output file which now include fillet radii that can easily be dimensioned in AudoCAD.

New in Sidewinder 8.39.03 (May 11, 2022)

  • Site Altitude:
  • Added “Site Altitude” in the conveyor design criteria. Both the altitude and ambient temperature are now used to derate the motors at higher elevations.
  • Motor de-rating is done using the following table (taken from https://www.motorsatwork.com/):
  • The user can also enter a motor de-rating factor if they would like to specify this themselves. If a value is manually entered it will be used for all load cases, irrespective of the ambient
  • temperature (e.g. Low/Normal/High friction cases).
  • Project Files
  • Several improvements when working with project files including the ability to insert/remove
  • lines in the custom tab pages.
  • There is also a new “default.ctf” file with updated default vendor data pages. This can be found
  • in the Sidewinder installation directory once you have updated to v8.39.
  • Other Additions:
  • Corrected a few small grammatical errors in the project file inputs and reports.
  • The default minimum pulley diameter is now limited to 250 mm (10”) for belting ratings less
  • than EP-250

New in Sidewinder 8.38 (Apr 26, 2022)

  • Added Sempertans fabric belting to the internal user library.
  • Corrected user preferences selection to include structural tensions in pulley design calculations.
  • Updated various help tooltips.

New in Sidewinder 8.37 (Apr 22, 2022)

  • We have added input and meshing data to the User Library. If you customize the mesh input for a pulley, they will be saved to the User Library.
  • You can now add a pulley to the User Library directly from PAX.
  • You can now add a pulley from the User Library to your current PAX analysis.
  • If the belt width input in the “Library IDs” input does not match the conveyor’s belt width, PAX will ask if you want to update the conveyor belt width.
  • A “Rename” button has been placed next to the Analysis Pulley drop-down so you can easily rename the pulley tag.
  • “Pulley Design Loads” and “Library IDs” which were previously found in the “Geometry” tab and moved to the “Pulley” tab to make them more accessible in the PAX analysis.

New in Sidewinder 8.36 (Apr 13, 2022)

  • Excel Exporting:
  • Corrected a bug that was causing the excel exporting function to not work on some versions of Windows.

New in Sidewinder 8.35 (Mar 15, 2022)

  • We have changed the calculation for vertical force component from a concave curve in the idler bearing L10 calculation. In a vertical curve, the vertical force in the L10 calculation was determined by integrating longitudinal stress along the belt length over each roller. Therefore, the vertical force is not only a function of belt tension and radius, but also by the geometry of the idler. This makes sense for a convex curve, however, in a concave curve it can result in incorrect results if the concave curve is very small (i.e. if you enter a 50 m concave curve in at a tripper). In a concave curve (especially a small one) the belt edges simply bow out or lift off the idler so integrating the stress in the belt doesn’t make sense.
  • PAX:
  • Added a “Copy to Clipboard” option for the Input / Output columns in Pax.
  • PAX:
  • Added ability to calculate all pulley at once. The new button “Calculate All Pulley” will first
  • check that each pulley has been meshed. If not meshed, you will have the option to mesh the pulley. Note that if a pulley is not meshed, that PAX will not calculate this pulley. Once the pulleys have been meshed, all meshed pulleys will be analyzed.
  • Also, a context menu has been added to easily select a different pulley. When the mouse hovers over the tabs (Pulleys, Geometry, Meshing, Results) you can left click and a context menu showing all pulleys will appear. Select the pulley you wish to analyze.

New in Sidewinder 8.34 (Feb 4, 2022)

  • Several new features have been added into the release of Sidewinder. As always, user feedback is always appreciated. Feel free to drop us an Email if there are any additional outputs you would like to see added with these features.
  • User Interface:
  • We have made several improvements to the user interface. This includes adding a fourth grid on the main page. This grid includes the take-up inputs, dynamics, vertical/horizontal curves, and stringer inputs. This was done to accommodate the far more common 16:9 wide screen aspect ratio (vs the classic 4:3). We also feed this layout provides a more intuitive feel for new users. It also keeps all the take-up inputs in one standard location.
  • Additionally, but less noticeable, there have been several tweaks to many of the input and output grids.
  • Take-Up Winch:
  • We have added several new improvements for conveyors with automatic take-up winches. This includes the auto sizing of winch motors, gear reduction ratios, winch and pulley speed, and various winch drum dimensions. Equipment can also be manually input if known
  • Take-Up Plot:
  • The take-up plot (which is still available on the detailed output pages) is now also visible in on the main take-up output page. Both vertical and horizontal take-up are shown along with dimensionally correct revving ratios and counterweight and pulley displacements
  • Take-Up – Adjustable Winch & Displacements:
  • Several other aspects of the take-up calculations have also been improved. When using a gravity take-up, the user can now select if an “adjustable” winch is installed at the end of the cable. This will in-turn affect the required take-up travel of the counterweight. Additionally, both the counterweight and pulley displacements are now clearly shown in the output as well as each of their corresponding components.
  • ToolTips:
  • Several Tooltips have been updated, and many tooltips are now available in the detailed output window
  • Feeder Belt Calculations:
  • There have been many new improvements to the feeder belt calculation inputs and outputs. This includes adding/updating a few of the calculation methods and examples. All calculation details for each method are now clearly output for the end user. Additionally, specific items (such as breakaway motor power for the initial flow condition) are now output. We are still working on getting these updates included in the user manual, but hope to have them completed shortly. We are also improving the tool tips for both the input, and output results for all the feeder belt variables.

New in Sidewinder 8.29 (Jan 17, 2022)

  • Several user interface updates
  • Minor updates in project files, and corrected total brake count in summary

New in Sidewinder 8.28 (Nov 24, 2021)

  • Made improvements to pulley meshing.

