Digital twin: How to simulate your plant efficiently
With a digital twin you create a digital image of your plant or machine. The simulation behaves exactly like the real plant or machine. This saves a lot of time and costs in development, commissioning and optimization.
Find out here how digital twins are successfully created in the automotive, logistics, production and other industries - and how our software can help you advance your project and the digitalization of your processes.
Content: What you will find on this page
Definition: Digital twin briefly explained
The usage
A digital twin is a simulation model of a plant or machine. In the application one speaks of a virtual commissioning. The digital twin is used for safeguarding the control code (PLC), for simulation during the planning and design of mechanical components under consideration of dynamic variables for safeguarding the mechanics (finite element method) and for process simulation to safeguard the planned material flow.
The software
Digital twins are used in many industries and are also increasingly required in tenders. Responsible persons are looking for a industry-independent and powerful Digital Twin software or tools and applications. This is where fe.screen sim comes in. It is particularly suitable for complex plants and machines. With our platform, more than 100,000 elements can be implemented in a simulation with 16 controls, 700 drives and approximately 150,000 inputs and outputs.
The benefit
Digital twins lead to significant cost savings in the subsequent commissioning. One reason: programming errors are already detected during planning and development. By eliminating errors at an early stage and preventing errors, the project is implemented much more smoothly in a later phase. Digital Twins are also used for optimization and training so that the plant or machine does not have to be taken out of operation.
Digital Twin Software: Features and interfaces of fe.screen sim at a glance
Interfaces Controls
- Siemens S7, Allen Bradley, Rockwell, Beckhoff, Fanuc, WAGO, PLCSIM Advanced, Simulation Unit ....
- Robotics: KUKA, ABB, Fanuc, Yaskawa, Stäubli, Universal Robots (more on request)
- Subsystems: MATLAB, Simulink, WinMOD and more
- CAD Import: SolidWorks, Step, JT, OBJ, AML, PTC, Inventor, CATIA, Process Simulate and more
- SQL, XML, Excel
Functions
- Multi-user capability
- Role and authorization concepts
- Model creation and simulation without switching
- Extensive element catalogue
- And much more
Performance
- More than 100,000 elements in one simulation
- 20 control systems
- 20 robots
- 700 drives
- 150,000 inputs and outputs
Simulatable technologies and products
- Conveying technology: turntables, lifters, accumulation chains etc.
- Electronic suspension monorails (EHB): switches, vehicles etc.
- Driverless transport systems (AGV): tracks, vehicles etc.
- Robotics: robots, tools, grippers etc.
- Control cabinet elements: buttons, fuses, motor protection etc.
- Logistical applications: Large warehouses with associated conveyor technology
- Human Animation: E. g. worker simulation in assembly booths
- And much more
Free webinar: Creation of a simple simulation model
You want to see how a digital twin is built and created live with fe.screen sim? Then register for our free webinar. Write us your questions in advance. We will gladly answer them.
This is why companies choose us
High Performance
We develop digital twins with up to 100,000 elements for you. Our software has interfaces to PLCs, all common robot systems and data sources. It is particularly suitable for complex systems and machines.
Joint creating
Multi-user capability and an integrated user and group administration allow several users to work together on the simulation project. The presentation is very realistic through VR/AR glasses.
Transparent licensing
Our Digital Twin software is modular. As a user you only license the functions you need. So you have complete clarity and avoid unnecessary costs. You can use your simulation permanently, for example for training and optimization.
Testimonial
"The simulation program enables us to influence the design already in the project planning phase. Possible weak points in the plant layout are recognized in advance. Thanks to fe.screen-sim, the commissioning times of our plants could be significantly reduced".
Thomas Ostheimer, Managing director of ATTEC Automation GmbH
Examples for digital twins: Use Cases
Usage in plant and machine construction
Our simulation software has already been successfully used for conveyor systems, packaging systems, machine tools and many other systems and machines.
Use case automotive industry
Digital twins are also used in the automotive industry for many machines and systems. For example, in chassis assembly and in body construction.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DIGITAL TWINS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
Digital twins in logistics
Digital twins are also created in logistics. For example for packaging systems, sorting systems and storage and retrieval machines. Here too, project complexity plays an important role.
Simulation models in automation
In modern industry, the demands on automation systems are also increasing. Ever wider product ranges are being produced on systems and machines. A challenge in planning and development. Here a digital twin helps to test many scenarios and applications.
Digital twin of an Audi plant
In this video, watch the digital twin of an exemplary plant of the car manufacturer Audi, which was created with the help of our fe.screen-sim software. In its function of virtual commissioning of plants and machines, our software brings many advantages with it, because even with complex plants it still offers users high performance. The video impressively shows how virtual commissioning is still possible even with 23 KUKA OfficeLite instances with a continuous connection of six people, each with their own clients.
Creating a digital twin: Your personal contact person
You are a project or department manager and want to create a digital twin for your project? In a personal conversation we can clarify your requirements and the time frame. We can also provide you with an initial cost estimate.
FAQ digital twins
When should a digital twin be used?
A digital twin should be used as early as possible in the engineering phase. Ideally, the simulation model is used as early as the planning phase, for example to check processes with regard to feasibility. During the process, the model is then enriched with more and more data. This diagram illustrates the time period.
How does a digital twin help me with a bidding process?
With more and more requests for proposals, the creation of a digital twin is required. Companies applying for the contract need a suitable solution. If no tool or a specific provider is specified, those responsible are faced with the task of selecting a suitable digital twin software. We would be happy to talk to you personally about your requirements and your time schedule.
How quickly can a digital twin be created?
The time scale depends on various factors, including the complexity and level of detail of the simulation model and products. The technical skills and time resources of your staff also play an important role. After a personal conversation we will be happy to give you an initial cost estimate.
Will a digital twin help me with digitisation?
In the context of modern networked industry, a digital twin is a key tool. The use of simulation tools brings numerous advantages. In addition to significantly faster commissioning, the transparency of technical features is significantly increased and product development times are shortened. Companies that use digital twins win additional orders, as studies have shown.
We will not leave you alone with your first project - our services
If you are using a digital twin for the first time, our specialists will help you in all project phases. For a typical startup phase with fe.screen-sim, we offer the following services: Initial workshop, training and support during the final project implementation.
