Bosch Rexroth and HydraForce launched i-CHoose, a compact hydraulics configuration tool designed to simplify the design of compact hydraulic systems. The software provides a single workflow for configuring hydraulic integrated circuits (HICs), compact directional valves (CDVs) and compact power modules (CPMs). It is supported by the Bosch Rexroth and HydraForce product catalogs, giving engineers access to a broad component library.
Building on HydraForce’s i-Design legacy, i-CHoose provides manifold configuration tools in a more comprehensive platform. By integrating the full Bosch Rexroth and HydraForce compact hydraulics portfolios, i-CHoose combines the offerings of both companies to ensure designs meet technical, performance and application requirements.
“With i-CHoose, we’re setting a new benchmark for how engineers design and validate compact hydraulic systems,” said Maurizio Bergonzini, global director product management compact hydraulics, Bosch Rexroth Compact Hydraulics. “By combining Bosch Rexroth and HydraForce product libraries into one platform, paired with built-in visualization tools, engineers can move designs from concept to production with more accuracy and faster than ever before.”
The new platform includes Bosch Rexroth’s EDH and EDG valve families, supporting standalone and hybrid directional valve configurations. Engineers can select, arrange and validate CDVs using detailed component data and error-checking features, which help reduce rework and support a smoother handoff to production.
i-CHoose also supports CPM design by allowing users to configure hydraulic power units and modules from Bosch Rexroth’s CPM catalog. These power packs are designed to balance size, performance and efficiency, helping OEMs reduce development time and coordinate engineering, procurement and manufacturing activities.
i-CHoose includes 2D and 3D visualization tools to help confirm layouts throughout the design process. Engineers can create custom HICs using drag-and-drop tools to place, size and check components within a hydraulic circuit. The platform supports multiple export formats, including 3D STEP files, DXFs, PDFs and technical drawings, to help engineering, purchasing and production teams work with the same information. Regular updates add components and functional improvements.
i-CHoose is available for download at no cost with registration at www.boschrexroth.com/i-choose and www.hydraforce.com/design-tools/i-choose-design-tool. Users can request a software key to access the combined Bosch Rexroth and HydraForce Compact Hydraulics libraries, as well as configuration, validation and export functions. Although i-CHoose does not open legacy i-Design and CHoose files, Bosch Rexroth and HydraForce will continue to support i-Design 5.7 and CHoose for existing projects.
Bosch Rexroth
www.boschrexroth.com
HydraForce
www.hydraforce.com