New in Sidewinder 8.27 (Sep 29, 2021)

  • PAX:
  • A new variable has been added to PAX, which is “Pulley is Symmetrical” and in found in the “Pulley Design Loads”
  • The variable has three options, which are:
  • “Auto” – Let PAX decide if the pulley is symmetrical or non-symmetrical
  • Symmetrical – Force the pulley to be symmetrical, i.e. PAX will model the pulley as a
  • half pulley which assumes that the loading on both sides of the pulley are the same.
  • Non-Symmetrical – PAX will model the pulley as a full pulley.

New in Sidewinder 8.25 (Aug 24, 2021)

  • DPI Screen Scaling - Toolbars:
  • We have added some beautiful new large toolbar icons for anyone using Windows screen scaling above 100%. This can be set in the user preferences.
  • We have also updated the output reports for users with DPI scaling turned on. As such all of the report plots and images should look excellent.
  • AutoCAD Importing:
  • Users can now select a specific layer from a dxf file to import. This is nice as you no long need to copy/paste the conveyor profile polyline into a new CAD file before importing it. This feature has also been added to the horizontal curve (plan view) importing.
  • PAX Window Resizing:
  • All PAX windows now auto-resize properly when adjusting the window manually. The selected window also keeps the current view when resizing.
  • Carry & Return Side Idler Spacing:
  • Normally, users enter the idler spacings on the Idler Spacing Criteria pages of the vertical curve input page. However, As the carry/return inputs are very commonly used, we have added these at the bottom of the idler input data page. These two inputs are by definitely the same two inputs as in the idler spacing table. If you change them on one page they will automatically change on the other. Hopefully, this will be a nice shortcut for many users on many conventional conveyors!
  • Idler Equipment and Commodity Codes :
  • When turned on (in the design criteria input) these are now grouped together with the other idler type inputs.
  • Report Warnings:
  • We have added several warning screens that appear before printing a report. These are simply information windows to hopefully let you make better design choices and lets you know when you have left items blank when perhaps you should specify them. We hope to expand this down the road to help designers optimizes their designs if possible.

New in Sidewinder 8.24 (Aug 11, 2021)

  • Lots of new improvements and additions to the project files summary and custom user worksheets

New in Sidewinder 8.22 (Aug 4, 2021)

  • Excel Exporting:
  • Improved excel exporting

New in Sidewinder 8.21 (Jul 31, 2021)

  • File Saving:
  • Ever tried saving a file and for whatever reason the dongle licensing was disconnected? From
  • now on, should the dongle get disconnected when you are working, you can save the file (using
  • either “Save”, or “SaveAs”), before Sidewinder go back into demo mode

New in Sidewinder 8.20 (Jul 23, 2021)

  • Startup Tension Bug:
  • A bug was discovered in v8.16 in which the starting motor torque was not being correctly initialized/calculated. This in-turn resulted in incorrect starting belt tensions for certain files. We recommend any users running v8.16 – 8.19 (June/July 2021) update to v8.20 and re-run any files created with these versions.

New in Sidewinder 8.19 (Jul 7, 2021)

  • Corrected an issue with the pulley shaft output window locking up on certain files.

New in Sidewinder 8.18 (Jun 21, 2021)

  • The project window now supports the full 25 drive/brake/backstop inputs.
  • Updated some of the standard vendor sheets in the project files outputs.
  • Added the free belt edge distance (from the edge of the belt to the edge of the idler) in the idler output window. This is useful when working with horizontally curved conveyors.

New in Sidewinder 8.16 (Jun 5, 2021)

  • Structural Loads:
  • Many new changes and improvements to the structural design loads. Users can now include (or exclude) the two standard cases (flooded belt and motor nameplate power). More importantly users can now add as many additional structural cases as they wish, as well as have much more control over each of these cases.
  • Idler Spacing:
  • When working in either the vertical profile (idler spacing table), or the conveyor profile(and in either the idler spacing or type columns), the idler spacing is shown in the conveyor window. This is just a nice way to double check that both the spacing, and types, areas you think they should be. Only the carry, or the return side is shown to avoid confusion
  • 10th Drive Station:
  • Corrected a small bug that happen with using all ten (10) drive stations. Nine drive stations and below was just fine, but a small bug that snuck in when using the tenth drive station.
  • Stringer Calculations:
  • We are working on several improvements to the stringer sizing and calculations. This will include a user input for distributed loads, leg/foundation reaction loads for various load cases, and much more. With these improvements comes some minor changes to the input/output formatting.To see the stringer output calculations, you currently need to click on the stringer output tab and select the “Calculations” checkbox.

New in Sidewinder 8.12 (Mar 3, 2021)

  • We have added RingspannandCTL locking devices.
  • The following Ringspann models have been added:
  • RLK 133
  • TCRLK 136
  • TCRLK 402
  • TCRLK 404
  • TCRLK 404
  • TC LightRLK 200
  • RLK 235 TC
  • he CTL catalog does not list allowable bending moment. Therefore, we have assumed allowable bending moment (MB) similar to other manufacturers. The following CTL (Conical Lock Systems) models have been added:
  • CTL 200, MB= 22% MT
  • MTCTL 301, MB= 30% MT
  • MTCTL 350F, MB= 30% MT
  • MTCTL 351F, MB= 30% MT
  • MTCTL 400, MB= 32% MT
  • MTCTL 401, MB= 32% MT
  • MTCTL 410, MB= 35% MT
  • MTCTL 411, MB= 35% MT

New in Sidewinder 8.11 (Mar 2, 2021)

