Advanced digital solutions and key enabling technologies must constantly be reoriented towards solving the problems of the manufacturing sector which can only return to competitiveness by increasing efficiency, reducing time-to-market, minimizing costs and increasing product and service quality.
EnginSoft’s experience confirms the relevant impacts that can be achieved with Digital Manufacturing solutions as predicted by the European Factories of the Future Association:
Digital manufacturing driving business outcomes in detail: Reduced downtime – 48% |
Reduction in defects – 49% | New product introduction – 23% | Overall Equipment Effectiveness improvement –
16% | Improved inventory – 35% | Reduction in energy use – 18%
(Source: European Factories of
the Future Association, www.effra.eu.)
A Digital Twin is a virtual and connected model of a real working system. It reproduces the behavior and history of that system to enable better design, production and operational management of industrial processes, assets, and systems.
EnginSoft proposes various categories of DTs that represent different and distinctive application domains
Application of the Digital Twin approach
to advanced and intelligent control
of existing production processes
Application of the Digital Twin approach
to production systems
Application of the Digital Twin approach
to Product and maintenance of Production assets
DT consists of three elements: intelligent process control (IPC), AI_driven modelling and Decision Support Systems (DSS)
The combined use of simulation (finite element analysis, FEA) and data analysis reduces costs and increases reliability for quality predictive models.
Using simulation you can understand the production process, identify significant process parameters and the corresponding intervals. Thereafter, you can implement targeted experimental design of experiments (DOEs) and collect the data needed to build the models at a lower cost.
By applying multi-variable analysis techniques you can create accurate predictive models and validate them. The models can then be integrated onto the machine by creating virtual sensors or suggesting the correct process parameters to the operator.
Data-driven Digital Twins:
Designing automatic machines and robotic cells with Virtual Commissioning
Virtual commissioning is applied to the integrated design of mechanics, robotics, and automation of machines, automatic lines, and systems for factory logistics.
The 3D CAD model of the automated machine or production system is used to create a virtual commissioning model, integrating the programming logic of plc and robot controllers, to provide a realistic simulation.
These models allow you to design the system and validate the automation (interaction between sensors, actuators and control software) before its realization, with the aim of simulating its real behavior and preventing problems at the time of commissioning (a "marriage" between the physical machine and the control system). In addition, augmented reality features allow the use of virtual commissioning models to support the sale and maintenance of automatic machines, and for simulation-based training.
Design and optimize systems and production lines with discrete event and agent-based simulation
SIMUL8 is a simulation software for modeling, analyzing and optimizing the system-level performance of production systems during their design, reconfiguration, and production planning phases.
The simulation building blocks allow you to create accurate system models of complex system architectures, such as production lines, job shops, robotics cells, assembly systems and complex product flows. Creating a preliminary model requires limited information (for example starting from a process list and the 2D layout of the plant), while it is possible to progressively add detail to the simulation.
SIMUL8 models provide decision makers with critical information, such as:
The models can be easily connected to optimization algorithms by considering the output objectives (throughput, quality yield), and constraints (machine capacities, failure rates, shift patterns, and other factors affecting the total performance and efficiency of production systems).
Therefore, they allow you to evaluate the effects of different scheduling policies, batch and production flow management and operators, maintenance policies, the impact of system modification interventions (modification of the layout, replacement of machinery, interventions aimed at reducing the average return time of certain events, etc.), the effect of adding new products online, etc. and to identify the best compromise solutions in the face of conflicting objectives (e.g. costs vs. productivity).
Develop asset-level condition monitoring and predictive maintenance models
The combination of technologies for numerical and symbolic calculation (Maple) and a multi-domain simulation systems based on Modelica (MapleSim), allows you to create efficient simulation models that integrate mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, etc. components and their controls. Based on the ability to import 3D CAD models it is possible to accurately model articulated systems (kinematic chains) taking into account masses and inertia. The combination of these features enables accurate modeling that emulates the behavior of real systems.
The efficient generation of C code according to the functional mockup interface (FMI) standard allows you to export the models in the form of a functional mockup unit (FMU) and to support both model exchange and co-simulation by integrating other technologies. The resulting models can be integrated into the machine in the logic using software in the loop (SIL) by creating a digital twin for asset condition monitoring and predictive maintenance.
As the product moves from design and manufacturing into operations, simulation can continue to play a pivotal role in delivering the best possible results in the field.
By using remote sensors to gather data on a product’s working conditions, analysts create a virtual replica — a digital twin — of that product and then apply the same physical forces and other environmental conditions to the digital model. Applying simulation as part of a digital twin can provide vital insights in the form of virtual sensors, in situations where no physical sensor exists or would even be possible. Simulation can also run what-if studies for optimal performance and can predict critical failure or maintenance requirements.
Simulation is also increasingly applied to the manufacturing phase, where it significantly improves the efficiency, cost-effectiveness and flexibility of production. With the rise of mass customization of products — made possible by additive manufacturing, or 3D printing — simulation helps ensure that the finished product has the optimal shape and is made accurately, cost-effectively and with a high degree of consistency over time.
Our competences in Industry 4.0 - EnginSoft’s approach to Digital Manufacturing
CASE STUDY
The following article explains how this new approach to the design of automated machines can enable industrial automation OEMs and system integrators to achieve these business imperatives with the assistance of industrialPhysics simulation software.
mechanics iphysics industry4
CASE STUDY
In this technical article, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles explain how they created a multibody optimization project to identify the optimal values for the powertrain suspension stiffness for a three-cylinder engine in order to minimize the vibrations at idle condition and ensuring greater ride comfort to the passengers.
automotive optimization modefrontier
CASE STUDY
Racing engines are continuously evolved and fine-tuned to allow them to achieve extraordinary levels of performance, albeit with great complexity. However, MotoGP regulations restrict engine development by constraining some of the main design parameters.
optimization modefrontier cfd ansys rail-transport
Some software solutions for Industry 4.0 - EnginSoft’s approach to Digital Manufacturing
software
ViveLab Ergo is a high-performance cloud computing innovative simulation system that is perfectly capable of modeling machines, robots and people moving in a given physical environment.
vivelab automotive biomechanics
software
industrialPhysics is an innovative simulation platform for the digital design and virtual commissioning of complex production machines, lines and plants.
iphysics industry4 optimization mechanics
software
Maple is an advanced numeric and symbolic solution with a powerful maths engine. Maple is used by Design Engineers and Advanced Analysts to quickly and accurately perform calculations and mathematical manipulations using live mathematical expressions.
maple maplesim
software
Maple Flow is an advanced software for symbolic processing, visualization, and analysis of mathematical data and models. Developed by Maplesoft, Maple Flow combines the power of symbolic computation with an intuitive interface, allowing users to explore and solve complex problems efficiently.
maple maplesim