The text discusses the importance of digital simulation models in modern factory design and reconfiguration, particularly in response to shorter product lifecycles and increased customization demands. Traditional design methods often lead to inefficiencies and high costs, making digital simulation essential for creating flexible and adaptable production systems.
The article highlights a case study involving a furniture assembly factory, where a manufacturer needed to efficiently handle a variety of custom kitchen cabinet orders. The system integrator was tasked with designing a robotic assembly line that could maintain production efficiency despite the high variety of products.
The key challenges included minimizing downtime and optimizing order batching to reduce production changes. The design process utilized a digital simulation approach through different steps, concluding that the digital simulation significantly reduces investment risks, optimizes resource use, and shortens design time by identifying potential issues early in the development process. Ultimately, the simulation model can also support operational management, enhancing efficiency throughout the production lifecycle.
software
SIMUL8 is a software for modeling, simulating, analyzing and optimizing the system-level performance of production systems during their design, reconfiguration and production planning phases.
SIMUL8 industry4 optimization
CASE STUDY
ECM Technologies has significantly streamlined the design, installation, and commissioning of its large-scale heat treatment systems for the automotive industry by using digital twin technology and Rockwell Automation’s Emulate3D software. Faced with tight timelines and software compatibility challenges during a major project in Mexico, ECM used virtual models to simulate and test their systems in parallel with production. This approach reduced commissioning time by 50%.
digital-manufacturing emulate3d industry4 rockwell