  • Motor Power SplitAn incredibly useful tool to define the motor power split between drive pulleys. This is specified per driven pulley (not per drive). If there are two motors on one drivepulley,then they will split the input value.
  • Users can split the power for each driven pulley, and each load case.
  • 0 can be used to turn a motor off for a given load case or series of conditions.
  • Entering an input number (e.g.50) refers to the percentage of the current load cases power.
  • Using a plus sign “+” changes the inputs from a percentage of the load case power, to a percentage of the motor’snameplate rating
  • Hanging counterweight:
  • –Take-up TravelCorrected an obvious bug that recently snuck intothe take-up output page. When using a 0:0 cable revving ratio (hanging counterweight) the required counterweight displacement shown at the bottom wasnot reflectingthe correct pulley displacement

New in Sidewinder 8.05 (Jan 5, 2021)

  • Significantly improved the automatic uploading speed for new versions. Also corrected an issue some users may be having with the automatic updates and installation
  • Corrected several small windows dpi scaling issues. If you are using windows 10 display scaling, you should setyou user preferences “Use DPI scaling” to “Yes”. If you’re not sure, just right click on your desktop, go to “display settings”, and then lookthat the “Scale and layout value”. If its greater than 100%, then you have windows scaling turned on. Using this option in Sidewinder will make your graphics and text look crisp and super sharp!
  • PAXPAX has been updated for locking device models Bikon 2006, B-Loc 117, TAS 4006, and MAV 6002. This locking device has two hub rings and each ring has a different pressure. The following graphic shows a mesh of this locking device
  • The geometry of eachlocking device model and size is stored in PAX so the geometry is automatically modeled when Sidewinder in run and the pulley meshed. The input allows you to adjust the input pressure on each ring. However, the catalog values will be used if the input is left blank.After solving PAX, the resulting pressure can be viewed on the “Contact Stresses at Hub –Locking Device” graph
  • It is noted that the grid output in “Locking Device Stresses” in the Summary tab are the combined stresses from each ring

New in Sidewinder 7.98 (Oct 19, 2020)

  • Fixed an issue incausing the windows updateto freeze forsome users.

New in Sidewinder 7.93 (Sep 18, 2020)

  • Windows 10 –DPI Scaling:
  • With a recent Windows 10 update Microsoft changed alow level setting for checking screen DPI resolutions. As such the DPI scaling feature may not have been working on many users PC’s. This is now corrected and as such the DPI scaling should work for everyone!If you are using screen scaling, give the DPI setting a try. It looks great in Sidewinder!
  • Splice Safety Factor:
  • Corrected a bug that was preventing the splice safety factor from being correctly input.
  • Pulley Beltline Mass:
  • Corrected an issue when manually entering the pulley and shaft mass the individual pulley “beltline mass” was not being updated correctly to reflect the user input.
  • Windows Arrow Keys:
  • The arrow keys can be used to move up/down between load cases, and right/left between output windows.
  • Contour Importing:
  • This is a major new feature which allows 3D contour polylines to be directly imported from AutoCAD or other cad software. Ground profiles can be created in the same way that the previous “GRID”files were used. However, users no longer need to create a grid file from the contours. This should make working with terrain models much easier for many users. Many options are available for visualizing the contours.

New in Sidewinder 7.90 (Aug 25, 2020)

  • Reports - Multiple Drive Stations:
  • Corrected a few small issues in both the element input and reports when have more than 6 drive stations.

New in Sidewinder 7.89 (Aug 17, 2020)

  • CEMA 7thCold Temperatures below -32 CThe CEMA 7thequations are valid in the range of -25 F (-32 C) to 120 F (49 C) as per page 142 of the CEMA 7thbook. As per figure 6.49 on page 166, the indentation loss component should only be used in this range and is not valid outside of it.
  • For example, the default indentation drags goes to essentially zero if extrapolated to -50 C whereas the Type 2 indentation keeps climbing. In the real world the rubber rheology behavior strongly depends on the specific rubber compound used. For accurate calculations below -32 Cspecific testing of the rubber compound used should be performed.
  • As such,Sidewinder now warns users of the temperature exceeds these ranges. If the temperature is below -32 C it will still use the standard equations until -40 C. After -40 C it limits the indentation calculation value to that at the -40 Ctemperature (regardless of the input value). The Kt temperature extrapolation of the idlers is also used down to -40 F (-40 C)as per page 154 and table 6.27and limited at that value.
  • The CEMA 7thequations are valid in the range of -25 F (-32 C) to 120 F (49 C) as per page 142 of the CEMA 7thbook. As per figure 6.49 on page 166, the indentation loss component should only be used in this range and is not valid outside of it.
  • If the temperature is below -32 C it will still use the standard equations until -40 C. After -40 C it limits the indentation calculation value to that at the -40 C temperature (regardless of the input value). The Kt temperature extrapolation of the idlers is also used down to -40 F (-40 C) as per page 154 and table 6.27 and limited at that value

New in Sidewinder 7.88 (Aug 4, 2020)

  • New Features & Updates

New in Sidewinder 7.87 (Jul 28, 2020)

  • Pulley Library & new Shaft Material:
  • Correct a few issues when saving the user pulley libraries. Also add the “K1045”material to the “shaft materials”selection liston thepulley/shaft input pag

New in Sidewinder 7.86 (Jul 13, 2020)

  • Geometric dimensions of the brake disk2.
  • Conduction: Heat conduction from the brake pads into the disk.
  • The thermal conductivity coefficient for carbon steelsis 60.5 W/m-K.
  • The specific heat coefficient (cp) of carbon steels is 434 J/kg·K.3.
  • Convection: The model allows you to enter estimate convection from the surface of the disk at standstill and full-speed rotation.
  • Typical values for the convection heat transfer coefficient for a free standing surface is 2 to 25 W/m2·K.
  • For forced convection by air, typical values are 25 to 250 W/m2·K.
  • The default value is 10 W/m2·K when the disk is not rotation (Min Convection input) and 75 W/m2·K when at full speed (Max Convection input).4.
  • Radiation: The model also includes heat loss from radiation.
  • The default value of emissivity (ε) is 0.25.5.The modal assumes the following sequence:a.Brake disk is initially at a constant temperature (Initial Temperature input).b.Conveyor is stopped with the brake.
  • Stopping time and brake torque from the selected load case is used. c.The conveyor is at standstill for the Wait Timed.
  • Conveyor starts.
  • Starting time is from selected load case.e.As soon as the belt is at full speed the belt is stopped,and the sequence is repeated.

