Optimisation of cycle times with the help of the digital twin
A leading international company in the fields of variable camshaft phasing units and transmission valves commissioned HEITEC to virtually commission an existing plant in order to identify potentials with the help of the digital twin on the basis of a cycle time optimisation measure and thus initiate targeted retrofit measures. In addition, technologies from the field of special machinery and plant engineering such as bulk material separation with 3D image recognition, belt and film conveying, new drive and clamping processes as well as software-in-the-loop with Siemens PLCSIM Advanced and Epson robot systems posed new challenges.
Realisation
In order to be able to adapt the digital twin exactly to reality and at the same time keep the operability highly dynamic, a concept was developed that allows all necessary parameters and configurations to be influenced during the runtime of the simulation. In order to increase interaction with the customer, all required functionalities were placed in an intuitive, web-based HMI panel, which can be called up and operated both locally and remotely. This gives the customer full control over the process and, in particular, the cycle time, without having to stop and restart the simulation. In addition, parts of HeiVM have been optimised to improve performance so that it can meet the requirements of special machine and plant construction with increased material input while also fulfilling the real-time criteria for the digital twin.
Customer benefits
- Test production optimisation scenarios without interrupting them
- Cost savings thanks to targeted analyses for necessary retrofit measures
- Time savings thanks to direct intervention options in the process without interrupting the simulation