New in Sidewinder 7.85 (Jun 29, 2020)

  • PAX:
  • User can now set the welding S-N curve specification for welds. User can select from AWS (American Welding Society) or IIW (International Institute of Welding) S-N curves.
  • PAX now calculates hot spot and effective notch stress at weld locations. The hot spot stress is evaluated per IIW guidelines. The hot spot stress is calculated for both Von Mises and Principle stresses. The following graphic show the output.The graphs show the stresses at the surface of weld. The small circles show the reference points for the hot spot extrapolation. The large circles show the hot spot stress at the weld toe. Thedashed lines show the hot spot extrapolation. The grid below the surface stress plots summarizes the maximum effective notch stress and hot spot stress. The S-N curve category is also shown for each weld type. The grid shows allowable stress and the S-N curve knee and the allowable stress if 20 years of life is required. The last column shows the estimated life per the S-N curve
  • Sidewinder Conveyor Design Software -UpdatesJune -20202IIW1and DNV2guidelines allow a reduction in stress if the stress is in compression during a rotation. The stress reduction is 20% (i.e. modified stress is 80% of maximum fatigue stress) if the stress is fully compressive during a full revolution. The graphs and grid showthe modified stress for compression per the guideline. At the pulley welds, the stress is very often full compressive due to the locking device loads.Note that the grid showsthe alternating stress at the weld as negative if the stress is fully compressive during a rotation. For example, in the graphic above the effective notch stress at the weld is -64.8MPa (principle stress). It is negative since the principle stress is always negative. The modified principle stress is 0.8 * -64.8= -51.8MPa.1Hobbacher, A. F.. Recommendations for Fatigue Design of Welded Joints and Components (IIW Collection -International Institute of Welding)2DNVGL-RP-C203, Recommended Practices -Fatigue design of offshore steel structures, April 2019 Edition, DNV GL GroupThe default radii at weld location has been set to R = 1 mm. Per IIW guideline, the radius at fillet welds is 1 mm for the calculation of the effective notch radius.

New in Sidewinder 7.83 (Jun 11, 2020)

  • PAX:
  • Added ability to plot shear stresses, and principle stress. Also added ability to plot minimum stress of each stress type.
  • Tensile Strength (Su) of ASTM A36 changed to 400 MPa (58 ksi) per ASTM specification. ASTM specification list the tensile strength range as 58-80 ksi [400-550 MPA].
  • CEMA 7th Idler Drag – Ris Factor:
  • We have added an input right on the main page for the CEMA 7th idler drag. In general, it seems the CEMA 7th idler drag values are quite high. This is particularly true for longer conveyors, and pipe conveyors where this factor can have huge effect on conveyor power. Please refer to the tooltip, and page 156 of the CEMA 7th book for details on this factor.
  • This has also been added in the user preferences. Changing the value here will set all new files to this value.
  • Pipe Conveyor Ky Factor:
  • The default Ky factor for pipe conveyors has been updated. The factor is still a function of conveyor length but various from 1.25 to 1.8.

New in Sidewinder 7.78 (May 1, 2020)

  • Turnover:
  • Added ability to model vertical turnover (bending moments from sag are not included if the turnover is vertical).DXF
  • Exporting:
  • Fixed a bug in the DXF exporting for languages that use a “,” for the decimal separator.

New in Sidewinder 7.76 (Apr 7, 2020)

  • Interface Updates:
  • A few small cosmetic updates to the user interface.
  • Idler Support Length:
  • The idler support length for the Brazil world region (NBR 6678) has been updated (roll length.+ 17 mm). Previously the default value was the roll length + 25 mm

New in Sidewinder 7.74 (Apr 5, 2020)

  • PAX –Chamfer Welds in the Rim Stiffener:
  • We have added the ability to model a chamfer weld geometry at the weld between the rim and the stiffener. Several new input variables have been added to the pulley geometry for this feature

New in Sidewinder 7.72 (Mar 31, 2020)

  • Project Files:
  • Corrected the material properties bug in project files.

New in Sidewinder 7.71 (Mar 30, 2020)

  • Microsoft Excel - Exporting:
  • We have added several new improvements to the Microsoft Excel exporting feature for both single Sidewinder files and Project files. This included improved support for World Region formatting.Also added is a progress bar on the top of the window,as well as,a “cancel Export” button on the main menu that is visible during exporting. Unfortunately, exporting large files and projects with many load cases can still take a minute or two (this is due to the way the Microsoft linking works), but at least now the progress bar lets you know if you have time to go grab a coffee.
  • Remember, you can still always right click on almost any grid (particularly in the project files) to copy the data to the clipboard. You can and then paste it directly in excel. This feature is essentially instantaneous.
  • Pulleys - Custom Material Name:
  • We have added the ability to enter a custom material name for the shaft, end disk, and rim material.
  • To enter a custom material, left-click on the Shaft Material cell and select “Custom”. You will then be asked for a name. If you have a custom material, you must manually enter Tensile Strength,Yield Strength, Fatigue Strength, and Adjusted Fatigue Strength.

New in Sidewinder 7.70 (Mar 25, 2020)

  • PAX – Chamfer Welds in the End Disk:
  • We have added the ability to model a chamfer weld geometry at the hub to end disk and the rim to end disk welds.

New in Sidewinder 7.66 (Mar 21, 2020)

  • User Preferences:
  • The screen scaling variable is now savedin the user preferences.
  • Horizontal Curves:
  • Corrected a small issue on the input grid of horizontal curves.
  • SaveAs Title:
  • Corrected the windows title bar bug if the user cancels the “SaveAs” function.
  • User Catalogs:
  • Updated the online user catalog. You can automatically download this file from the Help -> Download Vender Catalogs menu option. If you are a vendor and have a catalog that you would like to see added, just email it to us. We’d be happy to include it in the “Sidewinder Catalogs.zip” file. We try to keep this zip file updated with the latest online information.

New in Sidewinder 7.65 (Mar 18, 2020)

  • Windows Screen Scaling Support:
  • Sidewinder now supports true Windows screen scaling. This is a huge improvement for anyone using high resolution monitors (4k) or those that need a bit larger font size for readability. In windows 10, Microsoft allows users to increase the scale and layout in the display properties.
  • However, in the background what windows actually does is take a snapshot of the application, and then stretch that application by the required scaling value. Identical to taking a screenshot and resizing it in a photo editing software program. Although this does indeed “increase” the image and fonts, it also pixelates the image and is not a true image scaling function.To avoid this, we have taken the step to truly scale the entire Sidewinder application! This required a fair bit of effort as every form, input/output label, chart, etc.needed to be updated. The end result is a beautiful looking new interface! More importantly this new interface uses all the latest Microsoft libraries ensuring Sidewinder will be fully compatible for years to come.
  • Various Interface Improvements:
  • With all the updates for the true windows scaling support, many of the forms and layouts have been updated. This includes a new set of toolbar icons, as well as numerous improvements to many of the output charts and reports.
  • If you prefer the old classic 16x16 icons (or are working with a smaller laptop monitor) you still use this setting in the user preferences (or turn off the toolbar entirely).
  • Belt Load Support:
  • Corrected a bug with the idler load support when manually entering data for in English units for the Maximum pulley diameter.
  • PAX –Shrink Disk Locking Device:
  • We have added the ability to model a shrink-disk end disk in PAX (finite element analysis of pulleys). If the end disk of pulley is a shrink disk and does not have a locking device, then select “Shrink Fit” in the locking device type. The locking device elements will be removed from the model and the end disk will directly contact the shaft. You may either enter the radial interference or pressure at hub to solve for the contact pressure between shaft and hub. The “Coef of Friction” (coefficient of friction) input determines the allowable amount of torque that the shrink fit connection is capable of.
  • PAX –Miscellaneous:
  • The PAX manual has been updated.
  • The bending moment and torque charts are corrected for drive pulley that have two motors but unsymmetrical geometry. This occurs if a dual drive pulley has an odd number of stiffeners which places a stiffener at the center line. In this case the mesh must include the full pulley to correctly model the center stiffener.
  • PAX –Crowned Rim:
  • We have added the ability to model a crowned rim in PAX. To crown the rim, simply enter the length of the crown and the inverse slope. For example, if the crown slope is 1/200 (slope is 1 mm decrease for every 200 mm of length) then the “Inverse Crown Slope” value is 200.
  • Easy Profile – CAD importing:
  • In conjunction with the new drive layouts, we had found that users may now want to import their conveyors input the Easy profile window, and then simply add the desired head and tail layout. This is very useful in preliminary engineering and when the designer wanted to be able to quickly compare various conveyor options for more complex overland conveyor designs.
  • Predefined Layout Options:
  • The predefined layout options in the Easy profile have also all been updated. There have also been several new additional geometries added.
  • User can also now insert ALL of the easy profile layouts when working in the standard “vertical profile” element table. If the selected element is at, or before, the first pulley, then the “head” end assembly inputs will be shown. If the selected element is after the head pulley, then the “tail” predefined layout assemblies will be shown.
  • User Manual:
  • There have been several additions and updates to the user manual.
  • Transfer Chute Size:
  • A new input tab has been added to the Material/Take-up input location. This allows the user to input data for either, or both the receiving and feeding belt conveyors. By default, the head chute is assumed to be the normal design location. The user enters the information about the receiving belt conveyor (sped and stopping time) and the head discharge chute volume is calculated.
  • However, the user can also only enter the “Feeding” belt properties and thus view the material buildup at the conveyor loading point.And finally, the user can enter both the receiving and feeding belt parameters for material build up at both the loading point and head discharge.
  • Plan View Layout –Fluid Couplings:
  • Catalog dimensions for Voith fluid couplings (TV, TVV, TVVS) has been added. This include the coupling diameters, widths, and lengths. As such the plan view layout windows are more accurate for preliminary design and dimensioning layouts.
  • Idler Wing Roll –Tip Dimension:
  • Most idler catalogs show the distance from the idler roll wingtips. As such this input has been added in addition the currently used gap distance. If this value is entered the gap is automatically calculated.

New in Sidewinder 7.58 (Mar 18, 2020)

  • Motor Frame Sizes:
  • Updated English unit moto frame sizes to match Baldor Sever Duty motor catalog.

New in Sidewinder 7.57 (Nov 18, 2019)

  • Conveyor Profile:
  • IdlersCorrectedan issue where the idlers were being shown on the conveyorprofile plotbetween pulleys.
  • PAX:
  • FEAImproved weld selection area for the summary table.For a Welded-Hub End Disk, added weld summary for the hub to end disk weld

New in Sidewinder 7.53 (Aug 26, 2019)

  • Project Files:
  • Several improvements and additions to the project files. Also, when exporting a project to Excel you now have the option to also export all pictures and images.
  • Load Case Output Tabs:
  • Improved the visibility, fonts, and colors for the load case tabs in the main output window.
  • Layout Window:
  • Have you ever found yourself going to the report page just to check your head/tail layoutduring a design? Or having to switch to the element profile to make sure your drive layout is what you think it is? We found ourselves doing thisa well and thought why not add a “Layout” tab on the main page?
  • Now you can just click the tab and see both the headand tail layouts. Both the side and plan viewsare shown. The views reflect what is on the report page, and thus if you adjust the view on the report page it will be reflected here. You are not able to adjust the views on this new output tab, that can only be done on the report page. This is by design, and I think easier for the users to understand. But we are still playing with this new feature and your feedback is always welcome. Let us know what you think!

New in Sidewinder 7.52 (Jul 4, 2019)

  • Equipment Summary:
  • PageAdded a reducer section and also several other new outputs.
  • Splice Allowance:
  • Fixed a bug with the splice allowance input not saving.
  • Project Files–Recent Files:
  • ListAdded a recent files list for projectfiles. This is available when you enter the “Projects”pages. Also, corrected a bug when opening a project file by double clickingon it in file manager.

New in Sidewinder 7.47 (May 22, 2019)

  • Dymont Winches:
  • Added several additional Dymont winches from the selection menu.
  • Preferences Word Report Location:
  • Fixed an issue when manually selecting the location for Microsoft Word (winword.exe file)in the user preferences.
  • Project Files –Take-up mass:
  • Project file reports now correctly show the take-up mass as “---”for all types except gravity.

New in Sidewinder 7.45 (May 15, 2019)

  • If you prefer to use series 31 over series 30 pulley bearings as the default, you can now set this in the user
  • Preferences page as the preferred option.
  • Several improvements for A4 sized output reports.
  • The ratio of the starting tension to the running tension (startup factor “T1 Starting / T1 Running”) is now
  • Output on the summary report in the motor section. This is only show for the fully loaded normal case. All
  • Cases are shown on the motor output tab.

New in Sidewinder 7.44 (May 13, 2019)

  • Clearance & Splice Allowance:
  • Clearance & Splice allowance inputs can now be set to zero.
  • Power Pie Plot:
  • Added the option to remove the lift component on the power plots. Allows the user to more easily analyze
  • the drag components (excluding lift). Additionally, if the loading point drag is more than 10% (say for a
  • feeder belt) this component is further broken down in the material shearing force and the other forces.
  • Reports:
  • Several updates to the reports. Fixed column formatting for A4 style paper.
  • Added the option to output the pulley and shaft geometry detailed tables for all the pulleys (previously
  • this was output per pulley type). This results in some duplicate information, but some users prefer this
  • and as such we have added this option.
  • An option for the vender data sheets has been added. We are hoping to get some user feedback on this
  • option. We can easily add additional information to this. The idea is to have summary sheets which can
  • be supplied to the manufactures for quotations.
  • Reducer Orientation:
  • The default reducer orientation is now left hand counterclockwise (LH / CCW).
  • Tail Pulley Offset Correction:
  • If you change the pulley diameter of tail pulley type, Sidewinder will now as if you also want to adjust the
  • element coming into the pulley so the profile ends back at zero.
  • Winch Selection:
  • Corrected a bug when selecting specific winches on the structural input tab.
  • Project Files:
  • Various corrections to the project file output page and when exporting this to Excel.

New in Sidewinder 7.42 (Apr 18, 2019)

  • PAXFEA:
  • Fix a FEAmeshsmoothing issue for certain shafts.
  • Stringer Idler Selection:
  • Fixed an issue when selecting the default stinger configuration.
  • Pulley Shaft:
  • Bearing to CouplingDistanceCorrected a small issue whereminimum distancebetween the bearingand thelow speed coupling was being limited. The minimum distancefor this is now 35 mmand both the bearing with and coupling width are used to limit thisdistance.
  • IdlerReturnSide:
  • Drop HeightThe “Return Side Offset”in the Structuralpage isnow the same input as in the vertical profile “Settings”tab. Thedimension is measured from the lowestpoint of thebeltingon each idler set (carry / return)

New in Sidewinder 7.41 (Apr 18, 2019)

  • Stockpile / Stacker CalculationImprovementsUsers can now work with up tofivedifferent loading/designconditions. This allows usersthe ability toeasily switch between and compare various conditions. As such the maximum, minimum, and expected stockpile sizes can be saved in a single sidewinder file.Users canselect the “Pile Type” option as either“Stockpiles”, or “Radial stacker”. The input grid forthe selected type is then shown (and the other grid is hidden). This makes the input windoweasier to understandand work with.
  • A“Description” label has also been added. Users can entertwo lines of textbyholding down the“Shift” key and pressing enter to go to the second line(this is the same ason theconveyor input information page).Right clickingon one of the five “Condition” option buttonsallowsthe abilityto copy that condition to one of the other conditions(or to all of them).

New in Sidewinder 7.40 (Apr 8, 2019)

  • Stringer Configurations:
  • Added a few additional options for idler stringer layouts.
  • Splice Allowance:
  • Users can now specify the number of splices to be included in the take-up travel allowances.

New in Sidewinder 7.37 (Mar 12, 2019)

  • Added checks for the belt and face width of the pulleys. Also added defaults distancesand checks on driven pulleys and coupling distances to ensure the input geometries are physically possible.

New in Sidewinder 7.36 (Feb 18, 2019)

  • Sheave Diameter to Take-up Cable Ratio Input:
  • An input has been added for the default ratio of the take-up cable diameter to the sheave root dimeter (previously this was fixed at 17.5, but as some designers use 20 we have simply added this as an input).
  • Idler Frame and Stringer Layout - Report:
  • An option to include the idler frame and stringer layout image has been added to the report output.
  • Brazilian Specifications:
  • The Brazilian NBR 6678 idler specifications have been added to Sidewinder. This includes the idler roll lengths, shell thickness, bearing to support dimensions, and other factors.
  • Material Discharge Plow:
  • User can add a Material Discharge Plow (MDP) to any element in the vertical profile.
  • This assumes that all material will be removed after this point unless another loading point is located after the discharge plow.

New in Sidewinder 7.32 (Dec 11, 2018)

  • Splice Length:
  • The total required belt length now includes the addition of the splices based on the number of splice steps, the splice step length, and number of rolls.
  • Project Files:
  • Added conveyor name to the project files pulley and load case pages.

New in Sidewinder 7.30 (Dec 3, 2018)

  • Automatic Updates:
  • We recently updated our web site to SSL security for safe credit card transactions and other new web features. However, this update unfortunately resulted in users not being able to check for Sidewinder updates within Sidewinder itself. Updating to v7.30 will allow users to again use Sidewinder automatic “Help -> Check for Updates” feature.
  • Plan View Layout:
  • Various improvements to the plan view layouts for motors and brakes.

New in Sidewinder 7.29 (Nov 16, 2018)

  • Vertical Curves:
  • Numerous updates and additions to the vertical curve main output window. Although the detailed vertical curve output page is relatively unchanged, many of these output have been added to the main page for easier access.

New in Sidewinder 7.27 (Nov 5, 2018)

  • Belt Sag Output:
  • Corrected an issue that arose in v7.23 with the belt sag for steady state running of design level 2 cases. Design level 2 cases are by definition momentary, and as such the belt sag criteria (for both running and momentary conditions) should also use the momentary belt sag input.

New in Sidewinder 7.26 (Nov 2, 2018)

  • Coupling Dimensions & Pulley Shaft Stresses:
  • Updated the pulley shaft output pictures to match the new PAX input geometries. Also updated several tool tips and the coupling inputs.
  • Belt Sag Output:
  • Corrected an issue that arose in v7.23 with the design criteria table which in turn was causing the belt sag output to be incorrectly highlighted red as a problem.

New in Sidewinder 7.25 (Oct 18, 2018)

  • Load Case & Frictional Condition Window:
  • Various corrections to the loading points and skirt board only elements for reversable conveyors

New in Sidewinder 7.23 (Oct 3, 2018)

  • Load Case & Frictional Condition Window:
  • We have moved the load case and frictional condition’s input windows to a separate tab on the main menu. This makes working with, and understand, the conveyor loading and frictional cases even easier. This also allowed space to show the actual loading profile for each load cases as it is added, which is very useful.
  • We think users will find this a great improvement to the ease of use of Sidewinder. The Normal friction case temperature is also now input on the frictional tab (same location as the low/high friction cases) rather than the info window.
  • Information Window:
  • With the changes in the load case window we were also able to streamline the information and design criteria windows.
  • Pulley Design Criteria:
  • With the recent PAX pulley FEA addition we have added even more control over the pulley design tensions by adding separate criteria for running and momentary tensions.
  • Updated Belting Catalog Libraries:
  • We have updated all the user belting catalogs with the latest date from ContiTech, Dunlop, Metso, Oriental, and other manufactures.
  • This includes several new belts such as the Aramid / Kevlar belting.
  • If you have belting data you would like added, send us the information and we’d be happy to include it. Also, you can always add your own custom library data under “User -> Equipment Library and Databases”
  • PAX FEA Improvements:
  • Several improvements to the PAX interface, meshing, an d a few new features.
  • Auto Wrap Angle:
  • Corrected an issue with certain geometries and pulley wrap angles of more than 230 degrees.
  • Belt Flap Updates:
  • Updated the belt flap output to show both the carry and return side together (plotted from the tail to the head). We feel this is easier to understand and interrupt.
  • Add New Stringer Configuration:
  • For 1:2 idler spacings (i.e. 1 x 2 m, or 2 x 4 m idler spacings) there are now two stringer options available (1:2-A, and 1:2-B). Metso ESIdlers are also correctly shown as double rolls if they are used.

New in Sidewinder 7.22 (Sep 26, 2018)

  • Horizontal Curves – Banking angles and Side Guide Roll Spacing:
  • Added input columns for the carry and return side banking angles and side guide roll spacing. This is active when the “Specify Banking angles” checkbox is selected. This will overwrite any values on the “Conveyor Profile” page. If this is option is unchecked, then Sidewinder works the same as in the past. When unchecked you can manually enter banking angles, and/or use different banking angles inside a single horizontal curve (e.g in concave vs convex curves) by entering them on the “Conveyor Profile” page, or updating them in the Horizontal Curve work page. The addition of this checkbox option is simply to make it easier to enter banking angle information when only one banking angle is used in an entire horizontal curve section

New in Sidewinder 7.21 (Sep 7, 2018)

  • Backstop Changes:
  • The backstop output pages has been updated. Several new outputs are now shown. The lift criteria is now based on ½ the drag force(slightly more conservative).
  • Forward Material Drop-Brake Criteria:
  • In addition to the changes above, the material drop plus ½ drag condition is also now shown. This can be thought of as the “opposite” of the backstop case. The decline sections of the conveyor are loaded and ½the drag value is used to determine if the belt will continue to drift as it comes to rest. If so a brake may be required. This added information is shown in the Backstop output page. Also, on the brake out put an additional line called “static brake force” for each case is shown. This is the brake torque (without any load sharing if multiple brakes are installed) for this condition.

New in Sidewinder 7.19 (Aug 29, 2018)

  • Gearless Drives:
  • Fixed a few minor issues with the new gearless drive type released in v7.18.
  • Belting Output:
  • Added the conveyor load on time to the “Belt” output window. For steel cord belting the ratio of the belt cable diameter to the high tension pulley diameter is also shown. This should typically be 170 or greater. The ratio of belt bottom cover thickness to the cable diameter is also output. Most belting manufactures suggest that this should be at least 75% or greater.
  • Horizontal Curve Labels:
  • Improved labeling on the horizontal curve input page. Label positions can also be moved around by left clicking and dragging the label to the desired location. Head and Tail label are also shown.

New in Sidewinder 7.18 (Aug 22, 2018)

  • Pipe Conveyors – Custom Rolls:
  • Users can now use custom individual rolls when working with pipe conveyors. This allows a different center roll, 2 bottom wing rolls, and the 3 upper top tops to all be input individually (bearing, drag, roll dimeter, length, etc).
  • Report – Drive Layout Names & Labels:
  • Custom drive & pulley names and labels in the report outputs are now saved even after re-running the calculations.
  • Pulley FEA (PAX Software):
  • Improved meshing and user control for shaft and fillet radii. Also added several new items to the automatic report generation as well as several new inputs for different end disk profiles.
  • Gearless Drives:
  • Added the ability to use gearless drives as a motor type. When selected various inputs are automatically calculated.
  • User Library Updates – Pulleys / Belting / Idlers:
  • Improved compatibility and user features for the custom libraries. This is particularly for the new PAX finite element add-on where users can create a librar of pulleys for a specific project or globally for all projects they work on.
  • Pulley Input Page:
  • Correct a bug that was hiding the misc.pulley inputs (Pulley Drag, Manufacture, coupling width) on the pulley input page.

New in Sidewinder 7.15 (Aug 22, 2018)

  • Pulley FEA (PAX Software):
  • Several new additions and improvement in the PAX pulley FEA add-on. The automated reports are now 100% complete and contain all pulley details, graphs and images of all critical areas, and much more.
  • Horizontal Curves:
  • Added a few new inputs in the horizontal curve work page. A plan view of the conveyor also now highlights the selected curve area. When carry side curves are selected the curve area will be shown in grey and when return side curves are selected the curves are shown in green. Note: this window is only visible when the horizontal curve work page is maximized.

New in Sidewinder 7.13 (Jun 27, 2018)

  • CEMA 7th:
  • Large Sample Method Corrected an iteration issue with the idler spacing when using the CEMA 7th Large Sample calculation method (Type I & Type II).

New in Sidewinder 7.12 (Jun 27, 2018)

  • Vender Output Reports:
  • Added vendor output reports. If none of the Additional output are checked (as shown below) a single page vender sheet will be generated. The purposed of these sheets is to include only the necessary information to distribute to vender to get a quotation on pricing. If the vender data checkbox is selected with any other option a normal report is printed with the vendor data sheets at the end.

New in Sidewinder 7.09 (Jun 1, 2018)

  • User Preferences - Solution Method:
  • Added the default solution method to the user preferences.
  • Stockpile Input:
  • Added vertical scrollbars for users running 1366 x 786 screen resolution.

New in Sidewinder 7.04 (Apr 11, 2018)

  • PAX – 3D Pulley Finite Element Analysis
  • Pulley End Disk & Inputs
  • Dodge Torque Arm II (Class III) SF=2.0
  • V-Plow Drag
  • Horizontal Curve Importing CAD files
  • Stringer Structural Supports
  • Splice Length Belt Summary
  • Return Idlers –Input Dynamic Material Factor
  • Reversible Load points - Graphic
  • Report Generation
  • User Pulley Library Database
  • Updated Windows Drivers
  • Carry Side Roll L10 Life Lump Factor
  • Project File Headers
  • Project Files –Custom Vendor Quotation Forms
  • Dodge TA2 Reducers
  • Breakaway Multiplier

New in Sidewinder 6.91 (Mar 7, 2018)

  • Various minor updates since v6.87.
  • Sidewinder v7.0 will be released shortly with all new updates.

New in Sidewinder 6.87 (Nov 21, 2017)

  • Safenet HASP Dongles:
  • Future versions of Sidewinder will use Safenet HASP HL dongles. The classic dongles will still be fully supported in the software. The new dongles provide improved browser support , networking, functionality.

New in Sidewinder 6.12 (Apr 20, 2016)

  • Pocket Belt Profile: Front view of the cross sectional loading profile now includes the cleat geometry in the volume calculations.

New in Sidewinder 6.11 (Apr 20, 2016)

  • Element & Report Images: Several improvements in both the element and report plotting windows.
  • Pocket Belt: The default belt width and speed selection now checks the maximum belt slope and corresponding side slope loading profile.

New in Sidewinder 6.08 (Apr 20, 2016)

  • Pocket Belt Loading Cases: Updated a few issue with element loading on the geometry page for pocket belt load cases (Full/Inclines/Declines).
  • DIN Calculations: When using the DIN calculations various items such as idler drag, the belt rubber loss multiplier, and forward idler tilt are now hidden as these are by definition not part of the DIN "f" factor.

New in Sidewinder 6.07 (Apr 20, 2016)

  • Language File: Updated the language translation files with various additions and improvements.
  • CAD Export - Pocket Belt Conveyors: Corrected a small exporting scaling issue with the pocket belt pulleys.